Boat Detailing: Your Questions Answered!

Floating along on your boat with your family members is enjoyable for loved ones all ages, even if you’re just bonding under the sun and enjoying each other’s company. That being said, there are days when the kids are restless and you’re looking for a little something extra to keep them entertained. When that happens, we’ve got 5 awesome aquatic adventures for you to consider before your next boating trip. So buckle on your life jacket, lather on some sunscreen, and get ready for fun!

Fishing

For a bit of relaxing fun, try fishing together. Just anchor your boat and let the day float by as you wait for a nibble at the end of your line. Though the kids might feel impatient at first, the waiting game makes it even more fun when you actually get a bite!

If you have teenagers who aren’t squeamish or afraid of getting dirty, you can even prepare certain kinds of fish for dinner. But scaling and gutting isn’t for the faint of heart, so make sure you watch a YouTube tutorial first and make sure everyone up for the challenge.

Picnic

Of course you’ll have food when you go out on the lake, but you can make it a special occasion by really going all out on food prep! Take them to the grocery store and let them pick out the fruit and treats you bring aboard. You can even let the kids join in and make their own food (with some supervision!). Store it all in a basket and bring a blanket to spread out on the deck for a unique boating picnic.

Kayaking

While kayaking is probably the most strenuous activity on the list, sporty families will love the feeling of gliding along the lake with every stroke of a paddle. You can rent kayaks at most lakes, a larger one you can share with your child, or a small kayak for an older kid you trust to be independent. Beware: your arms will feel like jello the next day!

Jet Skiing

As a parent, you might be shaking your head at the idea of your kid on a jet ski. Yes, they are fast and should be handled responsibly. The age restrictions on jet skis here in North Carolina are strict enough to prevent any immature drivers from being at risk on the water:

–  No one under the age of 14 may operate a jet ski, period.
–  Children between the ages of 14 and 15 may only operate a jet ski if they are accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
–  Ages 16 and up can operate a jet ski assuming they follow all posted signs and local speed limits.

Essentially, if your child is old enough to drive unsupervised, they’re old enough to operate a jet ski. Seems fair, right?

Children under the age of 14 can accompany adults 18 years or older. Always make sure your child is wearing a well-fitted life jacket when they get on a jet ski. Drive slow and increase speed as your child gets older. It’s usually safest to have small children sit between two grown adults on a larger jet ski to protect them against the chance of falling off.

Tubing

Try towing your kids along in an inner tube for a fun water sport. They’ll scream with joy flying along behind you. Never let your kids go tubing without a life vest, and be sure they’re strong enough swimmers to confidently stay afloat when they fall into the water.

A note of caution: Don’t forget your safe boating practices just for the sake of the game. Yes, you want to make it fun for the kids, but you should still be conscious of other boaters and swimmers on the water.