An Amusing Quip

[Inliner]

As any of you who ski know, many jet skiers can be a real thorn in our side. Many either are ignorant of or don't care about the rules and laws in place regarding boat traffic. Memorial Day weekend I had to stop two jet skiers and have pow wows regarding their total disregard for the safety of those in my boat and in the water. One even tried to spray my boat from some 3 feet away. I was really P.O.ed about that one, especially when the pinhead fell off and lost control 3 feet from my boat while it was loaded with tubers.

But alas, I got sweet revenge and had a friend of mine ROFLHAO Sunday. These guys decided to put a jet ski course in on the private lake we ski right in our primary line. The first thing I did was take a fellow skier out to check the draft on the lines of the buoys they installed to insure I could pull between them without prop concerns. When everything checked, my skiers decided "hey, here are some balls, let's ski them". Much to the jet skiers chagrin, we put their course to good use. They didn't find the humor in that at all.

But the best was yet to come. On numerous occasions these particular gentlemen have zipped uncaringly across the lake chopping our line off and forcing us to drop skiers. With their course right in our direct line to the shore of the house we ski out of, I repaid them Sunday. I was heading in to switch skiers and in a lull on their course, I took a direct idle speed cruise through the middle of it. Ironically they were heading out at just that moment to play in their course again. I must say they were not pleased with me at that moment. If looks could kill, we would be playing taps right now. But I can honestly say, I felt good about it because for once the shoe was on the other foot. I can't wait until the day comes that they confront me about it because then it will be katy bar the door. There is one thing I hate above all else and that is hypocrisy. If you want respect from me, you darn sure better give it.

[MEDIC151]

I would agree that the hypocrisy is rampant on the lake. The other day while out on the lake, I saw countless numbers of gnats with children under the age of 13 on them. Their parents, or lack there of, don't care what they do. I saw them cutting off boats and even other gnats. I guess it takes an injury or worse for people to realize the danger they put themselves and others in. As a paramedic for 9 years, I have seen some of the damage done by ignorance on both the childs and the parents part. I guess that will always keep me in business, and that is unfortunate, especially for the aware boater.

Medic

[waterboy]

I know that Ed is a little sensitive about the jet ski bashing, but Ed bare with me on this one. I compare the jet ski-skier (or wakeboarder) dilemma to something I observed many years ago as an avid dirt biker.
Back in the day most off roaders were respectful of the areas they rode in, knowing full well they could and did disappear due to complaints about noise and damage to trails. Then along came 3 and later 4 wheelers. Now all of a sudden any fool could make it out into the woods that before could only be reached by a skilled (translation: responsible) biker. The result was an influx of idiots with no idea how to ride safely, beer (again, sorry Ed!) strapped to their luggage racks, ripping up the trails with vehicles much wider than the bikes. These jerks would do nothing but try and spin their tires every chance they could, because that's all you could do with these things. Alot of them were young kids who never would have made it out there until their skills developed, and along with that would come responsibility and respect for others. The end result was a much more negative image for any off road enthusiast, a lot of damage to trail systems and a lot of land closure.
My point in all this is that the invention of the jet ski has made it TOO EASY for irresponsible people to get out on the water, be it kids or adults. I'm not saying they all are, but there sure is a pattern emerging. I think our only hope is for insurance rates on jet skis to skyrocket.

Thanks for letting me vent, ya'll.
Brian

[Inliner]

I wouldn't call it jet ski bashing, I would call it idiot bashing. The problem as you said is that jet skis make it easy for idiots. The insurance is cheap if they even carry any. Jet skis are cheap enough to buy with cash, that way if you sink it or blow it up, it is no real big loss (unless of course you buy a new floating condo jet ski). With no insurance, if you whack a boat (a common occurence here in Florida), you know the boat is insured and the jet skier isn't really concerned about the damage. You can't get blood from a turnip you know?

Those combinations allow careless people to scream across the water at face-flapping speeds without the usual responsibilities that are required. There are some jet skiers who use care and caution. The problem is, they are the older ones (Ed G) and the minority. There are idiots behind the wheel of boats as well. But they are fewer since boats require more costly maintenance and are more expensive, thus normally financed and must be insured as a result. Those who sink more money into a toy will be more likely to take care of it to prevent its loss.

[waterboy]

Boy, Ed G sure is a great reference to use in a lot of subjects, isn't he?

:p

Brian