There is nothing illegal about it. All current regulations for the towing of watersports still apply. The wake boarder is still being "towed" by the vessel operator so a spotter is still required and no towing 1/2 hour after sunset. I agree, too close to the vessel but there have been studies done that indicate when a person falls the wake actually pushes you away from the boat. I still say too close. Other studies have shown fatalities due to carbon monoxide poisoning from being too close to the exhaust. New ski boats designed today are able to accept ballast/water to put extra weight at the stern of the vessel to create a larger wake, thus causing headaches on docks and slips to vessels tied up.