Boat_Content Page_SlalomBuoys

Establishing a slalom course

There are two permits necessary to place a slalom course on public waterways. The following steps are necessary to apply for a slalom permit.

  1. If the slalom course involves placing a structure on the bed of the waterbody, contact the water regulation and zoning specialist at the local DNR office for help to begin the process of obtaining a Chapter 30.12, Wis. Stats., permit.
  2. Complete Form 8700-58 indicating the applicant's name, names of all riparian owners (owners of property which the course will lie in front of), the number of slalom buoys, and the number of informational buoys marking the boundaries.
  3. Obtain the permission/signature(s) of the riparian owner(s) whose property the course will lie in front of. If any of the riparian owners do not agree in writing to the placement of the slalom course, the application cannot be approved.
  4. Attach map(s) showing the configuration of the buoys with exact measurements from one or more fixed objects. Also include on the map(s) the property boundaries and names of owners of the riparian property that the slalom course will lie in front of.
  5. Take the Form 8700-58, together with the map(s) and riparian signatures, to the political subdivision having jurisdiction over the waterbed for their approval.
  6. Forward the completed, signed application, together with map(s), riparian signatures, and approved Chapter 30.12 permit (for placement of the structure on the waterbed bed), to your local conservation warden for review. The local warden will forward the application through the proper Department channels for review.

Slalom buoy size and shape requirements

Race course markers including water ski and slalom markers. In order that race course, water ski and slalom buoys are not mistaken for aids to navigation or regulatory markers, section NR 5.09(7)(b), of the Wis. Admin. Code requires that they:

  • extend a minimum of 4 inches above the waterline and be yellow, green, florescent red or florescent orange in color;
  • be spherical or cylindrical in shape with a minimum diameter of 8 3/4 inches and a maximum diameter no larger than 14 inches; and
  • be made of foam, plastic or rubber designed to be used as a water marker.