Should have known

[Belchy]

Just recently got back on a trip from Sarasota with my family where we were able to get away from these cold Canadian winters, and while we were down there, my bother and I were able to rent jet skis. I am more of a boater and will never own one of them, but they seem pretty easy to operate, and what could be more fun than bouncing around in the Gulf of Mexico? Well everything was going good until the one my brother was riding died and do you think we could get it going? So of course we wonder what to do? Look in both jet skis no rope. Just great. Its a good thing that both of us have been on the water our entire lives, becuase we ended up, arm in arm pulling them both back in, through 3-4 foot waves, when we got back we were meet by our father who towed the broken one back,.<br /><br />Rule #1....Always check to make sure that rental equipment has the right gear incase you break down.<br /><br /><br />Belchy

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Should have known

Never a boy scout but always be prepared seemed a good idea too me. I remember going to Saganaga on the US/Canada border for a day fishing trip. Portaged over to Northern Light lake in Canada and fished. Was a cool day and hard fishing but had fun. Of course the weather got sucky and we're fighting large waves all the way back. 14' boats and not fun. We're suppose to get back before dark but not doing too good. <br /> My good friend is getting sick, not from the weather but cold/flu. Cold and wet and about 2/3rd of the way back he looked at me and said If I fall out of the boat don't save me. He was serious! As we were finally getting to the river it is darker than you know what. Rocks and boulders all around and the guides were trying to get us back. <br /> I then asked the guides (had two boats)if they had a flashlight. No! I usually try to be prepared(sometimes not sometimes do) so started to check what I had. I had a small penlight in my lifevest so there I was leaning over the bow of the boat guiding us down the river.<br /> Needless to say no one says anyting about me being prepared. It is actually the opposite. What? You don't have this? <br /> Probobly was a site with a 240lb. guy leaning over the bow of a 14' with a penlight flashlight yelling instructions of where to go but we got there.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Should have known

Life certainly is full of interesting adventures. Just think, what kind of place would this be if none of these adventures ever happened.....<br /><br /><br />Belchy

 

[nothreat]

Re: Should have known

I did a similar thing on a trip to cancun. Decided to take my 12 yo son out on a skidoo. Rented it and the guy started explaining how to use it. Well, I wanted to ride and I've driven bikes and boats all my life - I didn't need adivce so I didn't listen. Took off, got just out of shore view (1/2 mile) and turned to slowly. Fell over and the motor died. I'll just hop back on go. Well I couldn't get thing started and couldn't fine where the dead man switch attached. 10 minutes later I am swimming back towing a skidoo and a boy. The renter must have seen me cause he came out to help. He pulled up, pulled the starter button up and inserted the deadman key and away we went. Very embarrassing. My son is 19 now and still laughs about it.<br /><br />Rule 2: Listen to the instructions.