Families across the nation are doing their best simultaneously juggling the tasks of being parents, home-school teachers, and more these days. If you’re one of them, you might be anxiously awaiting the days you can get out on the water together. There’s no reason, though, that you can’t be an active boater while staying at home.
In fact, having a happy distraction or two won’t just improve your mood, but also your skills. Here are several ways to keep boaters of all ages in your household energized and educated.
1. Take an Online Course
More time at home means more time to spend online—which in this case is a good thing. Did you know that the U.S. Coast Guard, BoatUS Foundation, and several states offer online boating-safety and boating-license classes? Even better, some states allow kids under the age of 12 to take them. You may still have to take an in-person exam, too, but at least you’ll be ahead of the game when you can hit the launch ramp again.
Find Out More: Boating Courses, Education & Training
2. Find Watersports Tips & Tricks Online
Dozens, if not hundreds, of watersports enthusiasts have instructional YouTube videos on water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and more, including how to dock a boat properly. For more in-depth instructions and step-by-step details tailored for beginners, be sure to check out our watersports how-to's right here at DiscoverBoating.com.
3. Practice Tying Knots
Do you know the right way to tie a bowline, clove hitch, and square knot? Do your kids know what each of these knots suits? Never fear, the instructional videos on the Discover Boating YouTube channel are here! For even more fun, film your family and create some great content of your own for your favorite social media channels.
5 Basic Boating Knots for Beginners
4. Practice Your Casting Technique
Got fishing on your mind? Sharpen your casting skills in your backyard. All you need is your favorite rod and reel, and a “fish”—which can be a rock, a branch, even a garden gnome. Turn it into a game with your kids: Whoever gets the hook closest to the “fish” wins.
5. Plan Your Next Voyage
Spread your charts out on the kitchen table, pull out your favorite waterway guides, and choose a destination or two (or five!). Where do you want to go on a trip? What can you do when you get there? Give everyone in the family a related task, like looking up marinas, restaurants, and good swimming spots.
Bonus Tip: Research, Research, Research
Now is the perfect time to do research for better boating days ahead. Explore the 23 different boat types in our Boat Finder Tool, and narrow down your options based on preferred activities.
Or, maybe you're interested in shopping for great deals on boats and accessories online? Visit a virtual boat show from your computer, tablet or phone—the Northwest Sportshow is a great example. You'll enjoy an all-access pass to a terrific lineup of boating, fishing and outdoor video seminars and tutorials—where you can learn from experts and ask them questions.
Read Next: Boating During COVID-19 Guide
You Might Also Like: