Driving For Dummies - How not to drive like a moron
By Nick Weinacker Tigι Team Pro Rider
I KNOW, I KNOW everyone already knows this stuff, or at least most of you do. But I've been surprised over the years at the # of people who don't have a clue about the most important part of having a good day of riding; driving the darn boat right. So before we get to the easy stuff, let's discuss the major topic of good boating. And remember, don't spray other boaters! Spraying boats is sooo 90's
ALWAYS BRING A GIRL they never forget towels. It's something that guys just can't seem to remember, whether they go out once a year or three times a day. Guys will spend the day soaking wet, getting sunburned & dehydrated. Girls have sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, towels, raincoats, lip balm, etc. Remember the girl it's for your own good.
COURSE MANAGEMENT It always takes a little while to get your home turf or waterway in this case dialed in so you know where all the shallow spots or stumps are & where the good lines are. Bewildering as it may be, though, it never fails that people have a hard time finding the good water. Here are a few brainless tips for finding good lines, cutting butter your way, & not making enemies at the same time.
Being the co-pilot: if a bus tour comes through your town this summer, remember who's spent the most time at your spot: you. Don't assume the driver, who could be me in this case, knows anything about your local waterways. It's all fun & games until someone drives through a minefield of treetops in 20 feet of water.
Who rules it:
- The boat with a rider has right of way over any boat. & in case there are two boats with riders:
- The boat with pros in it has right of way.
- Refer to No.2
HOW TO WORK THE PERFECT PASS - Simple right? Wrong! When the # sign shows up, push the throttle a little until it beeps. Don't keep bumping the ^ button for more speed. If you still have problems, you may need to buy some "prop wash" and make sure the prop's good & clean.
NAVIGATION TACTICS - On a circular lake, don't just keep changing lines with the wind direction. The grass always looks greener on the other side. It's better to deal with a little wind chop than your own rollers that you just created from the other side of the lake. You don't have to navigate in a counterclockwise circle. Don't let the weekend warrior in a party barge tell you any different. On most lakes, it's a courtesy, not actually the law, meant to keep morons from killing each other. On second thought, dismiss the last sentence.
