Flood Watch 2011

The media is a buzz about flooding! With the great snowfall/snowpack and the rain we have been getting it’s all around the state, where will flood first! Last year the flooding was a pretty big deal, little cottonwood overflowed and shut down Murray Park and parts of state street.

When I hear about flooding, the first thing that comes to my mind is “prime the winch!” There are few things in this life that are once in a lifetime events, and winching a flooded park is one of them! Last year we set out to ride Murray Park, only to find it closed down like a fortress by Murray City PD, while we were just about to pack up and head home we got a call from one of our disc golf buds who was bummed out that his course was flooded out and he couldn’t play, his dismay about the disc golf we quickly reversed when we told him we were looking for a flooded winch spot, he knew right where to send us. We winched till it was dark that day, jumping over garbage cans, shredding the glassy water and showing off for the people who were amazed that we would be wakeboarding on a disc golf course, thank you flooded Little Cottonwood Creek!

Winching can be fun, but there are a few tips that you will need to keep in mind to stay safe and out of trouble for a truly epic time.

  • Safety first! – Helmets and life vests are very important, you don’t know if suddenly that stump you are jumping extends out further than you expect and knocks you out cold.
  • Prepare for cold – This time of year flooding comes from the melted snow, that water is going to be freezing, wear a neoprene top or a wetsuit and something to warm you up while you are waiting to ride.
  • Standing water – Don’t think it would be fun to ride a rapid flowing river, look for the spots that have flooded and aren’t moving, we don’t want anyone being swept away in the current.
  • Get out – If someone approaches you and tells you to get out, don’t get upset, load up and go to the next spot. Most police we have run into are pretty good natured about winching, but it only takes one to ruin your day.
  • Take Pictures! – Last year I missed an epic shot of James sliding off a park bench and jumping over a trash can, the shot would have been… well I missed it, take the chance to document your awesome! (James has never forgiven me)
  • The more the merrier – winching can be a-lot of work, make the call and get a group of people together to lighten the workload, it’s always good times when wakeboarders get together to ride.

This is just a short list, but the biggest thing is to be safe and have fun!

Send in the picture of your winching sesh, or if you see a sweet spot let us know, we are always on the lookout for a good winch spot!

OMJ

UPDATE:
MP Crew takes this to heart