Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center

For state-law operating purposes, a person must be at least 12 to operate a motorboat powered by more than six horsepower without an accompanying adult, but the rental operator decides its booking minimum. Under SDCL 42-8-69, an operator under 12 must be accompanied by someone at least 18; this section excludes personal watercraft. Under SDCL 42-8-102, a person under 14 may operate a personal watercraft only with someone at least 18 aboard, except in an emergency. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says a boating safety course is not required. Confirm the operator’s rental age when booking.

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (sdlegislature.gov)

South Dakota does not require recreational boat operators to hold a boating license or boater education card, so rental customers do not need a state education card or temporary education certificate. This also applies to personal watercraft operators. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks recommends, but does not mandate, an approved boating safety course.

An operator under 12 may not run a motorboat with more than 6 horsepower unless someone age 18 or older is aboard. An operator under 14 may not run a personal watercraft unless accompanied by someone age 18 or older, except in an emergency.

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (gfp.sd.gov)

The best boating choices in South Dakota span three distinct regions: the broad Missouri River reservoirs through central and southeastern South Dakota, the glacial lake country of the northeast, and Black Hills reservoirs in the west. Lake Oahe and Lake Francis Case offer expansive reservoir water along the Missouri corridor. In the northeast, Lake Thompson represents the prairie glacial lakes, while the connected Oakwood Lakes accommodate boating, canoeing and kayaking. Near Rapid City, Pactola Reservoir provides a scenic Black Hills setting for boating and paddling.

Source: Travel South Dakota (gfp.sd.gov)

Popular boating destinations in South Dakota include Lewis and Clark Lake near Yankton, where visitors can boat, sail, fish and enjoy sandy beaches; Lake Oahe near Pierre, with expansive water for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding; Lake Francis Case at Chamberlain, a sprawling Missouri River reservoir with scenic blufftop views; and Pactola Reservoir west of Rapid City, where Black Hills scenery attracts boaters, paddleboarders, swimmers and anglers.

Source: Travel South Dakota (travelsouthdakota.com)