Pullin Family Marina

For a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft on Texas public waters, the minimum age to operate without supervision is 13, but the rental operator decides the minimum age for renting. Under Parks and Wildlife Code Sections 31.106 and 31.107, an operator under 13 must be supervised by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the craft and is on board while it is under way. Boater education is based on birth date: to operate alone, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must meet the requirement for a motorboat over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or any personal watercraft, and carry photo ID and the certification card. Confirm the operator’s age policy when booking.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators in Texas need boater education certification, though the state does not call it a boating license. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires certification for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a PWC, motorboat over 15 horsepower, or sailboat over 14 feet. Covered operators must carry photo ID and proof of certification.

A person must be at least 13 to operate alone; younger operators need an eligible operator age 18 or older onboard. Renters are not exempt. Alternatives include onboard supervision, a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator license, or a one-time 15-day deferral, which is available only to those 18 or over. Approved online courses provide a 60-day temporary certificate.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

From Waco, choose Lake Waco’s reservoir and Bosque River arms, or Lake Brazos for cove and river-arm boating. Lake Waco launch points include Airport Park near the dam, Reynolds Creek Park on the North Bosque arm, and Twin Bridges or Koehne Park on South Bosque water. Below Lake Waco, the Bosque joins the Brazos at Waco. On Lake Brazos, Cameron Park East has two paved ramps and a canoe and kayak launch in a cove, while the McLennan Community College ramp enters the Bosque River arm.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

On Waco Lake, good day-trip destinations include Twin Bridges Park, Airport Beach, the freshwater reef near Island Cove, Hog Creek and Flatrock Creek. Twin Bridges and Airport Beach combine designated swimming areas, covered picnic space and boat ramps. The Island Cove reef draws anglers because its habitat structures were placed to attract and hold sportfish. Texas Parks and Wildlife also identifies Hog Creek and Flatrock Creek as productive bass-fishing areas from May through September, giving boaters options beyond the reservoir’s main open water.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (tpwd.texas.gov)