SJBrit
Extraordinary Alien
- Location
- Bradenton, FL
I hope this doesn't come across too preachy, but we have a lot of people coming to Lanier this year, and there will be a lot of first timers. Just like in the surf, there are some simple rules when jumping cruiser wakes that keep everyone safe. Last year there were some close calls on the first day as people got into the groove.
There's a sketch at the bottom of what should happen when a BFC (Big F***ing Cruiser) shows up:
The general idea is that everyone gets in a line as shown by the black rectangles. The green ski on the left is doing the right thing - he's front in line so he gets to jump. You peel off, turn in, jump and then rejoin either line at the end for your next turn. The red guy on the left isn't making any friends since he's cutting people off and risking a collision with the green guy who is 100% focused on the wake by now.
That's the general way it works. Here are some do's and dont's:
DO pay attention. There will be a LOT of jetskis and there is sure to be a ton of other boat traffic, and they're not trying to miss you. Keep your eyes on stalks and remember that it takes two to collide.
DO look out for each other. If someone is separated from their ski go and tow them to it. If someone is in trouble, stop and help - just like in the surf. Just because it's flat water doesn't mean that it's safe.
DO try to keep in an orderly line - if you ride predictably then it's easier for others to avoid collisions.
DO wait your turn. There's usually room for a couple of lines on each side: one up front jumping the first or second wake, and one further back jumping the 5th or so.
DON'T loiter at the front of the line. If you're not going to jump then step aside and wave someone else in.
DON'T jump from one side simultaneously with someone from the other side. You really don't want to meet in the middle.
DO catch some SERIOUS air and have a ton of fun. Jumping cruiser wakes is awesome: they peel perfectly, there's flat water in front and behind, you're not going to lawn-dart when you land and there's no need to flush
I don't want to be a jerk, but if everyone follows a few simple guidelines then we all get to have safe fun.
There's a sketch at the bottom of what should happen when a BFC (Big F***ing Cruiser) shows up:
The general idea is that everyone gets in a line as shown by the black rectangles. The green ski on the left is doing the right thing - he's front in line so he gets to jump. You peel off, turn in, jump and then rejoin either line at the end for your next turn. The red guy on the left isn't making any friends since he's cutting people off and risking a collision with the green guy who is 100% focused on the wake by now.
That's the general way it works. Here are some do's and dont's:
DO pay attention. There will be a LOT of jetskis and there is sure to be a ton of other boat traffic, and they're not trying to miss you. Keep your eyes on stalks and remember that it takes two to collide.
DO look out for each other. If someone is separated from their ski go and tow them to it. If someone is in trouble, stop and help - just like in the surf. Just because it's flat water doesn't mean that it's safe.
DO try to keep in an orderly line - if you ride predictably then it's easier for others to avoid collisions.
DO wait your turn. There's usually room for a couple of lines on each side: one up front jumping the first or second wake, and one further back jumping the 5th or so.
DON'T loiter at the front of the line. If you're not going to jump then step aside and wave someone else in.
DON'T jump from one side simultaneously with someone from the other side. You really don't want to meet in the middle.
DO catch some SERIOUS air and have a ton of fun. Jumping cruiser wakes is awesome: they peel perfectly, there's flat water in front and behind, you're not going to lawn-dart when you land and there's no need to flush
I don't want to be a jerk, but if everyone follows a few simple guidelines then we all get to have safe fun.
