RE: [Paddlewise] Jetskis

A couple of weeks ago a few teenagers led by what appeared to be their
Father, of all people, decided it would be fun to try and get a rise out of
me by making some close passes on their jet ski's.  The wake was not my
concern but rather that the younger or less experienced riders would be able
to control their ski's at close range.  I have to admit that I have logged
more than a few hours on some very fast ski's and watched novices completely
lose control not realizing the dynamics of what makes them turn, work etc.
One cannot simply stop a ski moving at speed and the action required to make
quick course correction (POWER) is exactly the opposite of what most
beginners do when faced with a close call.  I'd hate to get hit by one, they
are Heavy!

PS - I was paddling on the Intercostal in Virginia Beach just South of
Captain Georges.

Ciao,
John
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Jerry Hawkins
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 1999 8:27 PM
To: Paddlewise
Subject: [Paddlewise] Jetskis


Here's a new topic - Jetskis.

Paddling my Navarro canoe in the Oakland Inner Harbor in 1997, two jetskis
began to harass me.  They made a series of fast runs by me.  At first I
thought they were just inconsiderate fools, but on the fourth or fifth pass,
they pointed at me, said "Let's get him" and ripped by me at their closest
yet.  One came by about 7 or 8 feet away, and the other was on the other
side a little further away.  I decided that the next pass, if they were
within reach anyhow, I would do my best Mark McGwire on the first one by.
It didn't come to that -- they got bored with me and moved on to something
else.

Luckily, my open boat is pretty hard to tip.  (I have a kayak now but won't
go anywhere near there alone again.  No sense tempting fate or baiting
fools.)  All this was within about a mile of the Coast Guard station.

I did not carry either a cell phone or marine radio at that time (I do now).
I felt pretty damn helpless out there and still think about that day anytime
a jetski comes within sight or sound of me.  I really hate those things.

Have others had experiences like this?  I can't imagine I'm the only one.

jerry.
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