5 Boating Tips for Beginners
If you have often felt that there is just something special about being out on the water, you should know that it is not just your imagination. Boating is good for your health and emotional wellbeing. Humans enjoy a mood boost when they feel more connected to the world around them. Just being around water can stimulate serotonin levels and lower cortisol, the stress hormone, making you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Whether you are in the market for a new boat or are enjoying a friend or family member’s boat, our boating for beginners’ guide can help you learn the ropes and feel more confident when casting off that first time.
1. Remember that safety comes first.
Boating, when done correctly, is a safe, low-risk activity, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to ensure it is even safer. Start by taking a boat safety course and remember to follow all the safety rules each time you shove off the dock. Get life jackets that are properly fitted and comfortable for everyone on board. Badly fitted, uncomfortable, or poorly designed life jackets are less likely to be worn, and that makes them both useless and dangerous.
2. Check the weather.
You might want to head out onto the water every time you have a day off but take a few minutes to check the weather first. Your next weekend off might seem like a great time to be out on the water, but if there’s a thunderstorm brewing, your best bet is to stay inside or find another activity and wait for a sunny day for smoother sailing. Your boat will be safe, and sound tucked away in its wet slips rental at Mangrove Marina until the weather is more accommodating.
3. Take it easy.
When you are still new to the whole boating game, you will want to stick close to home. A long cruise might sound tempting but can quickly become overwhelming for novices. Plan shorter trips to build your confidence before setting out on longer adventures.
4. Have a plan.
Schedule a little extra time before and after your trip to complete your pre- and post-boating checklist. Prepping the boat for launch and checking the equipment takes a little time, and when you get back from your journey, you will need to take a little more time to secure the boat, wash it down, and dry and secure your belongings. Planning for the extra jobs will ensure you do not get caught by surprise by any unexpected jobs or feel pressured to hurry through or skip any of them.
You will also want to have a plan for your day’s activities, especially if you are boating with children. Where do you want to go? What activities will you enjoy? Do you want to go snorkeling or fishing in the Florida Keys? Do you want to tube or lounge? The options are just about endless, so call a family meeting, kick around some ideas, and get a plan together that everyone will love. Make sure to plan for drinks and food, too, to keep hunger at bay while you’re out on the water.
5. Drive carefully.
Until you get a feel for your boat and how it drives, be cautious on the water. Slow down as you go over waves, even the small ones. Adjust the trim to ensure better maneuverability and a comfortable ride.
From wakeboarding and tubing to camping and fishing in the Florida Keys, you can always find something new and fun to do on your boat. Visit Mangrove Marina today to learn more about boating for beginners or to reserve your wet slips rental.
