CLEORA, Okla. — This is the first official summer for Duck Creek Water Sport rentals. The owner said he had hoped to hit the ground running in late spring.
"We looked to kick off our new business big on Memorial weekend. We had a couple reservations, but of course they cancelled. They didn't want to be out on the water with all the debris and stuff and possibly tearing up a boat," Troy Carpenter said.
At Grand Meridian Resort it's also the opening season. The manager said between blocked roads, high water, and people taking care of their own homes he's down about $50,000 in reservations.
"Their concentration is more on taking care of them which is understandable rather than going out and having fun. Normally this time of year kids are out of school, people are taking their vacations... they're looking for a good time, they're looking to have fun. Well, a lot of people can't do that now," Greg Knotts said.
Most of these businesses have to make a year's revenue in about six months. At this point, they've already lost six weeks.
"Those big weekends is what makes their whole year. If they don't have those big weekends in the spring, summer, and fall then in the wintertime... who knows if they're going to make it or not?" Knotts said.
Carpenter said on the south side of Grand Lake almost every ramp is underwater. He's hoping most will be accessible by the 4th of July.
"I predict, and that's just me, but predict that the 4th of July is going to be larger than normal just because everybody that's wanting to get out this spring and couldn't, this is going to be like the big opening weekend for the season," Carpenter said.
Carpenter said although the lake is 10 feet above normal it's still ready for boating.
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