Policing Ourselves

[Mr. Demeanor]

I really love this sport.

I think the time has come for me to speak up though about policing ourselves. Too many instances of stupidity, damage to others property, and a lack of simple courtesy and respect at times.

Last year I overheard two people talking ( people outside our group ) as the S&F group rolled into town. Let me tell you the conversation was not flattering. It was about how many boats have crashed at the event and how much damage to their property has been done. This is how we are being perceived and its not without justification.

There seems to be (I have heard people in our group say it) a feeling that if we go somewhere and rent out an entire hotel that we own the place. We have all walked out of our hotel rooms on a Saturday or Sunday morning and seen the trash left over from the previous nights partying.

I know someone will say what about the money we bring into an area when we have an event. That is great and I am sure the local businesses appreciate it but it does not mean we can act like idiots.

There is nothing wrong with speaking out. Not everyone is comfortable with doing but if you see someone in our group acting out of line, politely let them know. You dont have to be confrontational just speak up and let them know this is your sport too and you don't want it ruined.

I am all for driving fast and having a few cocktails at the end of the day. I just think there are some that need clean up their act and its our job to keep that sort of thing in line from within.

We need to do better. We need to police ourselves or someone else is going to.

[JWTjr.]

Well said

[Rich Owen]

It seems a few can have a huge negative impact on a group .
And wear your vests and lanyards !

[Greg G]

I really love this sport.

I think the time has come for me to speak up though about policing ourselves. Too many instances of stupidity, damage to others property, and a lack of simple courtesy and respect at times.

We need to do better. We need to police ourselves or someone else is going to.

Agree 100%.

[transomstand]

This needs to be a sticky.

I attend the 2 largest Northeast events each year. I have a small part in contributing to each (primarily in the form of rainfall), so I think I qualify as someone who has experience in this area.

From this experience I can assure everyone who lay eyes on these pages that if you make yourself a problem, the locals will solve that problem and you will find yourself looking for another venue or another sport entirely. We are being legislated off the water everywhere and if we wish to continue, we need some changed attitudes. We need to speak up to others in our group when they get out of line, and it's everyone's responsibility.

We need to understand we are guests in someone else's "home", and if we take a crap on their living room floor, it's not likely you'll be welcomed back. And if you think the money we bring to the area forgives everything we do, think again.

I'm sure the arguing will start very soon and to those who disagree, I hope you put your boat up for sale and take up chuteless skydiving, because we don't need you

[Rich Owen]

[XstreamVking]

Would not hurt to think this way anywhere you go boating. Especially at your home ramp. Our boats draw lots of attention. Take the time to talk to curious onlookers and be friendly, if they kinda know you and your boat they are a LOT less likely to complain about you and your fast boat friends to the fuzz.

[transomstand]

Take the time to talk to curious onlookers and be friendly, if they kinda know you and your boat they are a LOT less likely to complain about you and your fast boat friends to the fuzz.

This is an excellent point. If someone starts out with a negative impression on first look, a few friendly words can go a long way to change that.

[vnemous]

Is that why Debbie at the Flip luvs us

[Trent Ashby]

you are correct. unfortunately I have seen this to some degree in every hobby I have been involved in.
good job reminding everyone that there actions matter good and bad. to bad these days bad has a much larger impact!

[rockyone]

Is that why Debbie at the Flip luvs us

Who is Debbie?

[vnemous]

My hook

[Mr. Demeanor]

you are correct. unfortunately I have seen this to some degree in every hobby I have been involved in.
good job reminding everyone that there actions matter good and bad. to bad these days bad has a much larger impact!

When I rode sportbikes it was really bad. Truth is our group is generally a little older and should be a little wiser.

[Robby321]

Remember you are on someone elses tuff/property, etc. Act as such with respect. Simple behave, and pick up after yourself. You should see here when the Tenino M/C drill team has a annual fund raiser.."Do Wa Diddy". Private acreage rented out a farmer. 40 barrles b eer comsumed, 2 pigs, bands, games only M/C's allowed in. No kids, guns, colors, fires, just set up a tent and have a good time. All day Saturday, and by morning every one must be out by noon. Trust me, as later that day you could not even tell ANYONE was there..left just foot prints.

Respect where you are at, and always be welcomed back.

[Tom Foley]

Remember you are on someone elses tuff/property, etc. Act as such with respect. Simple behave, and pick up after yourself. You should see here when the Tenino M/C drill team has a annual fund raiser.."Do Wa Diddy". Private acreage rented out a farmer. 40 barrles b eer comsumed, 2 pigs, bands, games only M/C's allowed in. No kids, guns, colors, fires, just set up a tent and have a good time. All day Saturday, and by morning every one must be out by noon. Trust me, as later that day you could not even tell ANYONE was there..left just foot prints.

Respect where you are at, and always be welcomed back.

Of course . Very unfortunate that some may not be able to understand this .