Beginner Boating Tips - How To Launch Your Boat
For an enjoyable day of leisurely boating, there's nothing better than blue skies and calm waters. But let's face it-weather happens everywhere, at all times of the year, and we all have to deal with it at some point. So, as you're preparing for boating season, don't just cross your fingers and hope for the best. Instead, there are real steps you can take to make sure that weather events don't ruin your outings. You can't stop the weather, but you can make sure that you're prepared and that you keep your family safe. Here's what to do.
Plan ahead, and be flexible.
Of course, if you're planning a trip months in advance, there's no way of knowing what the weather's going to be like. But once you get within 1-2 weeks of that boating day, you can begin to start monitoring the forecast. If possible, keep your plans from being set in stone until you're within one week of the day. Then, a week ahead of time, if the forecast is showing at least a 50% chance of bad weather, you might want to consider adjusting your plans.
Have the right equipment.
For maximum safety, it's best to have a NOAA weather radio, a marine map, a GPS device, a compass, and all the emergency equipment required by the local and national laws.
Double check.
Immediately before heading out on the water, do a double check of the weather conditions. Listen to the radio on the way to the water, and before setting out, check the horizons for dark clouds.
Stay alert.
As you're boating, keep the weather radio on. In general, the forecasters who create the weather reports can pick up on changing weather patterns before these changes are visible. So, if you hear any advisories over the radio, take them seriously, despite what your eyes tell you. Always know your coordinates, and be prepared to turn around and go in to shore at a moment's notice. Also, even as you're enjoying yourself, be sure to keep scanning the horizon in all directions. In addition to keeping you aware of your surroundings on the water, this will give you a sense of what's going on with the weather.
Look for signs.
If you see flashes of lightning or dark, rolling clouds, don't risk it. Turn in toward shore. Maybe the weather will pass in the end, but it can't hurt to at least get closer in. Also listen for distant thunder, and be aware of any sudden changes in the wind direction or velocity.
Respond smartly.
If you do happen to get caught in a bad weather situation, make sure everyone is wearing their life vests, have everyone sit low in the middle of the boat, and continue heading toward shore at the maximum speed that is safe. Then, once you get ashore, get everyone inside of a car or a building as quickly as possible. Remember that your boat is only property, and that the most important thing is to keep people safe. You can always go back out when things are clear.
Plan ahead, and be flexible.
Of course, if you're planning a trip months in advance, there's no way of knowing what the weather's going to be like. But once you get within 1-2 weeks of that boating day, you can begin to start monitoring the forecast. If possible, keep your plans from being set in stone until you're within one week of the day. Then, a week ahead of time, if the forecast is showing at least a 50% chance of bad weather, you might want to consider adjusting your plans.
Have the right equipment.
For maximum safety, it's best to have a NOAA weather radio, a marine map, a GPS device, a compass, and all the emergency equipment required by the local and national laws.
Double check.
Immediately before heading out on the water, do a double check of the weather conditions. Listen to the radio on the way to the water, and before setting out, check the horizons for dark clouds.
Stay alert.
As you're boating, keep the weather radio on. In general, the forecasters who create the weather reports can pick up on changing weather patterns before these changes are visible. So, if you hear any advisories over the radio, take them seriously, despite what your eyes tell you. Always know your coordinates, and be prepared to turn around and go in to shore at a moment's notice. Also, even as you're enjoying yourself, be sure to keep scanning the horizon in all directions. In addition to keeping you aware of your surroundings on the water, this will give you a sense of what's going on with the weather.
Look for signs.
If you see flashes of lightning or dark, rolling clouds, don't risk it. Turn in toward shore. Maybe the weather will pass in the end, but it can't hurt to at least get closer in. Also listen for distant thunder, and be aware of any sudden changes in the wind direction or velocity.
Respond smartly.
If you do happen to get caught in a bad weather situation, make sure everyone is wearing their life vests, have everyone sit low in the middle of the boat, and continue heading toward shore at the maximum speed that is safe. Then, once you get ashore, get everyone inside of a car or a building as quickly as possible. Remember that your boat is only property, and that the most important thing is to keep people safe. You can always go back out when things are clear.
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