The ocean is huge, but not huge enough, apparently, for everyone to share it nicely. When there are a lot of people who want to use the water in different ways, conflict among opposing groups is inevitable. But which group of water users is the
worst; the grouchiest, the grumpiest, the most obnoxious, territorial, self-absorbed, reckless, annoying, and/or dangerous? I'll let YOU decide, with the new poll in the sidebar and the "voters guide" below.
VOTERS' GUIDE -
Note: Visual aids have been selected for entertainment value and may be only vaguely relevant*Is it recreational fishermen? Camraderie among the brotherhood of anglers is usually pretty good, uniting generations, ethnic groups, and once-in-a-while gender. Yet, recreational fishers can have a somewhat inflated sense of entitlement with regards to "their" fish, "their" turf, "their" water, etc. Occasionially this leads to "rod rage" (the cousin of
road rage and
'roid rage). Why, just the other day at the Fort Pierce Jetty, a fisherman irked by the close-passes of some kiteboarders deliberately cast a heavy lure at one, horribly entangling it in the woman's hair.
*But maybe it's the kiteboarders' fault? They do tend to get awfully caught up in their own showing-off, they take up a ton of space on the water and on the beach, and whether they're in control or not, they always
seem like an accident waiting impatiently to happen.
*It's hard to turn a critical eye to ones' self, but windsurfers like me might not be the sweetest sharers, either. Our sail-side blind spots and myopic, zoned-out speeding make us like errant asteroids on collision trajectories with whoever or whatever else is on the water. Even on the beach, our scythe-like fins, battering ram boards, and swinging mast-lances are a menace to passers by.
*But what's up with those aimless beach-goers and looky-loos crowding like lemmings around the water's edge, right in the way of our more serious recreation? Why must they torment us with their blank stares, and the same, stupid questions over and over. "Lotta para-boarders out today, huh? Are there any sharks in this lake?"
*One group most people can agree to hate are the jet-skiers. Noisy, stupid, instant-gratification water-play for those without the skill to bait a hook, the fitness to pull a paddle, or the focus to balance on a board. But darn if those overpowered water-hornets aren't fun when you actually ride one yourself.
*The opposite of jet-skiers are the surfers. Surely they must be the most peaceful, low-key, in-tune players in the ocean? Nope. They've got a ridiculous, Lord-Of-The-Flies - style pecking order for who gets "their" waves. They're quick to administer verbal assaults and aquatic beatdowns among their own, and even quicker to gang up on other water users who might stray into their turf.
So, who is it gonna be?
Last week before Noah arrived, Lane Dupont submitted some photos from an east wind speed session at Kite Point just south of Canadian Hole. East wind at the Hole/Kite Point is straight offshore. Most of the sound water blows out; however, the "Hole" at the site is actually a long (800+ meters) trench which runs parallel to the shoreline about 20 yards offshore. The Hole held the water creating a perfect speed strip for those who like to go FAST!! Not sure if any records were broken during the Speed sesh, but the photos look great! Thanks Lane!
Nino's delivered a Pizza to him!
High and Dry!
Might as well clean the hull while she's dry docked...?!?!
Whole lotta standing around going on
Riding bikes around the village
They have trees in Ocracoke!!
But they don't make such a big deal about the Lighthouse...
Congratulations! You are 88.5 miles away from anything!
The fishing boats were out in force
The beach is firm enough to ride a beach cruiser!
Speedy gonzales, aka Drew
Full Moon, helping us out in the visibility department
Thursday, November 13th, Frisco Pier Meter (courtesy iWindsurf.com)
After the squall, Stuart and Keith relaunched.
And the sun appeared as the wind crapped out!
Anne, still standing!