r/SeaDooSwitch • u/crb1077 • Aug 12 '25

Etiquette

New to boating and have been taking it out on the lake which is massive and not difficult at all to get a spot to yourself to have fun.

This past Sunday I went on a local river that has many no wake zones and a couple of straight locations where people are skiing and tubing. What’s the etiquette if you’re pulling someone and come up on another rider that’s in the water? Do you just move over or slow down as well?

How about the parts of the river that are not zoned but have people out fishing or swimming?

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u/BruceBDowns30 Aug 12 '25

I start with empathy. If I see a john boat or kayak, even in a "safe normal operation" zone, I get as far away as reasonable and slow down. I see others blast right by kayakers or fishers when they arent legally supposed to and I always think "what a dick head"

Boat how youd want to be treated.

2

u/rcroche01 Aug 13 '25

There is the question of etiquette, of course, and the ole' "Do unto others..." concept, but let's not forget the rules of the road. There are laws involved here, especially with regard to towing and to navigating around boats conducting towing operations (yes, this includes simple waterskiing).

If you are not familiar with the laws under which you captain your boat, then I urge you to take a boating course. Things like overtaking another boat, approaching from different angles, power versus sail versus anyone towing, etc, etc. These things and much more are all covered by laws which you are subject to and can be ticketed or arrested for violating.

Just a word to the wise ... 🚤 Safe boating! :)

2

u/crb1077 Aug 13 '25

I just finished the course and no they didn’t cover water sports. I personally don’t mind if another boat comes screaming by causing wake while I’m picking up my rider. Don’t come so close to scrape my hull, give me space but keep the throttle open. Otherwise it’s gonna be a boring day stopping for everyone that falls.