11 Common Sense Boating Tips for Beginners

Row, row, row your boat...

Gently down the stream...

Well, that sounds easy enough. How hard can it be to row gently down a stream with your small boat paddle in hand?

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily...

Life is but a dream…

The whole "merrily" and "but a dream" thing starts to seem more difficult to achieve as you tussle with your boat.

As you hum this age-old nursery rhyme, you can picture yourself gliding down the calm waters of an inland stream, the wind blowing in your face, the palm fronds swaying in the wind with a clear blue sky in the background and puffy clouds floating past.

But if you're unprepared, your actual boating adventures can be much different.

Boating of any kind is an exercise that requires proper training, navigational skills and experience to make it worthwhile.

You have to combine physical fitness with analytical skills and also a bit of technical knowledge to make boating a pleasurable experience. With this in mind, here are some vital tips that help beginners take their boating trips to the next level.

1. Train first

You have to start somewhere, right?

Proper boating is next to impossible without prior training. It's just not an exercise that any amateur can undertake. You might be thinking that this isn't completely true. After all, how do people usually go about getting started?

Most people don't jump into a boat and take off with zero knowledge. If anything, they start with a boater-friend, guide or instructor.

Nowadays, finding someone to help you out as a beginner boater is all too easy. Just start by scouring the internet for where to learn the basics of boating. That's how you ended up here, isn't it?

A quick search will show you what establishments are available in your immediate area. There may be boating clubs, marine organizations or groups of boating enthusiasts who provide such training and support. The internet will guide you to them.

If you live somewhere close to a large water body, chances are you'll find a boating club or Meetup group with suitable vessels to train in.

The ideal thing to do is to hit the water to learn. And it doesn't matter what type of water you're hitting, whether it be a sheltered bay, a local reservoir, a lake or even the ocean.

You'll be taught the basics of boating and the specific type of boating you're looking to take up, things like terminology, wind awareness, special skills like steering, knot tying, rigging, preparing boats, safety, equipment use, gybing, downwind sailing, tacking, upwind sailing, recovery of persons overboard and much more.

After the initial training, look into your state's boater education card. Many states require one before you can operate a motorboat, depending on your age and the type of boat.

On a local scale, requirements for boater education vary from state to state, often including the completion of at least one course on boating safety. You should have plenty of options though, as online or local community courses can educate you on the basics of the process.

Don't worry, it's not rocket science. You don't have to be Michael Scofield from Prison Break to figure it out. You aren't breaking out of Fox River State Penitentiary (Well, I hope you're not).

2. Get your license and registration

This is vital.

Consider what type of boating you'll be doing and where you'll be doing it. Then, ask around or do some research to find out what's required for this to happen.

In the US, most motorized boats must be registered with your state, and your registration numbers and decal have to be displayed on the bow. Requirements and fees vary by state, boat length and engine type, so check with your state's boating agency, usually the wildlife or natural resources department.

Many states also require operators to carry a boater education card, which you earn by passing an approved boating safety course. Many of these courses can be completed online.

Registration fees typically help fund waterway upkeep, boat ramps and boating safety programs.

Keeping your boat at a slip, mooring or lift when it is not in use comes with its own fees and rules, which vary by marina and location.

Do the research on these boating tips for beginners and figure this stuff out before you begin boating rather than regretting it later.

3. Get to know your boating gadgets

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After all, your boat is a mechanical device. Even the smallest and simplest boat will be somewhat gadget-dependent so it can operate smoothly. Therefore, it's imperative to be knowledgeable about navigation, safety and fishing gadgets.

Technology has made it possible to have some very sophisticated navigational tools on board, such as gyro stabilizers, magnetic compasses, radars, autopilot systems, an Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), automatic tracking aids, depth sounders, automatic identification systems, GPS receivers, navigational lights, pilot cards and ship flags, to name a few. The list goes on.

Safety equipment includes lifejackets, anchor and line/chain, auto and manual bilge pumps, indicating compasses, smoking orange and red distress flares, fire extinguishers, electronic or paper maps/charts for areas of operation, paddles, oars, rowlocks, air horns for marine safety signaling, potable water, floating waterproof torches and a well-maintained marine radio.

You might have equipped your fishing boat with a fish finder, color chartplotter, multi-beam sonar and all-weather fishing gear.

It doesn't matter what your setup is like. Make sure you're familiar with everything on your boat.

The ocean can be a great big playground if you know where you are, but realizing that you're lost can be terrifying.

Know your sailing GPS unit inside and out, pay attention to landmarks and always keep a watch on your headings.

Charge your VHF and ensure all of your safety and monitoring equipment is calibrated and ready for action. That includes your ship's airhorn.

4. Check the skies before setting sail

Checking the weather immediately before boating is critical.

Weather changes are highly unpredictable and an unexpected storm can catch you off guard. For beginners in particular, a sudden squall may prove dangerous.

Check the weather early and often, and don't be scared to cancel a planned voyage. This has little to do with clothing/sunshine and everything to do with the safety of yourself and your crew.

You'll be happier (and safer) staying ashore and wishing you had gone than you would be taking the trip and wishing that you had stayed.

Another great boating tip that I don't see utilized often is to know the timing of the tides. Technology is a boon that means you don't need to be an old salt to know when an inlet is safe or not.

Running aground does not make for a fun outing. There's no excuse, as a quick Google search will detail all that you need to know.

5. Make a checklist

Don't sit around on the boat ramp squinting at the sky to check the weather or rummaging around in your boat for items.

Boat traffic can build up, and you'll be called names you don't want to be called. At the very least, you'll frustrate many people or have fellow boaters looking at you like you don't know what you're doing.

Prepare well in advance of launch.

Maintain a pre-departure checklist so that you're prepared for any on-water possibility. The checklist will ensure that no precautions or safety rules are overlooked.

For example, your checklist can remind you to bring food, water, a flashlight and first aid items on board.

I use my smartphone for this. You don't need another item to carry. Skip the clipboard and check off a checklist on your smartphone.

Keeping a sailing log is a fantastic boating tip for beginners. It keeps important trip details in one place. A ship's log serves as a fuel record, maintenance schedule and itinerary.

You can make notes about the times for high and low tide that you Googled earlier. Additionally, your log can also act as a sailing journal. There are many tiny details about every single adventure that might be difficult to remember otherwise. It is useful to have it all written down.

6. Dress appropriately

Since boating is essentially outdoor exercise, dress appropriately to tackle changes in weather conditions both on land and off.

Prepare for your own body's needs. Dressing in layers is advisable so that you can take off a sweatshirt if it gets too warm. I know, you're thinking that you probably don't need to bring any extra layers, especially if you'll be boating during the day in the summertime, unless you're thinking of Lake Tahoe. That lake is cold.

I normally have a sweatshirt with me no matter what when I go out on the water. What if it starts to get chillier than you thought? Or you don't make it back before the sun goes down and that cool evening breeze starts giving you goosebumps?

Apart from that, valuables like keys, cell phones and wallets may get wet or fall into the water, so keep them secured to something or stowed away in waterproof storage.

7. Float plan

Before you leave, keep a float plan on the shore so that, should something go wrong on the water, somebody onshore would know where and when to go looking for you. Download the USCG float plan template for guidance.

A float plan has saved many lives in the past by bringing back missing boaters, and thus, it is of great importance. You don't want to end up doing what Aron Ralston did, having to make an excruciating escape plan because nobody knows where you are or what could've happened to you.

A sailing float plan includes a description of your boat, who's on board, a description of the safety equipment you're carrying, where you expect to be and when you expect to be there.

If you don't arrive by a specified time, your float plan can advise others of what actions they need to take.

8. Never forget your life jacket

You might think this is more applicable to those who don't know how to swim, but life jackets are meant for everyone aboard, including strong swimmers.

In the summer, wearing a life jacket may be uncomfortable, making you feel less intrepid and stylish. Nothing is more important than your life. Your safety at any cost comes first. When boating with anyone else, particularly someone who can't swim, you need to be extra careful.

Even if you swim well, wear your life jacket. It is important on a quiet lake as well as on a fast-moving river or an ocean with huge swells.

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When you're shopping for a life jacket, pick one that you actually like. You'll be much more inclined to wear it everywhere.

9. Have a first aid kit

Boating can be hazardous (just watch the show Deadliest Catch).

A sudden wave may cause you to lurch forward and fall, injuring yourself. You might cut your hand on something in the boat. You might get a terrible sunburn or even sun poisoning.

Since no immediate medical aid or doctor will be available, keeping a first aid box handy is a must. That way, you can treat yourself or someone else, at least for the time being before you get back ashore.

Without a doubt, you're going to need protection from the sun. This applies especially on the water because you're getting hit with UV from two directions at once. The most obvious rays are coming directly from the sun, but UV rays reflected from the water can cause a sunburn just as quickly.

For compatible seats, consoles, vinyl, finished leather, plastic, fiberglass, and gelcoat, use our boat cleaner wipes with UV protectant to remove dirt and grime while leaving behind UV protectant.

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10. Don't leave without your toolbox

Anyone less than handy might be rolling their eyes right now. But I'm serious. Educate yourself so that you can handle minor technical or mechanical problems while on the water.

This may range from cleaning a choked spark plug to insignificant engine trouble. Even small glitches can require having a toolbox on hand. Being prepared can prevent you from being stuck out there for hours on end before help arrives.

So, have the appropriate spare parts (small parts, yes, I know that there isn't always too much extra room in a boat) and basic tools available to fix minor problems yourself.

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11. Rely on common sense

Common sense is essential to boating. You should trust what you've learned throughout your life and your beginner boater training.

Follow the rules and your gut. This means maintaining a safe speed, staying alert to buoys and avoiding large vessels that have limited ability to turn or stop (though you won't see this in a lake unless you're in one of the Great Lakes or in a major river).

Designate someone who's familiar with all aspects of boat operations, handling and general safety to take over during an emergency and to steer the boat back to shore.

Avoid alcohol when operating a boat. Its impairing effects are enhanced by the wind and sun.

Learn to swim well before you get into boating.

When you're just starting out, find ideal boating destinations, like lakes that are easily accessible and offer calm waters, extended shorelines, no current and peace of mind.

Now that you've got these boating tips for beginner boaters under your belt, it's time to seize some opportunities for fun and adventure. Get out on the water and have some fun.

"One hand for you, one hand for the boat." This simple phrase has stood the test of time for good reason. Regardless of the weather, always keep one hand on the boat.

This is a great boating tip for beginners and everyone else. Keeping yourself upright is necessary and it isn't easy on the water. One tumble is all it takes for an unwanted dip in the big blue.

Practice builds familiarity, and running drills isn't only for school kids and firemen. If you have a smaller sailboat, you should attempt to practice capsizing and righting it in a controlled environment. If a similar situation ever presents itself, your muscle memory can help you respond. Practicing like this can improve emergency readiness.

Some sailors will guard their nautical secrets closely, but the vast majority are more than willing to share what they've learned. Find one of the friendlier groups and stick with them. The only thing that's more enjoyable than boating is doing so with good friends.

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