KLRU
Wind Powered Water Sports Should Have Been Included
RECEIVED Tue., May 20, 2014
Dear Editor,
I read with interest your “Summer Fun” issue [May 16], and noticed that windsurfing, kite-surfing, and sailing were not included. Yes, all need water, and Lake Travis' water sports footprint may continue to shrink, but they have major advantages over waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. For example: There is no power boat needed, no boat slip needed for windsurfing or kite-surfing, and no fuel and maintenance needed. Once on the water, there are no unhealthy smog-forming emissions or unwanted carbon emissions emitted that are causing lake levels to drop. There's just exhilaration, quiet, and fun.
I read with interest your “Summer Fun” issue [May 16], and noticed that windsurfing, kite-surfing, and sailing were not included. Yes, all need water, and Lake Travis' water sports footprint may continue to shrink, but they have major advantages over waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. For example: There is no power boat needed, no boat slip needed for windsurfing or kite-surfing, and no fuel and maintenance needed. Once on the water, there are no unhealthy smog-forming emissions or unwanted carbon emissions emitted that are causing lake levels to drop. There's just exhilaration, quiet, and fun.
Scott Johnson
[Special Issues Editor Kate X Messer responds: Thanks so much for the heads up. Each year, we try to excavate new activities and trends to add to our lists for fun in the sun. It's tough to draw the line, but themes occur to keep space wrangled. Do check out our "Swells Across Texas" section: Many of the noted attractions, gear outlets, instruction providers, and resource listings do deal in gentler wind-propelled fun as well. Keep checking that section throughout the summer for expanded listings: austinchronicle.com/summer-fun/guide/2014. For wind sports specifically this year, I checked with a few lake denizens (who also prefer non-motorized fun), and we agreed that with Bob Wentz's boat ramp closed, this might not be the year to recommend. Hopefully, we'll get our lake levels back with the anticipated fall and winter rains, and next summer will be a different story.]
