5/21 Mona 7.5, 298cm, 137ltr

[Fred Gruendell]

First time on Utah water this year and it felt pretty dang good. Not planing all the time but most reaches would yield a good ride and a couple were real stokers. Craig called it right on.

Good people and good weather. Trip didn't mention Judi's near miss with a power boat. Apparently no one in the boat was paying any attention and they nearly ran her down, were it not for her evasion. The driver to his credit realized that he was responsible for a near tragedy and was very contrite. Maybe a lesson learned. The boaters and jet skiers were okay folks.

[Trip Houk]

Fred,
Thanks for the reminder. Judi and I discussed the incident on the way home with grattitude that it didn't result in a visit to the hospital.
I have to admit that after a week in Margarita, I wasn't really tuned in to the attitude of proper boat awareness.
It would be good for us all to remember a few things about boat traffic: The driver is frequently looking behind (at the skiier) and ahead (for other boats) but rarely to the sides where we're most likely to appear. Also, when a sailor is down in the water, they are damn near invisible. Maybe we should all be carying an orange flag on board. (or a .357)
Look around. We may have right of way but that's sometimes a mute point! Be safe.

[John Dubock]

Deer Creek has a total of 3 rangers for patrolling. Near misses are becoming a reality, especially when you throw in the 26 rental jet skis from Wagstaffs.

Upside is the Wagstaffs alert their renters, and gas prices should knock out a few boats this year. Downside is as windsurfers we still seem to not have a lobby with the Rangers in that we deserve 'protection' or safety.

True we sail fast in the no wake zone, but none of us dukes it out with boats. More boaters hit boaters than windsurfers. Perhaps we need to reach out to our fellow sailors around the USA, see what they've come up with to keep the peace.

Do we educate the persons at the check in booth? At least if they state to boaters that windsurfers have the right to 150' of clearance we'll be covered if there is an "incident" in the water.

Its impossible to shout at boaters and we pay our access rights like anyone else. I don't own a stinkpot but I sure like it when they rescue me. Layne Peterson himself has probably rescued more boaters than the Ranger service, he's Batman.

Bottom line would it help the UWA to have a consistent message to the boaters, through the Rangers so we can just sail without any stress?