Boating has steadily become popular through the years. It offers fun and lots of activities for families, friends or even when you’re alone.
Boating sales have steadily increased since the pandemic as people want to spend more time outside without compromising social distancing. Boating provided much-needed refreshment after the long home confinement everyone experienced.
As boating became a trend, many boat stores emerged to satisfy customer needs, leading to subpar quality checks on boats and equipment. To avoid this, it is always best to buy from legitimate boating stores that ensure top-grade inspection and quality control of all products. You can visit takacatamericas.com to find the best boat for your next adventure.
Whether seasoned boaters or beginners, we all have reasons why we want to experience this adventure. Some of them are the following.
1. Family Tradition
Only a few activities bring families together the way boating does. It is a way to get kids away from their digital devices. They’ll be out into the world, where they can do onboard jobs such as handling a line or trimming a sail. The kids will learn teamwork and a little bit of geography, too, while adults will have the chance to strengthen bonds in a fun environment.
2. Exercise
We all need to exercise more, and getting that out on a boat in the fresh air and sunshine is much more fun than running on a treadmill. Various activities like wake surfing, tubing, wakeboarding, or even just balancing your body to move around a boat as it manoeuvres through the water. You’ll use muscles you forgot you had and have fun doing it.
3. As a skill update
No matter how long you’ve been boating, there’s always something new to learn on the water. From boat handling and course-plotting to reading the water around a busy inlet, cruising on a boat always teaches something new. In addition, the latest technology applied to boating equipment and the most recent gadgets on the market adds to boating fun.
4. Provides space for self-reflection and deeper perspective
Cruising the coastline can introduce you to another version of your world. Seeing and experiencing a town from the water is innately different from experiencing it on land. Approaching a coastline from the water opens your mind to new ways of thinking about a location.
5. Better boats are now available
The recent advancements that boat builders have made would have been unimaginable to older generations of boaters. Today’s boats have helm systems that make it easier to dock. Today’s ships have safety and communications features that make it easier than ever to get help. And today’s boats feature comforts that make being on the water feel like being at home. Some boats are even built with magnets on the tables and unique drinkware to keep frosty beverages from spilling.
America comprises thousands of lakes and more than 95,000 miles of shoreline to explore, and some are wondering where to begin. To finally take that boating vacation you’ve been dreaming about, here are some locations you’ll want to try.
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is an ideal spot to go boating, and you can dock locally and stroll about the charming town. Top-notch seafood restaurants are also right around every corner for everyone to enjoy. It is also close to Acadia National Park, which means you can explore for days. It’s also worth a return visit when the foliage is spectacular in the fall.
2. St. John’s River, Florida
Head south to St. John’s River for a serene experience. This is the longest river that begins and ends in Florida. The watercourse stretches 310 miles and offers crystal-clear freshwater springs, wildlife, and sprawling trees. Just keep an eye out for alligators.
3. Lake George, New York
Lake George is nicknamed “Queen of American Lakes”. It is the most accessible simply because of how much land it encompasses. It is located at the southeast base of the Adirondacks. It’s the largest lake in the area, containing more than 30 miles of shoreline.
4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks is certainly big enough to fit everyone interested in visiting, with more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, and it’s even regarded as the “Midwest Coast.” If you want to explore on land, you can also hike through Ozark National Forest and bike through the area’s extensive network of trails.
5. Lake Tahoe, California
If it’s the raw natural beauty you’re after, look no further than Lake Tahoe in California. Though chilly due to its location at 6,225 feet above sea level, the lake is a true boater’s paradise with its pristine water. The view of the Sierra Nevada mountains makes the experience more unique.
6. Lake Travis, Texas
Lake Travis has some of the best sunsets of a lake in America. The dark blue water offsets the colours, creating a captivating spectacle. The 65-mile-long lake offers plenty of daytime recreational activities like a water pub crawl, waterpark, and ziplining.
7. Leech Lake, Minnesota
It is the third largest lake within Minnesota’s border, with 112,000 acres. The massive lake comprises several bays to find your little pocket of paradise. It is most famous for Walleye and Muskie fishing and is also a tremendous fishery for sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northerns, and Crappies.
8. Mackinac Island, Michigan
They are widely known for being an island banning motor vehicles; thus, modes of travel on land are bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Aside from that, their fudge is popular with its lengthy historical background. In addition, you can get out on the water and enjoy the beauty of Mackinac Island from lake level in a kayak, sailboat, or sunset cruise under the Mackinac Bridge. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can get up high above the water and go parasailing.
9. Morehead City, North Carolina
You can also head out to Morehead City in North Carolina. It’s a great spot for boaters and those looking to do a bit of diving and sport fishing for its incredibly clear water. As a bonus, the port town offers plenty to do once the sun goes down if you’re willing to get off the dock.
10. San Juan Islands, Washington
Wildlife lovers have a place for themselves on the waters around the San Juan Islands in Washington. It’s also home to plenty of marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and seals, so expect a few boat-side visitors along the way.
