We are now more than a week removed from what has become the unofficial kick-off of boating season on the west coast and I have had some time to decompress and reflect on the events of the 2014 Desert Storm Poker Run in Lake Havasu, AZ. This year brought with it a slew of changes that some speculated could put a real dent in the image and popularity of this great event. Couple this with the fact that Mother Nature decided that it wasn't unreasonable to have one more day of winter right smack in the middle of an otherwise beautiful weekend and it could be said that this year's event has some serious challenges to face. Between format changes and the looming forecast, the outlook coming into this years Desert Storm seemed to have both a literal and figurative black cloud hanging over it.
For some, the idea of canceling the traditional land-rush start, with a hundred boats tearing down the lake at full song, was disheartening to hear. Why else would people show up to this event if not to see fast boats, set on kill, streaking across the lake? No race to the first card stop? Where's the fun in that!?
But what if this event is about more than that? What if Desert Storm is about getting out on the water with good friends and enjoying our common bond and a maybe a beverage or two? What if these big, fast, awe inspiring hot rods are just the cherry on top of a truly excellent chance to spend quality time catching up with the friends we haven't seen since Labor Day?
In hindsight, I believe that the camaraderie of the folks attending is exactly what makes this event great. Desert Storm and similar events all stem from the same place. They come from a desire to bring a group of fun-loving like-minded people together for good times in a way that strengthens the core or the sport by allowing boaters of all backgrounds a venue to come together for a great weekend. It's not Spring Break or a holiday weekend when the lake is literally overrun by party people, many of whom have no interest in boating, but instead are just there to party till they can't see in colors anymore. Rather, Desert storm is a gathering of true enthusiasts.
This year's Desert Storm went on as scheduled despite the weather and format changes, and if the attendance at the street party is any indication I'd say that the event is as healthy as ever. After a painless set-up on Thursday morning all the vendors were ready to rock and the crowds started showing up in droves to gawk at the amazing hardware and pick up their new t-shirts and coozies. RiverDavesPlace did a great job setting everyone up with new gear and cold beverages throughout the day and the tone was set for a great weekend to come.
Friday was poker run time and while the wind was starting whip a bit it didn't stop many of the big cats and V's from putting on a great show. Even though the format change kept all the big dogs from running 8 wide down the lake, there was still plenty of action as the owners stretched the legs of these amazing machines.
Enough about all that though... Now it's time to get down to the real reason we were all out on the water to begin with. Great times with awesome people! There are few things on the lake better then motoring into a cove, tossing an anchor out and proceeding to let go of life's woes and solve the world's problems with friends, new and old. If you went to Desert Storm and all you did was watch the poker run go by then went back to the marina, you missed out on all that is perfect about being at this event. The real fun is in all the little events scattered throughout the weekend. It's in the raft up at Steamboat Cove. It's in the lunch cruises up through Topock Gorge to Pirates Cove Resort. It's in the dinner with great friends at Cha Bones or Shugrue's or any number of great dinner spots around Havasu. It's in late night garage parties where the price of admission is a smile and a six pack. It's in the RiverDavesPlace.com after party where you can put names to faces and rub elbows with industry heavies. In short, the fun is in the people you meet!
These opportunities are the true spirit of this great gathering of boats and boaters. Whether you are running a 20 foot bowrider or a 46 foot Skater, Desert Storm is about bringing people together and making those memories that will be recounted in story after story until we meet again in our own little slice of desert heaven.
Thank you to everyone who made Desert Storm 2014 a great success!
Welcome to boating season people!
See you on the water!
Tom Leigh (PinkTaco)
www.tommygunimages.com
