Susan Carpenter rides a Sea-Doo at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, Calif. The L.A. Times reporter was out to write a story about watercraft fun -- and to confront her fear of the water. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Stephanie Scott rides a personal watercraft at Silverwood Lake in Hesperia. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
A secluded beach on Silverwood Lake can be accessed by boat or personal watercraft. The latter can be rented at the lake. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
The Hesperia, Calif., lake also draws those who like their “personal watercraft” to be inflatable. The swimming area and marina are located on the opposite end of the lake from where Jet Skis, Sea-Doos and other craft buzz around. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Families picnic at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Summertime at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area brings sunny days, temperatures around 90 degrees and plenty of visitors. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Lake visitors on personal watercraft slowly take off from the shore at Silverwood Lake. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
