I am a windsurfer who, along with several other friends, enjoys sailing on the lakes around here. Recently, on two different occasions, I encountered a lack of courtesy and lack of knowledge of the right-of-way rules by motorboats on both Cultus and Odell lakes.

Both times I was sailing across the lake and the boats were coming at a 90-degree angle on a collision course toward me. They never attempted to slow down or go behind me, so I had to slow down and navigate across the wake they left.

It was not a problem of visibility - the mast and sail are 10 feet tall.

The recent changes requiring boat operators to complete a safety class should make everyone aware of safety and right-of-way rules.

The lakes are for everyone to enjoy - windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, sailboats and motorboats.

- Marla Melton, Bend