|
The Hot Shot at Utah Lake |
|
|
|
|
Written by Leslie Kawai
|
|
Monday, 18 August 2008 |
The best part for me about boating at Utah Lake with my kids is the big smile that bouncing up and down on the waves puts on their faces. I grew up waterskiing, and I’m proud to say that at the age of 11 I was up on my first waterskiing attempt.
And, now, thanks to Grandpa and his boat, I’m continuing the summer boat visits to Utah Lake. Although at times it gets a bad reputation for its green and murky waters, Utah Lake busily accommodates boaters, fishers and swimmers almost every day of the week.
Located conveniently just 5 miles west off of Interstate 15, at 4400 W. Center St. in Provo, Utah Lake State Park is a pleasant campground and lakeside play area. The park facilities include clean restrooms, showers, 71 campsites, more than 12 covered picnic table areas, a 30-acre marina, and four boat docks. There also are stations for fish cleaning and a sewage disposal area.
There are plenty of areas close to the picnic tables for fishing, off-shore lake swimming and barbecuing. Daily use fee is $9, but many visitors park outside the gate entrance and walk the short distance to the marina and picnic areas.
With two children too small to water ski, our family water toy for the summer has been the Airhead Hot Shot Towable Water Tube. I’ve tried most water toys: the Skibob, Water Weenies, the Banana, Kneeboards, Slalom —The Hot Shot Water Tube is fun because family members of all ages can enjoy it, including my 5-year-old son.
The Hot Shot tube is approximately 5 feet in diameter (57”) and can carry up to two adults or three children (if you are brave and creative). It is has a PVC bladder covered by rugged nylon—so it can take some heavy-duty bouncing!
With four handles and two knuckle guards, there are plenty of places to hold on and pull yourself up in the event that Grandpa throws you off the tube in a double-loop move across the wake.
And, of course, Utah Lake is a great place for sailing, waterskiing, riding jet skis, and general boating.
IF YOU GO HOT SHOT TUBING, REMEMBER THESE TIPS:
Climb on by the boat. My younger kids needed a helping hand to climb onto the Hot Shot. Don’t waste time trying to get your child to get back up on the Hot Shot out in the water. Most younger kids will need help to get situated.
Start out leaning back. If you lean forward on the Hot Shot right when the boat first pulls you forward, you’ll plunge forward — and into the water. Start out leaning back, and then as your boat picks up speed you can lean forward with your body weight.
Don’t forget to put up an orange flag. When skiers or tubing kids are “down” (in the water after a fall), raise an orange flag to warn other surrounding boaters that you have someone in the water. Boaters, stay alert driving jet skis or boats around areas where boats have a raised flag — this is your signal that there are people in the water.
IF YOU GO:
Visit Utah Lake State Park’s Web site for more information on camping, reservations, facilities for physically impaired visitors, and fees: www.utah.com/stateparks/utah_lake.html
|
No Comments.
Discuss this item on the forums. (0 posts) |
