In response to an editorial on Feb. 23, citing reasons to further reduce power boat times, some statements were misleading. Comparing Lake Nighthorse usage figures, from Durango Parks and Recreation and provided to Durango City Council, to one stand-up paddleboard and one power boat that can hold an entire family is misleading.
As a pure water skier, I deal with the same problem as SUP riders. Wind and wakes.
My boat was designed to throw a very small wake and I am very conscientious of SUP riders when skiing. Wake boats, on the other hand, are designed to throw massive wakes, and many are oblivious to other boaters and SUP riders. My use has been from 10 a.m. on Mondays and some Wednesdays, for no more than two hours to avoid other boats and the wind.
Available power boat restrictions might be opening at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Not reducing to 10% total usage.
A tutorial on ramp etiquette should be required. A good boat owner can launch a boat in a matter of seconds – not minutes – while loading a boat with people and gear on the ramp.
Let’s work together and not be dictated by one type of user. Wind and wakes are the common problem. Restricting ski boats will not make the wind disappear. I have seen a few of the pure ski boats on the lake. Let’s get together.
Roy Igo
Durango
