Any Canadians on here?

[shiskowd]

Columbia Lake

We've been to Columbia Lake several times. As dbro has said, the south end is shallow but isn't a problem if you're taking it easy. The lake is spring fed (headwaters for the infamous river) so the temperature can drop when there's no hot weather to warm it up. On Sept 1/2 it was 65F but seen it in the mid 70's in July. The rotten part is the wind - most days around mid afternoon a SW wind picks up and spoils everything. Traveling to Canal Flats is a pain but it's never busy for that reason.

We're considering buying property in the area (not lake front) but wondering about the long term viability of using Columbia for waterskiing.

Here's a picture from late July of my 6 yr old's first wakeboard run (mom in water helping).

columbia.JPG

[dogbert]

Get them started early

[Bibbs]

We've been to Columbia Lake several times. As dbro has said, the south end is shallow but isn't a problem if you're taking it easy. The lake is spring fed (headwaters for the infamous river) so the temperature can drop when there's no hot weather to warm it up. On Sept 1/2 it was 65F but seen it in the mid 70's in July. The rotten part is the wind - most days around mid afternoon a SW wind picks up and spoils everything. Traveling to Canal Flats is a pain but it's never busy for that reason.

We're considering buying property in the area (not lake front) but wondering about the long term viability of using Columbia for waterskiing.

Here's a picture from late July of my 6 yr old's first wakeboard run (mom in water helping).

[ATTACH]6477[/ATTACH]

Great pic.The wind this year at Windemere was crappy.The one night we went to look at Columbia the water was calmer than Windemere.The property around that Canal flats area is supposed to go up alot over the next few years is what I heard from a real estate guy as the rest of the valley is getting crowded and pricey.

[Swatter]

Boat: 2006 20v
Age: 37
Lakes: Aloutte, Osoyoos

Saw this thread earlier but have been on the lake every day, water temp
still 63. Got rained on a bit yesterday.
No winterize for me as we use the boat nearly year round & stored in heated & insulated garage.

[The friend Ship]

So with the dollar the way it is, is anyone going to make a trip to the states and buy a boat? im thinking about doing it, but more to make some side money. Anybody have any experiences with this? any troubles or issues with the border and such?

[shiskowd]

I considered buying a boat this spring in the US but found an OK deal in Canada on my Tige. Given where the Cdn dollar is today, I'd probably look at this again. A friend bought a boat in Las Vegas this spring and towed it back to Alberta - no troubles. The following website has all the bits of info that is needed.

http://boating.ncf.ca/buy-usa.html

Important factor is to recognize the trailer is more of an issue than the boat (in terms of import issues) as the trailer is registered vehicle. Always get a separate invoice for the trailer to aid in the import process.

[Ks]

Before jumping across, I would give the local dealer a fair chance to match. There are a lot of industries in this position right now and I am sure overall it will hurt our economy in the long-run. If I was in your shoes, I would go to the local dealer and explain the situation or just point blank tell them your plan, I think most business owners would appreciate this at least. If he can not come close or match, then you have to do what you have to do to keep the loonies in your pocket. The other thing is unless you are a boarder town and have no issues dealing with the US dealer.... warranty could be a problem, not in the fact that they would deny you but I would be willing to bet you will always be put at the end of the line when it comes to warranty/service work, something to consider with our short and sweet seasons.

[Bibbs]

So with the dollar the way it is, is anyone going to make a trip to the states and buy a boat? im thinking about doing it, but more to make some side money. Anybody have any experiences with this? any troubles or issues with the border and such?

I got my boat from a local dealer who passed the strong canadian dollar discount on to me.He got the boat from a US dealer who had some extras that he was not selling.Saved the hassle of going down there,customs,etc.So I agree with some of the other guys and try your dealer first.

[The friend Ship]

Thanks for the info!
So how was the water at windermere for those who went out? I was invited to radium this weekend, and we were told to bring the boat, hopefully its not too cold, although our xcel infiniti wetsuit is proving to be very warm!

[Ks]

Here is a question,

what is everyone using for wet suites? water temps? reviews?

Thanks

[Bibbs]

Here is a question,

what is everyone using for wet suites? water temps? reviews?

Thanks

My wife and I use shorties,kids just swim suits.Water temp 72-76.We wear oneils and mostly to keep body parts in there place when we wipe out.Not gettin any younger!

[jacques2727]

OK guys. I'm coming to Windermere next summer, even if it is windy there. Just the change of scenery will be nice, even if it's just to cruise the lake. Keep an eye out for me.

[Bibbs]

Boat looks good.We will look for ya

[Ks]

nice and clean...

That logo in the middle ( Eagle) . Did you put that on or did Tige?

thanks

Korgae

[jacques2727]

I bought her used, and the logo was already there. In the middle of the eagle it says "wakeboard boat of the year". Since I find it tough to believe a 21i was the wakeboard boat of the year in 2000, I'm guessing it was an aftermarket add on. Oh well, I think it's kind of a cool looking decal though.