Plan Your Boating Season
Who Says You Can’t Take It With You… Ideas for a great day of boating
Who Says You Can’t Take It With You… Ideas for a great day of boating
By Allegra Smith-Herriott
The spring thaw out brings both excitement and the typical pre-season work as the shrink-wrap comes off and the boats come out of storage. It also creates an ever-growing amount of to-do lists from packing and provisioning to quick fixes and long-term projects. It’s important to add some fun into the mix by planning your summer adventures.
The Canadian Yachting team has put together lists of essential items including delicious snacks, fashion tips, new toys and water sports gear, safety resources and our very own Canadian Yachting playlist! We hope these bring you inspiration and excitement as we head out onto the water this season. Enjoy!
Don’t Forget the Tunes!
The Canadian Yachting team has curated the perfect summer playlist. Whether you’re a boomer, millennial, gen z, and/or anywhere in between, this playlist is bound to get your Body Movin’!
Scan the QR codes below to find the rest of our summer sounds playlist on Apple Music and Spotify!
- I Was On a Boat That Day – Old Dominion
- Saltwater – Geowulf
- Jamming – Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Knee Deep – Zac Brown Band feat. Jimmy Buffett
- All Summer Long – Kid Rock
- O.B. – Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
- The Sound Of Sunshine – Michael Franti & Spearhead
- Island In the Sun – Weezer
- Sheesh! – Surfaces & Tai Verdes
- Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
SCAN to listen to the Canadian Yachting Summer Sounds playlist!
Apple Music link:
https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/canadian-yachting-summer-sounds/pl.u-gxblNXls5mA4NAA
Spotify link:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63UiD9fEpXcZdJrivhB1jM?si=a2e77b9283784a7a
Enhance Your Wardrobe / Upgrade Your Wardrobe / What to Wear?
Make sure you’re prepared for any type of weather as the skies can change suddenly. Here’s a list of clothing items to consider bringing with you or having on board this season.
- Foul weather gear
- An everyday waterproof windbreaker
- A good pair of sunglasses from Bollé
- Boating shoes for onboard use and a good pair of sandals and running shoes for spontaneous land excursions
- UV protection clothing items are typically lightweight and great for hot and sunny days on the water
- A changing poncho from Slowtide is a fun addition to keep you warm and dry!
Summer Snacking
Food is one of the most important elements for a great day out on the water. No one wants to go hungry! Here’s a list of simple and delicious ideas that are easy to prep and limit the number of bags and coolers to bring onboard.
- Breakfast:
- Fresh fruit, homemade muffins, granola bars or yogurt parfaits
- Easy and tasty grab-and-go pastries from a local bakery, café or grocery store
- Lunch:
- Premade sandwiches, wraps and salads – don’t forget the potato chips to put on your sandwiches!
- Snacks:
- Prepared veggies with homemade or store-bought dips like hummus
- Charcuterie board with meat, cheese, crackers, nuts and grapes
- If you have a freezer, try out frozen grapes. Nature’s candy on hot summer days!
- Don’t forget a good cooler and wicker basket filled with accessories like reusable cutlery and utensils, plates, napkins and cups for those ever-important refreshments!
Practice Preparedness / Be Prepared
Good tunes, snacks and a well-thought-out wardrobe are all key elements for a day out on the water but being prepared is just as important. Here’s a list of essential tips and resources to take with you.
- Float Plan:
- Playsafe Productions recommends making a Float Plan every time you go out on the water. It can be as simple as telling your loved one what time you’ll be back.
- what3words:
- A new app for navigation, safety and emergencies, scan the QR code to learn more.
- Gear:
- Make sure all your gear is onboard, up to date and compliant based on the size of your vessel. PFDs, updated flares and fire extinguishers and a first aid kit are all important.
- Knowledge:
- Documentation should be on board like your Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card and insurance.
- CPS-EPC, C-Tow, Dock Links, Nauticed.org and the AGCLA are all organizations with great resources like memberships and educational courses.
- Navigation:
- Don’t forget a GPS alongside nautical charts – both are important to have.
- PORTS Cruising Guides, Atlantic Canada and Pacific Coast Cruising Guides are great for destination ideas.
Fun in the Sun!
Make sure your toy locker is well stocked with our list of noteworthy toys and gear to get you excited for the summer. Be prepared for some major fun!
- Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board from Red Paddle Co
- Towable from WOW Water Sports
- Wake Surfboard from Kanuk Board Co
- Sunscreen: Consider a mineral-based sunscreen that is environmentally friendly. Sun Bum and Harken Derm provide fantastic reef-safe options. Any zinc-based sunscreen will benefit the environment and your skin.
- Sunshades provide extra sun protection. SureShade has a system option to install onto boats or there are sail-like shades for easy hook-up.
- Beach towels, woven and quick-dry towels from Slowtide
- Tow rope
- Dry bag
