Boating Basics: Ways to Improve Your Boating Skills
So, you’ve gotten your boating license and you’re ready to take on the waves? Maybe you’ve been boating for a while, but lack knowledge of the finer skills to feel self-confident and comfortable on the water? Boaters of all skill levels can certainly benefit from additional practice and training.
Improving and upgrading your boating skills provides safety for yourself, your passengers and others on the water. It’s a good way to learn how to avoid common boating accidents as well as prevent injury and property damage. Today we’re going to go over some ways you can go about improving your boating skills.
Boating Skills
Along with a wide array of other tasks, here are a few boating skills you may want to practice. Some of these can be done on land or at a private boat slip for rent. Others are best done on the water.
- Boat Maintenance
- Boat launching and Retrieving
- Anchoring Tactics
- Towing and trailering a boat
Take a Boating Class
We know, you already took a boating class to get your boating license in the first place. But it never hurts to supplement with more extensive knowledge on specific topics. You can take a boating safety course through organizations such as:
Some courses are even free. Classes include topics on sailing skills, boating and seamanship, boating safety, GPS and VHF radio use and more.
Check it Off
Photo: Pixabay
Write up a checklist of pre and post-departure tasks. You won’t always have to refer to the list (you’ll have it memorized in no time). It’s helpful in the beginning when there are so many things you’ll feel you’re forgetting. Depending on whether you’re trailering your boat or keeping it in the water at a boat dock for rent, the tasks may be quite different.
Examples of things to put on your pre-departure checklist include: check engine oil, check the battery, put the plug in (if there is one) and disconnect shore power plug if you’re at a private boat slip for rent.
Returning to the ramp, you could list: turn off lights and electronics, raise the engine, flush the outboard, stow life jackets and seat cushions, remove the plug and put on the cover. Your particular boat will signify what needs to be on the list. Obviously, if you have an on-water slip or private boat dock rental, you won’t need to worry about trailering.
Take it Slow
Photo: Pixabay
Don’t go too far out when you’re first getting started. Problems are much easier to solve when you’re closer to the safety of the shoreline. As you spend more time on the water, you’ll gain more confidence to journey further out from a private boat slip for rent. Another word of advice: Never go out alone.
Practice Makes Perfect
Photo: Pexels
Go to the lake on a slow day when there aren’t many other boaters out on the water. This is a good time to practice docking, anchoring, towing and more. You won’t be as nervous with fewer boats to be aware of on the water.
Boating Buddy
Enlist the help of an experienced boating buddy to help you with the basics. If you have a specific skill you’d like to learn or improve, have them give you some pointers. Pick one or two things at a time. Boaters love being on the water (and sharing their know-how), so you probably won’t have to twist their arm too hard.
Delegate Duties
Put those kids to work by giving them a job (chances are, they’ll love having a job all their own). Regardless of how small that job is (it could be something as simple as stowing the life jackets), it takes some of the pressure off you. You can then concentrate on your specific duties without having to worry about everything on the boat.
Pick a Project
Photo: Unsplash
For each trip out, pick one thing you’d like to work on. It could be towing a tube, tossing out an anchor, adjusting the trim or even learning to balance on a stand-up paddleboard. The SUP may not seem like you’re boating, but you’re still getting accustomed to the water life (and maybe discovering a new watersport hobby).
Tech Time
Photo: Pixabay
Get acquainted with your electronics: GPS, fish finders, VHF radio, chart plotters, etc.… etc.… You can even do this when you’re not out on the water. The more familiar you are with all the navigation, communication and safety devices, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you’re out on the water and away from a private boat dock for rent.
Get Knot-ical
Photo: Pixabay
Unsure how to tie up your boat to the dock cleats? Buy a book or watch some YouTube videos on knot tying. You don’t need to learn all of them at once. The basics are enough to make you feel more confident at the dock or boat slip for rent.
Finally, realize that it takes time. You’re probably not going to be a pro the first two or three (or even four or five) times out. The best thing about boating is getting lots and lots of practice.
We hope you’ve gathered a few tips to gain self confidence and improve your boating skills. See you on the water!
