Whatever Floats Your Boat by farragutpress

FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015 • 1C

Surfing in East Tennessee? Premier Watersports on top of the wakesurfing surge

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ALAN SLOAN asloan@farragutpress.com

Surfing in East Tennessee, actually riding a boat’s wake on area lakes, is catching on with watersports enthusiasts including elementary age children and senior citizens. Inland wakesurfing “is probably the most new, popular, trending thing,” Scott Mieloch, coowner of Premier Watersports, 13137 El Camino Lane in Knoxville, said. “It’s been that way for a year or two.” Wakesurfing “behind a boat has been around for four or five years, but it’s only really taken off in the past two years or so,” Mieloch added. To achieve maximum effect for wakesurfing, “You put a whole lot of weight on a boat and make it

make the biggest wave possible and you surf the wave behind the boat just like you’d surf a wave in the ocean,” Mieloch, who co-owns Premier with wife, Vanessa Mieloch, said. While wakesurfing is one of the more popular boating sports among Premier customers according to Mieloch, he added, “Now it’s a professional sport and there is a pro surf wake tour.” Wakeboard boats are ideal for wakesurfing, Mieloch said. Though he has an extensive line from which to choose if seeking a boat for wakesurfing, Mieloch said his Supra SE “is arguably one of the best surfing boats out there. … I’ve had a lot of customers actually tell me it’s the best thing they’ve surfed behind. And a lot of the pro riders have said the same thing. … The

Swell Surf System that they have is a very big function of its ability for surfing.” Among the most popular area lakes for wakesurfing, “I’d say it’s split between Norris and Fort Loudoun,” Mieloch said. “They’re not the best lakes [for surfing] but they’re the most popular lakes. People like Norris because it’s big and the water’s clean and pretty. “Fort Loudoun is the most convenient lake, and there’s a lot of restaurants, a lot of bars, a lot of stuff along that lake,” he added. One lake that’s better suited for inland surfing, Mieloch said, also is close to the Farragut area. “Tellico Lake is connected to Fort Loudoun Lake but it’s typically less busy, which makes it better,” he said. Though small “and shallow in a

lot of places,” Melton Hill Lake also is good for wakesurfing according to Mieloch. However, “A lot of people don’t like it. There’s really nothing [along] it. It’s very lightly populated. “But because it’s lightly populated that makes it a good lake.” Among “eight or nine” of Mieloch’s most popular wakesurfing boards, “All the boards that I sell, they’re Hyperlite manufactured,” he said. “Different boards do different things for different people.” For beginners, “The Landlock is a long board [5-foot-9] that’s really good for boats that don’t have a really big wake, and it’s really good for beginners,” Mieloch said. “The Broadcast [5foot-4 in length] is probably the most popular board. It’s kind of an intermediate board. You can

do some beginning tricks, it’s a little faster movement, but still big enough that you can ride it pretty easily.” Boards “are usually between $350 and $500,” Mieloch said. All boards feature “a soft rubbery pad” so bare feet can get a good grip, Mieloch said. “Some of [the surfaces] are foam.” To begin the fun, you grab a rope that’s either held or attached to the boat “to pull you until the boat forms the wake that you can then catch and ride like you would at the beach,” Mieloch said. “You’ve got one hand on the board to hold it in position and one on the rope” prior to the boat taking off. “You put the boat in gear and just that little forward motion, the water pressure holds See PREMIER on Page 4C

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

2C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015

Cherokee Lake Marinas Cherokee Lake marinas offer amenities such as restaurants, campgrounds, restrooms, boat launching, pump-out services, snacks, coin laundry and storage.

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South Holston Lake Marinas •

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Black Oak Marina 865-475-3063 blackoakmarina.com 2511 Black Oak Road, Jefferson City 37760 Card’nal Cove 865-828-5300 cardnalcove.com 1025 Card’Nal Cove, Rutledge 37861 Greenlee Campground and Marina 865-828-8501 greenleecampground.com 345 Vacation Way, Rutledge 37861 Greenlee of Fall Creek 866-583-8866 greenleecampandmarine.com 5601 Fall Creek Dock Road, Russellville 37860 Hamblen County Dock 423-586-2939 3050 Hamblen Dock Road Morristown 37816

2285 Hwy 321, Hampton 37658 Mallard Cove Marina 423-768-3440 mallardcovemarina.com 200 Mallard Cove Drive, Butler 37640

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Friendship Dock 423-878-3128 friendshipresortandmarina.com 356 Friendship Drive, Bristol 37620 Lake View Dock 423-878-4331 lakeviewdockhome.com 992 Lakeview Dock Road, Bristol 37620 Laurel Marina and Yacht Club, Inc. 423-878-3721 laurelmarina.com 191 Shady Ford Road, Bristol 37620 Painter Creek Dock 423-878-5775 paintercreekmarina.com 766 Painter Creek Road, Bristol 37620

Fort Patrick Henry Lake Marina

service, restrooms, swimming pool, beer, grocery items, ATM, public phone, restaurant, snacks, bait, fishing license, fishing and marine supplies, houseboat mooring rentals, dry boat and trailer storage, yearly covered boat slips, daily covered boat slips, gas and oil, launch ramp, tube rentals, kneeboard rental and ski rental. •

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Warrior’s Path State Park Marina, located off Hemlock Road in Kingsport, offers a service dock, • Douglas Lake Marinas fuel, snack bar, uncovered slips, Many marinas off Douglas Lake two public use ramps and offer amenities such as a ship store camping. with fuel and pump-out services, outdoor cafés, covered slips with Fort Loudoun Lake Marinas • power and water services, dry stor- Many Fort Loudoun Lake mariage, pontoon boat rentals, service nas offer gas, launch ramp, dock department and outdoor pavilions. shop and restrooms. •

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Dandridge Point Marina 865-484-0484 thepointresorttn.com 122 Boat Dock Dr., Dandridge 37725 Indian Creek Boat Dock 865-397-7286 2321 Norman Way, Dandridge 37725 Mountain Cove Marina 865-453-3506 mountaincovemarina.com 1590 Dyke Road, Sevierville 37876 Swann’s Marina 865-397-2182 swannsmarina.com 2515 Swann’s Marina Road, Dandridge 37725

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Fontana Lake Marinas •

Alarka Boat Dock

Offers boat rentals, storage slips, supply store, gas and oil. alarkadock.com

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7230 Grassy Branch Road, Bryson City N.C. Fontana Village Resort

Offers watercraft rentals, shuttle services and ship store 828-498-2129 fontanavillage.com

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300 Woods Rd., Fontana Dam, N.C. 28733

Watauga Lake Marinas

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All Watauga Lake marinas offer marine gas, boat launch ramp and other amenities. • •

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Cove Ridge Marina 423-768-3741 e-mail: info@coveridgemarina.com 947 Piercetown Road, Butler 37640 Fish Springs Marina 423-768-2336 fishspringsmarina.com 191 Fish Springs Road, Hampton 37658 Lakeshore Marina 423-725-2223 lakeshore-resort.com

Choto Marina 865-966-5472 chotomarina.com anchorsouthmanagement.com 12214 Choto Marina Way 37922 Concord Marina 865-966-5831 concordmarina.com 10915 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville 37922 Fort Loudoun Marina 865-986-5536 fortloudounmarina.com 5200 City Park Drive, Lenoir City 37772 Fox Road Marina 865-966-9422 themarinas.net “Like Us” facebook.com/ FoxRoadMarina 1100 Fox Road, Knoxville 37922 International Harbor of Friendsville 865-995-2393 internationalharbormarina.com 259 Cedar Crest Ln., Friendsville 37737 Louisville Landing Marina 865-984-9001 louisvillelandingmarina.com 2932 Boat Dock Road, Louisville 37777 Willow Point Marina 865-579-0100 themarinas.net 3725 Maryville Pike, Knoxville 37920 Volunteer Landing Marina 865-633-5004 themarinas.net 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville 37915

Norris Lake Marinas

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Beach Island Marina 865-992-3091 beachislandmarina.com 170 Beach Island Rd., Maynardville 37807 Hickory Star Resort & Marina 865-992-5241 hickorystar.com 1360 Hickory Star Rd., Maynardville 37807 Cedar Grove Marina 865-278-3131 cedargrovemarina.com 255 Dock Lane, New Tazewell 37825 Flat Hollow Resort 423-562-8314 flathollowmarina.com 185 Flat Hollow Dock Circle, Speedwell 37870 Indian River Marina & Boat Sales 423-562-5290 indianrivermarina.net 744 Indian River Boat Dock Road 37757 Lone Mountain Dock 423-626-9437 lonemountainmarina.com 325 Lone Mountain Boat Dock Lane, Tazewell 37879 Mountain Lake Marina & RV Park 865-630-1221 mountainlakemarina.com 136 Campground Road, Lake City 37769 Norris Dam Marina 865-494-8138 norrismarina.com 1604 Norris Freeway, Norris 37828 Sequoyah Marina 865-494-7984 sequoyahmarina.net 336 Lakeview Lane 37705 Shanghai Resort 423-562-7651 shanghairesort.com 1042 Shanghai Road, La Follette 37766 Springs Dock Resort 423-562-2405 springsdock.com 1652 Alder Springs Road, La Follette 37766 Sugar Hollow Marina 423-562-3466 sugarhollowmarina.com 610 Marina Lane, La Follette 37766 Stardust Marina 865-494-7641 stardustmarina.com 149 Stardust Lane, Andersonville 37705 Twin Cove Resort & Marina 423-566-0976 twincovemarina.com 1835 Ridge Road, Caryville, 37714 Waterside Marina 865-494-9649 watersidemarinanorris.com 408 Dock Road, Andersonville, 37705 Whitman Hollow Marina & Campground 423-562-9941 whitmanhollow.com 1203 Whitman Hollow Road, La Follette 37766

Many Norris Lake marinas offer boat rentals, accommodation, fishing supplies, marine supplies, houseboat buoy rental, yearly covered slips, weekly covered slips, Melton Hill Marinas • Melton Hill Marina water board rentals, pump out

Offers a launch ramp and covered slips. 865-927-0071 meltonhillmarina.com

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9133 Solway Ferry Road, Oak Ridge 37830 Oak Ridge Rowing

It offers a rowing venue. 865-482-6538 orra.org

697 Melton Lake Drive, Oak Ridge

Tellico Lake Marinas Some amenities Tellico Lake marinas offer includes a dockside grill, gift shop, supply store, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, security gates for all tenant docks, wet and dry slips, mechanics, regular and diesel fuel, trailer storage, private launch ramp, pump-out and year-round water. •

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Rasar Landing 423-884-6378 tnvacation.com 1180 Corntassel Road, Vonore 37885 Sequoyah Lake Tellico Resort 423-884-2770 sequoyahmarinaresort.com 721 US Hwy 411, Vonore 37885 Tellico Marina 865-856-6806 tellicomarina.com 1000 Marina Harbor Drive, Maryville 37801

Watts Bar Lake Marinas •

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Arrowhead Marina and Resort 423-365-6484 arrowheadresort.com 261 Bennett Drive, Spring City 37381 Bayside Marina & RV Park 865-376-7031 134 Bayside Drive Ten Mile 37880 Blue Springs Marina 865-376-7298 bluespringsmarina.com 3952 River Road, Ten Mile 37880 Caney Creek Marina & RV Resort 865-882-4042 caneycreekrvresort.com 3745 Roane State Hwy., Harriman 37748 Eden Marina and Campground 423-365-6929 “Like Us” facebook.com/ EdenMarinaandCampground 653 Scenic Lakeview Drive, Spring City 37381 Euchee Marina and Campground 423-334-1004 eucheemarinaresort.com 200 Euchee Lane, Ten Mile 37880 Sam’s Boat Dock 423-334-5620 samsboatdock.com 322 Sam's Boat Dock Road, Ten Mile 37880 Spring City Resort and Marina 1-877-365-5150 springcitymarina.com 2109 New Lake Road, Spring City 37381 Terrace View Marina Resort 423-365-6060 info@terraceviewmarina.com 3367 Euchee Chapel Road, Spring City 37381 Rhea Harbor Marina 423-365-6851 rheaharbor.com 385 Lakeshire Drive, Spring City 37381

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015 • 3C

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

4C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015

Boating 101 Boating tips for beginners Learning to boat or sail is similar to learning to drive an automobile. Neither one happens overnight. Learning to get around on the water can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating to take over the reins of a boat for the first time. Though beginners might be apprehensive when they first start to boat or sail, there are some tips that can make it a little easier for those new to captaining their own ship. • Start small. Much like teenagers learning to drive are often more comfortable learning behind the wheel of a compact car, boating beginners might be more comfortable learning to sail on a small boat. Smaller boats are easier to maneuver, making even the most nervous novice a little more comfortable. • Choose calm waters in which to practice. According to the United States Coast Guard, in 2010 there were more than 4,600 recreational boating accidents that involved 672 deaths. Accident statistics illustrate just how dangerous it can be even for fully licensed and experienced sailors to operate a boat. That said,

Premier From page 1C

the board to your feet and you transfer the hand that was holding the board to the rope. Top speed for a wakesurfing boat “is about 10 mph … the boat’s got to be moving at 10 mph or so to make the wave big enough that you can ride it,” Mieloch said. Similar to wakeboarding, “You sit in a crouched position with the board at a 90-degree angle to the boat, and as soon as the boat starts moving you just stand up,” he said. “... You throw the rope away once you’ve caught the wave.” “You’re much, much closer to the boat than waterskiing. I’ve actually touched the boat with the tip of my board before,” Mieloch added. “You only ride a few feet

beginners should always practice in calm waters that don't boast big waves or lots of fellow boaters. This gives beginners the chance to learn the feel of the boat without the added pressure of handling choppy waters or traffic. • Read the weather reports. Veteran boaters struggle with inclement weather from time to time, so beginners should expect to struggle with adverse conditions as well. But don't be caught off guard by bad weather. Always check the weather reports before going out, and be sure to bring along appropriate attire and gear. • Don't go it alone. Boating and sailing come with their own terminology, which beginners are typically unfamiliar with. Before heading out on the water, learn as much of this terminology as possible, be it by studying manuals or books, or even asking experienced friends for help. When taking to the water, bring those friends along. • Respect other boaters. Boating is a hobby enjoyed by millions, and boaters should always respect that there are

away from the boat. Typically I would say you’re two or three feet from the boat. You’re only allowed to do that behind the wakeboard boats because the propeller is way underneath the boat.” There’s a big age range with wakesurfing. “I’ve got lots of customers in their 60s that are doing it,” Mieloch said. “And little ones can do it easy. It’s much easier because they don’t weigh much of anything. “I’ve got a customer who’s got a 10-year-old that’s really talented, that can do all sorts of tricks,” he added. “I’m sure there are plenty of 5- and 6-year-olds that are riding. “It’s really safe because there’s a very limited risk for injury.” For more information, call Mieloch at Premier Watersports, 865-693-9949.

other people on the water as well. Whether you're out in the middle of the ocean or relaxing at the pier on your docked boat, respect the other boaters by

USINESS

keeping the music down and always discarding of trash in a responsible way. Far too many boaters or boat passengers dump their garbage over the side of the

boat, so always be sure you and your passengers are respectful of Mother Nature and other boaters.

POTLIGHT

Great lake weekends begin here

Premier Watersports, formerly Shadrack Watersports, has served the Knoxville area since 2004. When Scott and Vanessa Mieloch took over ownership in January, 2013 they changed the name to correspond with the reputation of integrity and peerless customer service Scott built while manager of the dealership. While showcasing Supra Boats, Moomba Boats, Yamaha Sport Boats, along with Premier and Sylvan pontoons, Premier Watersports offers a tremendous inventory of well-sorted used boats. They boast a full pro-shop of skis, wakeboards, tubes, surfboards, kneeboards, stand-up paddleboards and more needed for a great weekend on the lake.

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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015 • 5C

Ethanol

Could damage outboard motors Ethanol, a corn-based fuel that is mixed with traditional gasoline, has been a boon to the fuel industry. It helps to keep costs down and provides a renewable, more eco-friendly option to fuel cars and trucks. While ethanol may perform fine in automobile engines, boat engines may not be so lucky, and some engine manufacturers have expressed concern over the use of ethanol in boat engines. Gasoline that contains 10 percent ethanol, commonly referred to as E10, is not recommended for outboard motors, particularly older engines. The only way to avoid ethanol is to purchase marine-grade fuel that has none of it. This fuel costs more, but many boaters prefer it because of the risks for costly engine repairs when ethanol is used. Unlike car engines that burn through a tank of gas quickly and are used frequently, outboard boat motors are often left to sit until the boat is used again. When ethanol fuel is allowed to sit, the corn alcohol can separate from the gasoline and settle at the bottom of the fuel tank. Ethanol is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs water. In high moisture conditions such as those on a boat, this can further exacerbate the separation of ethanol and gasoline. The result is a sludge that forms in the fuel tank.

Most outboard engines have their fuel outlet at the bottom of the tank. After being left to sit, the engine will draw in pure ethanol and water that has accumulated, which can muck up the engine and corrode internal parts. Ethanol also is a strong solvent, and it can dissolve substances in the engine, potentially clogging fuel ports. Many boat owners have noticed clogged carburetors due to ethanol fuels. Boat service centers have mentioned an increase of engines needing cleaning from oxygenated fuels like ethanol. Buildup in the engine can restrict gas flow and cause the engine to overheat -- precipitating a breakdown. Although many manufacturers and repair shops recommend avoiding ethanol fuel for boats, if they cannot be avoided it is best to heed these tips. • Buy as little as possible -- just enough to fuel the trip so leftover fuel will not remain sitting in the tank. • Drain the carburetor on the engine after using ethanol. • Use a fuel stabilizer that will help prevent separation. Ethanol is not recommended for all engines, and it may cause costly engine problems on outboard motors when the fuel is allowed to sit in the tank for extended periods of time.

SLIPS AVAILABLE NOW! Dock your boat at West Knoxville’s Premier Marina! • Convenient location...in Farragut’s backyard! • Security Gates & 24 Hour Monitoring • Harbor protected on all sides from rough water and storms • On site launch ramp • Full service Dock Shop • Restaurant On Site •Clubhouse

We also offer numerous events through out the boating season...check out our website for details.

Concord Marina...BOATING WITH BENEFITS!

865-966-5831

10903 S. Northshore * Knoxville, TN * 37922

6C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

Welcome to Premier Watersports!

We h a ve t h e b o a t s t h a t f i t e ve r y l i fe s t y l e . . . yo u r s !

Premier Watersports is proud to be Knoxville TN’s dealer for Supra Boats, Moomba Boats, Yamaha Sport Boats, as well as Premier and Sylvan pontoons. We also keep a nice inventory of well-sorted used boats of all types. Premier Watersports boasts a full pro shop of skis, wakeboards, tubes, surfboards, kneeboards, stand-up paddleboards and just about everything else you could possibly need for a great weekend on the lake. We have a complete service center ready to take care of any job you have, from simple oil changes, to complete overhauls. Additionally we specialize in custom stereo and lighting systems. Check out some of the jobs we have done on our custom stereo and lighting page on the website.

O w n e r s S c o t t & Va n e s s a M i e l o c h 1 3 1 3 7 E l C a m i n o L a n e K n o x v i l l e , T N 3 7 9 3 2 865.693.9949 • premierwatersports.net