Lou Ann Weidner first participated in our event in 1999, and she was generous enough to put together the following to help out first timers or for those that are considering riding with us for the first time.
TENNESSEE RIVER 600 FIRST TIMERS, FROM AN “OLD TIMER”
Having participated in the Tennessee River 600 for 16 years now, I thought I would offer information for First Timers from the “other” side of the coin.
If you love jet skiing and being on the water – then this is the trip for you. If you like making friends and having fun getting wet and enjoying the sun – then this is the trip for you. If you love promoting and supporting a wonderful charity – this is the trip for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TRIP
Expect to meet the most awesome group of people you will ever know. Expect to fall in love with Tennessee and our group and excitedly look forward to the next year before you finish. Expect to see “team work”. Expect to be amazed that such a small group of planners can pull off a trip of this magnitude – thanks to Dennis Beckley and Jason Noble. Expect challenges and expect to pat yourself on the back as you rise up to conquer. You probably can expect hot weather and be prepared for rain. If you expect to hurry up and then wait – it will happen. If you expect to see amazing scenery and unusual sights – it will happen. If you expect absolutely glass smooth water – you will have it. Likewise if you don’t expect any rough water – you will get it anyhow.
A WHOLE WEEK
Yes it is a whole week – the fastest week you will spend on the jet ski you so love. Not enjoy it? Not going to happen – no matter what the challenge. You can conquer. You are after all – a jet skier.
THE COST
Mike hit this nail on the head for the most part.
Wear and tear on your ski – well like someone once told me – if you don’t want it to get wet and maybe a little yucky – set it your living room as a decoration. Nah – we buy them to ride them.
WHAT TO BRING
Of course your phone and wallet. Although it is easier and faster to pay for your gas at the marinas with good ole fashion cash . I carry my “gas cash for the day” in a freezer strength Ziploc bag. No change, just bills – why you say – well – IT FLOATS if you should happen to drop it with wet fingers. Try it in the bath tub at home – IT FLOATS. Your phone – now in this day and age of cellphones – this is a MUST carry. You can get small water tight boxes at any Walmart store – yes they really work – filled mine with tissue, closed it and put it in a tub full of water with a rock on top. After 30 minutes – NO EVIDENCE OF WATER. You may need your phone for yourself or you may run upon some other stranded boater on the water that is not necessarily a part of our group but we always help.
Of course all your sun protecting items as Mike has listed – and ladies – don’t forget the sunscreen for the lips – lipstick doesn’t cut it.
RAINGEAR
Now this is a MUST. Frogtogs are readily available at any Walmart store in the “camping” department. The package will say “Frogtogs” on it. As Mike said – not only do they keep you dry – they are a good wind blockers if it happens to be a might chilly one morning. Also, rain pelting you at 40 mph is painful.
Eye protection – you can get some of the “clear soft side” “welder” goggles – again at any Walmart store, usually for under $10. The theory here is – If you have it you won’t need it – if you don’t – you will need it. I fold mine up really small, put them in the gallon size freezer strength Ziploc bag – squeeze the air out and seal it. Wow, pretty small.
DOCKLINES & FENDERS
This is an area of differing thoughts and opinions. Dock lines – I usually carry 4 and have used them all before depending on where and how you tie up – especially if we are “rafting” off another ski – sometimes we need to “spring line”. Fenders. Well nothing like the good ole kids swimming noodles. Check the photos on the website to see how they work. Most of the skis now have the bigger hull and can easily accommodate them and they bend easily. Skis ride at different heights in the water – thus the noodle effect and one on each side. You can slide under another ski or they can ride up on you – result – scratches. Again, this is personal preference
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Five gallons of gas – not a necessity as the “chase” boat always has gas, yes, a couple of participants carry additional gas but unfortunately I ride one of the biggest gas hogs on this trip and can easily make it to every stop. The KEY – gas up when you see other riders all stopping to get gas. Even if you don’t think you NEED gas – the fact that the group is all getting gas says something. Have an idea of your “range” on a tank of gas. Mile markers are readily available on the river and do rough calculating in your head.
Small nylon coolers for additional drinks (you will find many veteran riders stopping and just floating a while and chit chat and enjoy a cool drink – that is always cold.) Easily attached by running a bungee cord under the seat and hooking the two ends together and securing the seat. Or you may have room in your front hull. Again – check out the photos for ideas.
50 FOOT LINE!!!!
I cannot express enough how IMPORTANT this line is !!! You may never need to use it – but if you don’t have it and need it and no one else is carrying one either – you could be in trouble. There are any number of things that can shut down a ski – milfoil, a small piece of debris in your impellor, you ski just plain decides to be naughty – OR – you come up on a fellow boater who isn’t even a part of our group who needs assistance – and it is The Tennessee River 600 to the rescue – be it towing someone, calling for help on your phone, etc. Do NOT go without this 50 foot line. I purchased a 50ft ski rope with a floating ball on the end, cut the handle off, tied a hook on one end and wrapped it up. It takes virtually no room in your hull. I cannot express enough how important this is. You only need it once and not have it that you will kick yourself beyond. There was one person that needed two lengths of 50 foot rope to get out of the milfoil in a rainstorm. Thank goodness we all had the ropes and our Fearless Leader, Dennis Beckley came up with a plan to get this unfortunate person out of the milfoil. Now being the experienced participant that I am – I would never admit it was me – I don’t have to because all my fearless friends love to tease me about it. 50 FOOT ROPE IS A MUST!! You cannot tow or BE towed with a short rope. The collapsible paddle is good – and again I do carry one. It can be used for any number of things. I also carry a small anchor in a padded bag and have used it a few times – but I have been doing this trip for a long time.
Small towel & a dry shirt in again a Ziploc bag can be very warming – or cooling too – depending on the weather.
A small tidbit on your water shoes. I carry a small bottle of diluted fabric softener. Putting inside your water shoes really takes away that nasty musty odor that all water shoes get and it makes your tootsies really soft.
RIDING CLOTHES
Most of the people wear the longer shorts as the seat can tend to make a rash on your legs and they are also great when your ski has set in the sun and the seat is hot hot hot – sitting down on that hot seat is not fun – rather ouchy.
A lot of the other tips Mike shared we will be going over on our first evening at the REQUIRED Newbie Meeting.
And remember participants – this is NOT a race. This is a ride dedicated to raising money for our Charity The Children’s Miracle Network and also to promote a positive image of jet skiers. Just because you are new on this trip does not mean you need to race up to the front for fear of being left. We are very good at keeping track of our participants – people ride at different speeds. There is a small group of riders that usually bring up the rear – of which I am one. We are all experienced veteran riders.
And now for the most important part of this little (?) info ditty:
THIS TRIP IS TO HAVE FUN, RAISE MONEY FOR OUR CHARITY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – MAKE FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL GO THRU TIME.
We look forward to seeing all of our Newbies in Knoxville, TN in July.
Thanks for you insight, Lou Ann!