A ranger run-in
fall 2016
After a sublime Wetherill Canyon surf run, we returned to our pin anchored 75’ Sumerset - tucked away within a sandstone cove specifically selected to shield us from the previous night's wild winds. A Ranger arrived and harshed our mellow - an educational conversation regarding pin anchoring ensued. We learned:
- thousands of pin holes exist and their numbers are increasing rapidly
- pin holes accelerate shoreline erosion
- pin holes are damaging the fossil record including dinosaur footprints
- trapped pins are destroying boats and injuring swimmers
- pinning is illegal
Confronted with the conundrum protecting and preserving our Lake Powell paradise and securing our favorite anchorages (beautiful, private, sheltered and secure sandstone shorelines), our journey to find an easy and effective, no-trace anchoring solution began.
It became personal
2016... hours later
The Ranger didn't realize the houseboat he approached was owned by Hotwire Development, a product development consultancy, and that it was captained and crewed by an entrepreneurial team with decades of Lake Powell houseboating experience.
We resolved that day solve the pin anchoring problem and comitted ourselves to developing a new anchoring technique - one allowing us to easily and safely enjoy our favorite anchorages, primarily on rock and with a new appreciation for the preservation efforts of the National Park Service.
After all, Hotwire Development, LLC. has a history of "reinventing the wheel" with new innovations across many industries from eco-friendly plumbing to high tech products. And this challenge was special, because this time it was personal.
Field testing R&D
fall 2017
Outfitted with Beach Bags prototypes, we conducted our phase-one research and development testing in West Canyon during our annual employee-appreciation getaway.
We searched for winds, weather and challenging shorelines – conditions allowing us to measure and collect data on windspeeds, anchor line forces, and Beach Bags holding power on a wide variety of sand and sandstone shorelines. We also monitored ease-of-use, fill rates, and everything we could think of encompassing the entire Beach Bags experience.
With that, the fire was lit and we knew we had not only crafted a solution for ourselves, but one for the future of houseboat anchoring.
The solution
SUMMER 2020
Embodying an ingenious blend of innovation, technology, and engineering expertise (adapted from commercial marine use, industrial fluid storage, sailing, and aviation), Beach Bags Anchors are modern, structured, and customized for use with Lake Powell's houseboats.
Our Anchor materials and rigging have been tested and validated in harsh environments, yet are specifically selected to elegantly maximize strength, safety, ease-of-use, and shoreline preservation.
The end result – a high-quality, versatile, no-trace anchoring system meeting the National Park Service mission of providing for public use while preserving Lake Powell's scientific, historic and scenic features for generations to come.
We invited you to Fill & Chill.
Pulling on a thread
summer 2021
While perfecting Beach Bags, we recognized an opportunity to fix more than just pin anchoring.
Meetings with the National Park Service, marina operators, and reviews of safety related incidents revealed that many houseboaters face significant challenges keeping anchor lines properly tensioned. As a result, the likelihood of property damage and personal injury are greatly increased when Lake Powell's strong winds and unpredictable storms strike.
Believers
summer 2022
With our CUA in hand, we formally launched our Anchoring Service. That summer was a combination of consumer skepticism, anchoring success, and a steep start-up learning curve.
We'll never forget the early adopters who eagerly gave us a chance by trusting not only their houseboats, but also their family's safety, to our technology and care. One of those adventurers, a gentlemen who previously had a catastrophic accident in a Lake Powell microburst, ended his initial call to us with, “Alright, let’s give it a try!”
Our 2022 crew was small but mighty. Made-up of family, friends, and a few locals, we worked long hours with infrequent days off. Sweat, occasional tears, and an endeavor to persevere fueled our days. 469 incident-free anchorings later, we crossed the finish line exhausted and optimistic.
Backpinning authorization
2022
In the summer of 2022, the National Park Service authorized “backpinning” as part of a temporary Wind Load Testing program to validate Beach Bag’s ability to safely anchor Lake Powell’s largest houseboats (80’- 120’). The process involved using pins in conjunction with Beach Bags. The pins served as a “safety net” while we collected real-world wind loading data, via portable measuring systems. Recorded data validated Beach Bags efficacy with Lake Powell’s largest houseboats (+120’). The program ended successfully and backpinning was terminated in October 2022.
restoration
Per our NPS pilot program authorization, the holes created by backpinning were tracked using GPS coordinates. All the holes, plus hundreds more, were restored during the following off-season by Beach Bags personnel, utilizing an NPS approved method requiring specialized training and certification.
Playing favorites
2023
We feel just like a parent when asked, "Who's your favorite?" And are continually amazed at the variety of reasons our customers find our service and technology invaluable.
From enabling a solid night's sleep, to providing an stress-free start to houseboating vacations, to saving crews' backs from digging all those holes, the list goes on and on. And we love all these reasons and customer types.
But can we share a secret? We have an undeniable soft spot when we hear from decades-long Powell enthusiasts–the ones who've taught kids and grandkids how to do everything from building campfires to water skiing at the Lake. And who, before Beach Bags, had sadly accepted that the physical demands of anchoring were bringing a close to this chapter of their lives. "You've given my wife and I another decade on the lake," we'll occasionally hear. Ok, we’ll say it…you’re our favorite (just don't tell the others).
With gratitude
We're grateful to the Page community, the NPS, and Antelope Point Marina for their belief in us from the beginning, and for their continued support. And we extend our gratitude to all users of the lake for their passion and love of this precious resource. Thank you. We promise to always honor and earn your trust and support.
We're gonna need a bigger boat…
2025
As we embark on our 4th year of providing anchoring service, we continue to reinvest heavily in our equipment, management, crew, and technology. Because of our background, maintaining the status quo is not an option, as we continue striving to earn your business and trust. Each year we've added a new custom-designed and purpose-built anchoring vessel to meet the growing demand for our service. Our crew this year will grow to 25+ and our vessel fleet to 6.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
