This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Did you know that 88% of American parents feel that their kids need to get more involved in outdoor activities this summer, according to a Discover Boating Survey by Wakefield Research? I know I feel that way about my sons. It isn’t like it was when I was a kid. We were outside all summer long, just running around and exploring. Left to their own decisions, my kids would spend the majority of the summer in front of a screen. That was before boating became part of my son’s life.
Even though we didn’t own a boat, my father would recount stories of his sailing life to my sons. Whenever we had a chance, he would rent a boat and get them out on the water. Renting a boat is easier than you think. There are many places around to do it and you don’t need a lot of training to drive a power boat. Find a place to rent boats near you.
I would also tell my sons stories about my time on the water. I don’t sail myself, but love the peace and relaxation I find on a sailboat. Much of my time as a teenager was spent on the bow of my dad’s boat reading and sunning myself. I would actually chose to do that over being out with my friends. It may be part of why my dad and I are still so close. (You can read more about that here.) Time together on the water is an opportunity to talk and connect with each other.
In the Discover Boating Survey they also found that 82% of Americans say being around water is relaxing. I know that is true for my son and I. We are both high energy people and it calms us down.
Boating also leads to other healthy habits. I started SCUBA diving in Catalina Island, California off of my dad’s boat. This was a fabulous way to stay fit for me as a teen.
Are you looking for a great summer camp ideas? Three years ago my son and his cousin started summer sailing camp through our local marina. Instead of playing video games, he is excited to get out and spend each week day on the water. Now that he has been sailing for a few years, this year he gets to start racing!
Click here to find a sailing camp near you. They offer adult lessons too!
We found him an inexpensive Opti and he is so excited to have his first boat. He is working hard on it and earning extra money to make it look especially nice.
Boating is very accessible. For under $1,500, he has a boat that will last him for the next few years, which I will then resell. According to a survey by the Marine Manufacturers Association ninety-five percent of boats on the water (powerboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats) in the U.S. are small in size, measuring less than 26 feet in length—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways and boating is a predominately “middle-class” hobby. Search for a boat that is right for you.
My older son is in high school. It is so important to have a way to find your tribe in high school. Boating will provide that for my sailing son, as his experience will allow him to join our high school’s sailing team. Next year he will be old enough to join Sea Scouts, which he is very excited about.
My dad came to visit and we are took the opportunity to get out on the water once again.
Three generations bonding over a shared love.
Read on for more of my articles about boating, including Taking a Boating Staycation, 7 Ways to Explore New England by Boat and Start Them Early: Sail Together.
Or visit Discover Boating to get all your boating-related questions answered.
Please let me know in the comments about the positive roll boats have served in your life.