I feel like I'm taking crazy pills (jet ski rentals)

jsampiero · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 677

Would jetskis be legally rentable in Nichols boat basin, were someone with access with the land to do it choose to do so?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Done deal, right nearby. See
http://nwkite.com/forums/t-25952.html .

Notice that right there in that thread, which starts with the announcement of the rental business and its restriction to east of the bridge, people are already openly discussing heading west under a whole list of excuses. "The rules don't apply to me" runs rampant. If Hank/Gorge Adventure Rentals LLC thinks a customer's promise not to venture west of the bridge will relieve him of liability when some idiot ... which is almost synonymous with people who rent PWC ... takes out a kiter or WSer, I'd say he's in for a big surprise, especially considering that bars are liable for what their drunk customers do with their own cars on the way home.

trburl · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 196

Pacific Ocean

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

So do the PWC riders. I watched some of them tearing up some nice clean surf there years ago. If I lived closer to the coast I'd buy one in a heartbeat just for that.

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

This topic cracks me up. Jets skis were rented in Hood River years ago. This isn't something new (and used to run about $60 and hour or so, probably more now). Jet skis, boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, SUPS (oh yeah and kiters) are all part of the waterway. Get used to and try sharing instead of thinking of it as YOUR water.

As to riding in chop, true most people would prefer smooth water but riding in chop can be fun (yes, I jet skied for a few years before windsurfing) but most people won't like the choppy water. Jet Skis rent for $60 a HALF HOUR in South Padre Island, so renters don't tend to be out riding for very long. Actually in this economy I don't see this business surviving for long in this area, but I could be wrong.

I see this more of an interest for the kiters on non wind days. Grab a tow rope and their board and go out on the flat water and have fun.

You guys really need to learn to share.

Oh yeah, and this has nothing to do with closing off an area and building a specific use structure in the public water. Not even close.

starfish · Joined: 14 Apr 1996 Posts: 202

Hey don't people to go wake boarding on my glass. I want the flat water for water sking all to myself...... Laughing now.

WMP · Joined: 30 May 2000 Posts: 671

I remember back in the 80's when the words "things are different here" were used to describe the lifestyle in the Gorge. For many of us, that's what we found attractive about being here.... that's what brought people here to this special place.

Things are no longer "different" in the Gorge.

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

Hmm, I wouldn't agree with that. Well actually I can't say anything about the 80's, but as one who just moved here 2 years ago, I can say things are MUCH different here than the places I lived before..... Very Happy

KevinL · Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Hmmm. PWC's buzzing around in front of all the people trying to enjoy a quiet meal at Best Western's outdoor restaurant. Not to mention people who pay premium dollars for a river view room putting up with the noise.... My wife and I stay and eat at the hotel regularly. I will be sure to let the hotel know that they will be losing us as customers. Perhaps not the hotels fault, but I am sure it won't take long for their guests like us to respond.