NONE of the tris around here have a lake to practice open water swimming in. No lake within 100 miles permits swimming. While the county lakes forbids swimming, they permit boating and water skiing.
A few of us got together and are considering getting a three person boat. While two people are in the water, one person will remain in the boat following along in case aid is required. We think that might get around the no swimming rule.
Has anyone done this? What were the results? Does anyone have a cheap boat recommendation that would be good for this purpose?
You have to practice getting into and out of a canoe without tipping it over. Good thing to know how to do if you plan on spending any time in one. They really ban swimming in lakes that you are allowed to boat in? You sure? Or is the ban on where you can park/enter the water/swim from a beach when it is closed kinda thing?
Unless you plan to claim that you are skiing consider an inflatable. Easy to store and transport. I have not tried to climb in the side of mine from the water but I think it would work.
Unless you plan to claim that you are skiing consider an inflatable. Easy to store and transport. I have not tried to climb in the side of mine from the water but I think it would work.
Would it hold four people? How much does it cost? What model?
They really ban swimming in lakes that you are allowed to boat in? You sure? Or is the ban on where you can park/enter the water/swim from a beach when it is closed kinda thing?
Not CERTAIN. I know there are boats and people on skis in the lake(I have seen them). I have not seen a sign (yet) that says, “No swimming,” but all the tris told me it was not allowed. I assume they’re right.
Oh, the trick to getting into a canoe is to try and pull on the opposite side that you are on and kinda pop up and across the center of gravity of the boat without going so far that you tip it the other way.
Buying a boat seems like a lot of work to get to swim in open water. What you need is to make a friend who lives on a lake/river and will let you park and swim from there.
For learning how to get in and out of a canoe/kayak from the water, the internet is your friend. I agree that an inflatable might be the most portable option. As far as the suitability of this idea, you haven’t told us anything about the lake(s) you are considering. Lake Michigan? the local mud hollow?
I have a Sea Eagle kayak. It would be great if there were only 2 people but it’s too small for 4. You can get them on ebay for $300-400. For 4 people you might need one of the row boat type boats a fairly large one. You can get inflatables in a variety of sizes and prices. As with most things you probably get what you pay for. I like Sea Eagle, it’s not cheap but not the costliest either. Some of the Adventure races use Sevylor boats and they seem to be widely sold.
Not CERTAIN. I know there are boats and people on skis in the lake(I have seen them). I have not seen a sign (yet) that says, “No swimming,” but all the tris told me it was not allowed. I assume they’re right.
It seems like it would be a good idea to search out the specific rules regarding this lake before buying a boat. Could be just restricted during certain hours or certain areas.
This isn’t Russia. Is this Russia? This isn’t Russia. I have NEVER heard of a lake that doesn’t allow swimming… unless you’re talking about some sort of municipal park (like Tempe Town Lake) etc. If you havent seen any signs saying “no swimming” then why would you assume its not allowed? My advice would be for you & your two friends to buy these things & tow them around so you’re more visible. http://www.swimoutlet.com/...590&Click=310393
Also, swim close to the shoreline and try to swim when boat traffic is at a minimum (no, noon on a Saturday is not the best time.) Usually the die-hard skiiers who know enough to be out early in the morning to get the ‘glass’ are smart enough to notice swimmers, fishermen etc. and to stay clear.
And if there is truly no swimming allowed for some ungodly reason, then what will a boat accomplish? Do you intend on swimming anyway and jumping in when you see the “swimming police” coming to get you?
I am glad I could enlighten your world. Now, I just need to figure out a way to bypass that so I could swim. I still think a boat/canoe is the way to go.
It seems like it would be a good idea to search out the specific rules regarding this lake before buying a boat. Could be just restricted during certain hours or certain areas.
From what I can tell, they only permit boating, skiing and jet skiing, but not swimming. … except while skiing. I’ve been researching this all day. I’m a bit confused and my brain hurts.
I am glad I could enlighten your world. Now, I just need to figure out a way to bypass that so I could swim. I still think a boat/canoe is the way to go.
Well google “swimming Lake jackson MS” and you’ll get a couple options (Sardis Lower Lake and Shongelo Lake came up first.) But if you dont want to go the legal route, my second question applies… if you’re going to break the rules anyway, why exactly do you need some sort of goofy 3-person canoe? If you’re going to poach, just poach. Swimming is swimming, no matter if you have a plastic canoe near you.
Well google “swimming Lake jackson MS” and you’ll get a couple options (Sardis Lower Lake and Shongelo Lake came up first.) But if you dont want to go the legal route, my second question applies… if you’re going to break the rules anyway, why exactly do you need some sort of goofy 3-person canoe? If you’re going to poach, just poach. Swimming is swimming, no matter if you have a plastic canoe near you.
I’m nowhere near Jackson(State Capital). Those rules were for all county lakes in the state. There are no swimming lakes within 100 miles of us (hence why none of the tris get ANY open water practice before the race). Funny thing. Several of our tris had to call for kayaks during their first race because open water swimming was such a shock to them and they thought they’d drown.
Well… My thinking was, “If there is a plastic canoe near me, maybe we could convince the park ranger we were skiing.” Now that I think harder about that, it sounds kind of stupid.
Although, my second thought is, “Maybe if they saw we had a ‘lookout’ they’d let us swim since we were not alone.” I dunno. Maybe I need to suck it up and talk to the park ranger. I usually just like to ask forgiveness instead of permission though.
