As seasonal boaters, we have several months each year to get ready for the boating season. Instead of missing out on perfectly good boating weather to make upgrades or improvements to the boat or learn some new skills in a class, we can take advantage of the time the foul weather affords us to install new equipment, fix up old equipment, and generally get everything ready for the next season to arrive.
Now is the time to plan! If it’s too cold to work on the boat now, what can you do to be ready once it warms up a tad? Make a plan now that will lead to a productive off-season so when spring arrives and the weather turns warmer you’re not stressed out preparing to launch. Don’t wait until the last minute to get it all done.
Have you thought about what you can do to prepare your crew or even yourself for that next boating adventure? There are many resources available to improve our knowledge and ability to operate our boat safely and efficiently. We all strive to be safe boaters, but are we knowledgeable boaters? Boating is fun already, but having advanced skills can make it more fun!
Take comfort in knowing there are many ways to improve your skills that will fit into your busy schedule, and there is never a better time to do it than the off-season. Set a goal now to advance your skills. Subscribe to boating publications and check out the adventure articles. Read the “How To” and maintenance articles. Take classes offered by the United States Power Squadrons or the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Join a boating club and take advantage of their advanced courses. Get your friends to join you.
If your busy schedule interferes with attending regular classes, don’t despair. The United States Power Squadrons and the BoatU.S. Foundation have teamed up to bring you an interactive educational experience completely online. New seminars and courses can be accessed on your PC, laptop, iPad or other tablet, and are designed to expand your horizons by learning new boating skills in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.
Two of the latest offerings are “Partner in Command” and “Boating on Rivers, Locks, and Lakes,” and each cost only $40. The first could be invaluable in the case of an emergency. The first mate should have the confidence and skills to take control of the vessel, should the need arise. In Boating on Rivers, Locks, and Lakes, boaters learn how to read the river, transit locks safely, boat near large ships, and other skills that will make the next inland boating adventure even more fun.
So take advantage of this off-season to get your boat and yourself ready for a better boating experience. These courses are full of vital insight into some tricky boating conditions. Be sure to check out these and other course options at
usps.org/edonline to learn more.
Bob Brandenstein, national educational officer of the U.S. Power Squadrons, lives in Pittsburgh, PA, and sails on Lake Erie.
Now is the time to plan! If it’s too cold to work on the boat now, what can you do to be ready once it warms up a tad? Make a plan now that will lead to a productive off-season so when spring arrives and the weather turns warmer you’re not stressed out preparing to launch. Don’t wait until the last minute to get it all done.
Have you thought about what you can do to prepare your crew or even yourself for that next boating adventure? There are many resources available to improve our knowledge and ability to operate our boat safely and efficiently. We all strive to be safe boaters, but are we knowledgeable boaters? Boating is fun already, but having advanced skills can make it more fun!
Take comfort in knowing there are many ways to improve your skills that will fit into your busy schedule, and there is never a better time to do it than the off-season. Set a goal now to advance your skills. Subscribe to boating publications and check out the adventure articles. Read the “How To” and maintenance articles. Take classes offered by the United States Power Squadrons or the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Join a boating club and take advantage of their advanced courses. Get your friends to join you.
If your busy schedule interferes with attending regular classes, don’t despair. The United States Power Squadrons and the BoatU.S. Foundation have teamed up to bring you an interactive educational experience completely online. New seminars and courses can be accessed on your PC, laptop, iPad or other tablet, and are designed to expand your horizons by learning new boating skills in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.
Two of the latest offerings are “Partner in Command” and “Boating on Rivers, Locks, and Lakes,” and each cost only $40. The first could be invaluable in the case of an emergency. The first mate should have the confidence and skills to take control of the vessel, should the need arise. In Boating on Rivers, Locks, and Lakes, boaters learn how to read the river, transit locks safely, boat near large ships, and other skills that will make the next inland boating adventure even more fun.
So take advantage of this off-season to get your boat and yourself ready for a better boating experience. These courses are full of vital insight into some tricky boating conditions. Be sure to check out these and other course options at usps.org/edonline to learn more.
Bob Brandenstein, national educational officer of the U.S. Power Squadrons, lives in Pittsburgh, PA, and sails on Lake Erie.