Louisiana/ Southern boaters I need some advice

[FE_Chris]

Hey guys, it's been a while, but i'm back in RC. I went into the USAF last November and I sold all my stuff. Well I just purchased a Savage Flux, Lipos, Hyperion 0615i Duo, Airtronics 2.4Ghz radio kit, power supply and the rest of everything I need.

I want to get back into boats. I love boats. Even more than I love RC trucks. But I have a problem....

I live in Louisiana now. Shreveport area on Barksdale Air Force Base. I am from Michigan. Here we have Crocodiles (sp?) and all kinds of poisonious water snakes and well...just a bunch of stuff that I won't dare mess with. I was wondering how you guys deal with that stuff. I'm not afraid of the Croc eating my boat, I'm afraid of one eating me while I am standing at the shore. Or, maybe eating me while I row out in my inflatable raft to retrieve a dead boat.

Just looking for some advice, and too...I was wondering if there are any clubs in the local area that race. I miss racing.

Again, I'm not from the south. Just looking for some advice on the precautions people take down here while RC boating.

Thanks.

[Doug Smock]

Hi Chris, welcome back.
I can't help you with the snakes ect. other than saying be aware of what's around you, but it looks like there are four IMPBA clubs in Louisiana.

Check out Dist 5. http://www.impba.net/

Don't worry about them being gas/ nitro clubs, check them out and see what you can work out.
Good luck,
Doug

[tiqueman]

I run my boats often where there a many gators. And better yet, I water ski with them all the time. Just be aware. I wouldnt worry about it too much. Keep an eye along the shore line and keep a look out for them while approaching the bank to launch and retrieve. Usually, and Im not saying I know this as a fact, just telling you what I heard, if they are going to attack, its because they are protectiong their nest or young. Just be aware, thats all you can do. They will usually run from you, not at you. As for snakes... Im more terrified of snakes than gators. If you see one.. GO THE OTHER WAY!!!! I hear water moccosins can get nasty. Again, just be aware.. always assume one or the other is watching you...

[tth]

I am from Morgan City, LA (Deep South). Been running model boats for a little over 15yrs now. Alligators will not mess with a high speed boat(watch for turtles). Like you stated earlier be aware of your surroundings. Look for tracks on the bank or "slides" where they enter the water. Just use common sense and have fun!

[FE_Chris]

Hey Thanks guys! I appreciate the advice. I figured there was'nt that much of a risk, but I wanted to ask.

Nice to see your still around Doug. I remember reading lots of posts you commented on. Your experianced advice is always appreciated. It's gonna be a bit here before I get something, but not to long. Now that I am all settled in it's easier to have these kinds of things. Plus I was recently married....May 1st actually... So I am slowly weaning my wife onto my $1000+ RC spending habbits.