how to boating

Kayaking is the process by which a kayak will be used to move through rivers or lakes. The kayak is a small boat that must be powered by a human. It will have a deck which is covered
and it will also feature a cockpit that is covered as well. A special paddle is used to push it forward
and this boat was first invented by the Inuit and Aleut hunters in the colder regions of North America. A contemporary kayak can come in a wide variety of different styles
and kayaking is a sport which is enjoyed by many people. Research has indicated that the kayak has existed for at least 4
0
years.

Some kayaks can hold a maximum of three people
but they will commonly only seat one or two people. The person will sit in the cockpit facing forward
and the spray skirt will stop water from getting into the craft. While the Aleut or Inuit males would design kayaks to be used for hunting
some kayaks were specifically designed for women. Generally
a kayak will be about 17 fee long
and could be 22 inches wide and 7 inches deep. In the early models
the kayak could almost be compared to an additional layer of clothing. Kayaks are commonly used today by people who practice kayaking.

Kayaking is the process of paddling a kayak on water that is moving. While some people consider it to be a sport
others do it for mere recreation. There are multiple forms of kayaking
and the two most common are Sea kayaking and Whitewater kayaking. While traditional kayaks were made from wood and animal skins
most kayaks today are made from materials such as kevlar or fiberglass. Some people will challenge fast moving rivers by using a kayak to move through certain sections of a river. These trips may last a single day
or could last multiple days. Whitewater Racing is a professional competition in which racers will attempt to use kayaks to outrace each other.

The term creeking is used to describe kayaking in difficult rivers. People who practice creeking can expect to run into slides
waterfalls
and ledges. Slalom is another form of kayaking in which racers will try to get to the bottom of the specific part of a river. Not only must they move quickly
they must also move around gates
and these are poles that have been set up at certain points in the river. Most Slalom races will have over 20 gates on a single course
and they must be properly navigated. Playboating is another variation which places an emphasis on the artistic side of kayaking instead of the speed.

With this style
the participants will generally remain in one portion of the river
and will seek to move from one point to another. However
they will need to work against the power of the river in order to achieve this. Kayaking is a sport that is popular in places that have strong river. However
it can be dangerous
and some participants have died in the most difficult rivers.

Kayaking is the process by which a kayak will be used to move through rivers or lakes. The kayak is a small boat that must be powered by a human. It will have a deck which is covered
and it will also feature a cockpit that is covered as well. A special paddle is used to push it forward
and this boat was first invented by the Inuit and Aleut hunters in the colder regions of North America. A contemporary kayak can come in a wide variety of different styles
and kayaking is a sport which is enjoyed by many people. Research has indicated that the kayak has existed for at least 4
0
years.

Some kayaks can hold a maximum of three people
but they will commonly only seat one or two people. The person will sit in the cockpit facing forward
and the spray skirt will stop water from getting into the craft. While the Aleut or Inuit males would design kayaks to be used for hunting
some kayaks were specifically designed for women. Generally
a kayak will be about 17 fee long
and could be 22 inches wide and 7 inches deep. In the early models
the kayak could almost be compared to an additional layer of clothing. Kayaks are commonly used today by people who practice kayaking.

Kayaking is the process of paddling a kayak on water that is moving. While some people consider it to be a sport
others do it for mere recreation. There are multiple forms of kayaking
and the two most common are Sea kayaking and Whitewater kayaking. While traditional kayaks were made from wood and animal skins
most kayaks today are made from materials such as kevlar or fiberglass. Some people will challenge fast moving rivers by using a kayak to move through certain sections of a river. These trips may last a single day
or could last multiple days. Whitewater Racing is a professional competition in which racers will attempt to use kayaks to outrace each other.

The term creeking is used to describe kayaking in difficult rivers. People who practice creeking can expect to run into slides
waterfalls
and ledges. Slalom is another form of kayaking in which racers will try to get to the bottom of the specific part of a river. Not only must they move quickly
they must also move around gates
and these are poles that have been set up at certain points in the river. Most Slalom races will have over 20 gates on a single course
and they must be properly navigated. Playboating is another variation which places an emphasis on the artistic side of kayaking instead of the speed.

With this style
the participants will generally remain in one portion of the river
and will seek to move from one point to another. However
they will need to work against the power of the river in order to achieve this. Kayaking is a sport that is popular in places that have strong river. However
it can be dangerous
and some participants have died in the most difficult rivers.

Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificate

The International Recreational Crew Certificate is divided into 6 modules
module 2 gets us under way and you will be learn about safety on board a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit
fire extinguishers
flares
life jackets and safety harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable for the varying conditions met while sailing. Seasickness and it's symptoms
cause and prevention. How various equipment works including: battery selector switch
bilge pumps
cabin lights
cooker & butane/propane gas
heads and water pumps together with general housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basic theory of how a diesel engine works and maintenance procedures such as checking the level of the oil
changing the oil
changing filters
ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine and how to change impellors. You will be taught how to keep a good and effective lookout
which should be maintained at all times
while under way. You will take a look at basic navigation
course plotting
nautical charts
safe passage conditions
tides and currents and weather forecasts.

On the practical side
module 3
you will learn how to coil a line and secure it to a cleat
tie a number of knots and use the winches. You will learn how to secure the boat for sea and then how to leave a berth
once under way you will undertake the duties of a lookout
learn how to hoist and set the sails and while helming the boat go through tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boat and go through man overboard recovery drill.

Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance or the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights
shapes
and sound signals. You will look at some more sail handling techniques
there is more work with charts and compass and to conclude you will take a look at marine customs
etiquette and manners.

The next practical module includes safety checks and look at the through hull fittings
engine warning lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You will learn deck seamanship with more docking and mooring routines. More sail work
bending on
hoisting
lowering
reefing mainsails
handling sheets
lines
halyards
outhauls and sail trim. You will learn more skills at the helm
tacking
gybing
sailing a triangular course
sailing a compass course and heaving to.

Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the different types of tenders
engines
spares and maintenance and safety equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row
how to move under power
launch and recover and transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. At the of this course you will be a useful crew member on any small yacht.

The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is a stand alone module. You will learn how to operate a radio including emergency calls
calling ship to ship
ship to shore
the types of marine radios available and the regulations governing it's use. An examination concludes the course.

The next 5 modules are the International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate

Number 8 is theoretical and looks at the responsibilities of a watchkeeper
charts and chartwork
the compass
magnetism and concludes with a look at buoys and marks.

The next practical module concentrates on safety including a briefing that should be given to crew members when they join the vessel and looks at the galley area which if not used correctly can be a danger to all those on board. The rest of the section is devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills learnt in the International Recreational Crew Certificate course.

Back to theory in the next module with a look at basic first aid. More work is done with the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally you will take a further look at marine customs
manners and today's ever increasing legal requirements.

In module 11
the next practical stage you will prepare a passage plan
and while undertaking a short passage work still further on boat handling skills.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.

You have now reached a level that entitles you to the International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels are required to hold this by some European countries. I have never been asked for mine by the authorities and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested that some companies require it prior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have not come across this in practise.

The next three modules make up the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at taking over a vessel and the necessary checks on hull and rig
machinery and systems
instruments
safety equipment
spares
tools
fuel
water and provisions. It looks at tides and currents and what causes them. You will learn how to use tide tables and gain an understanding primary and secondary ports. There is some more chartwork that includes position fixing and plotting a course to steer to counteract a current. The section concludes with a look at the responsibilities of the Skipper
their communication with and delegation to the crew.

On the practical side you will develop sailing skills with more general deck work
ropes
knots
splices
the care and use of lines. There is more vessel handling work including anchoring
berthing
mooring
handling in confined areas and handling with currents.

This section concludes with module 16 and includes a look at the weather and sources of weather information
personal observations
weather patterns
land and sea breezes
the different cloud formations
rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in depth look at passage planning including pilot books
almanacs
considerations for passage planning
coastal passages
passage strategy
port regulations
pilotage plans. Finally you will take a further look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained

Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificate

The International Recreational Crew Certificate is divided into 6 modules
module 2 gets us under way and you will be learn about safety on board a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit
fire extinguishers
flares
life jackets and safety harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable for the varying conditions met while sailing. Seasickness and it's symptoms
cause and prevention. How various equipment works including: battery selector switch
bilge pumps
cabin lights
cooker & butane/propane gas
heads and water pumps together with general housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basic theory of how a diesel engine works and maintenance procedures such as checking the level of the oil
changing the oil
changing filters
ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine and how to change impellors. You will be taught how to keep a good and effective lookout
which should be maintained at all times
while under way. You will take a look at basic navigation
course plotting
nautical charts
safe passage conditions
tides and currents and weather forecasts.

On the practical side
module 3
you will learn how to coil a line and secure it to a cleat
tie a number of knots and use the winches. You will learn how to secure the boat for sea and then how to leave a berth
once under way you will undertake the duties of a lookout
learn how to hoist and set the sails and while helming the boat go through tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boat and go through man overboard recovery drill.

Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance or the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights
shapes
and sound signals. You will look at some more sail handling techniques
there is more work with charts and compass and to conclude you will take a look at marine customs
etiquette and manners.

The next practical module includes safety checks and look at the through hull fittings
engine warning lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You will learn deck seamanship with more docking and mooring routines. More sail work
bending on
hoisting
lowering
reefing mainsails
handling sheets
lines
halyards
outhauls and sail trim. You will learn more skills at the helm
tacking
gybing
sailing a triangular course
sailing a compass course and heaving to.

Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the different types of tenders
engines
spares and maintenance and safety equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row
how to move under power
launch and recover and transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. At the of this course you will be a useful crew member on any small yacht.

The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is a stand alone module. You will learn how to operate a radio including emergency calls
calling ship to ship
ship to shore
the types of marine radios available and the regulations governing it's use. An examination concludes the course.

The next 5 modules are the International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate

Number 8 is theoretical and looks at the responsibilities of a watchkeeper
charts and chartwork
the compass
magnetism and concludes with a look at buoys and marks.

The next practical module concentrates on safety including a briefing that should be given to crew members when they join the vessel and looks at the galley area which if not used correctly can be a danger to all those on board. The rest of the section is devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills learnt in the International Recreational Crew Certificate course.

Back to theory in the next module with a look at basic first aid. More work is done with the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally you will take a further look at marine customs
manners and today's ever increasing legal requirements.

In module 11
the next practical stage you will prepare a passage plan
and while undertaking a short passage work still further on boat handling skills.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.

You have now reached a level that entitles you to the International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels are required to hold this by some European countries. I have never been asked for mine by the authorities and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested that some companies require it prior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have not come across this in practise.

The next three modules make up the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at taking over a vessel and the necessary checks on hull and rig
machinery and systems
instruments
safety equipment
spares
tools
fuel
water and provisions. It looks at tides and currents and what causes them. You will learn how to use tide tables and gain an understanding primary and secondary ports. There is some more chartwork that includes position fixing and plotting a course to steer to counteract a current. The section concludes with a look at the responsibilities of the Skipper
their communication with and delegation to the crew.

On the practical side you will develop sailing skills with more general deck work
ropes
knots
splices
the care and use of lines. There is more vessel handling work including anchoring
berthing
mooring
handling in confined areas and handling with currents.

This section concludes with module 16 and includes a look at the weather and sources of weather information
personal observations
weather patterns
land and sea breezes
the different cloud formations
rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in depth look at passage planning including pilot books
almanacs
considerations for passage planning
coastal passages
passage strategy
port regulations
pilotage plans. Finally you will take a further look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance.

This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained

Launching your boat will become a simple task with a little practice. However
if you are new to boating you might want to hitch up your boat trailer and head to an empty parking lot to gain some practice. I don’t recommend arriving at the boat ramp and attempting to launch your boat before you know how to reverse a trailer.

So
let’s look at some of the principles of reversing a trailer …

Start with your vehicle and the trailer as straight as possible and about a trailer’s length from the area into which you want to reverse. Watch the trailer out of the driver’s window while reversing slowly
and start turning the steering wheel to the right. Be gentle with the steering – it is easier to add more steering than to correct it too much. Some guides to reversing suggest grasping the steering wheel at the very bottom. This should prevent you from over-turning the wheel and if your steering wheel is in a straight position to start with
you will know throughout the reversing maneuver
without having to look
that at the lowest point your steering wheel is again straight.

As soon as the trailer starts to turn you can begin straightening up while still reversing. Don’t leave straightening up too late or the trailer will jackknife.

Eventually you begin steering in the other direction while still reversing. Bring the vehicle’s nose around to follow the trailer and keep an eye on where the trailer is in case it needs correction.

Continue to reverse in a straight line using the side mirrors. Reverse slowly and carefully. When more of the trailer appears in one mirror
steer towards that mirror to start the trailer going the other way. Remember that a correction only requires a small steering movement.

Pulling forward to straighten the trailer is often an easy option before continuing to reverse.

Once you are able to back up a few hundred feet without jackknifing your trailer or rear-ending anything you are probably ready to launch your boat at a boat ramp. If possible
select a quiet weekday morning for your first launch.

The first rule when launching a boat is being prepared before you pull onto the launching ramp. That means having all your gear safely stowed
the boat key in the ignition
the boat drain plug in
the tie-down straps off
the trailer lights disconnected and a safety line connected to the boat's bow. It can be very frustrating watching someone loading fishing or picnic gear into their boat or apply sunscreen to their kids while their boat is parked on the launch ramp!

Keep the trailer's winch strap and safety chain connected until you reach the water's edge. It will only take a few seconds to disconnect them prior to launching.

Back the boat down the launch ramp and stop before the stern of the boat hangs over the water. Unlock the winch strap and remove pins or other devices used to prevent the outboard motor from tipping down. Now back the boat down until the trailer wheels are submerged.

When the boat is ready to float off the trailer
have your boating buddy hold the bowline or tie the line to your vehicle or winch handle.

Once the boat has floated free of the trailer either beach the boat or tie it off to the dock with the bowline. A confident boater will have someone start the motor and move the boat away from the dock until the driver has parked the vehicle and is ready to board.

Either way
try to launch quickly as a courtesy to your fellow boaters.

The same rules apply when putting your boat back onto the trailer
but there are a few hazards you should be aware of
especially if you're tired or feeling rushed.

When you tie up at the dock
have your vehicle keys in your pocket
retrieve your vehicle and claim a spot in line.

Before you pull your boat out of the water ensure the engine has been tilted up.

Many launching problems will be avoided by making sure everything on your boat is in working order before you leave home!

Have you ever enjoyed the pleasure of spending an afternoon boating on a lake or an ocean? If so
then you know how fun boating can be. You know that there is nothing quite like the feeling of being on the water and enjoying time in beautiful weather.

Boating is a great activity for many reasons. First
it is great because it allows people to be outside in the beauty of nature. There is no better way to spend a spring
summer or warm fall day than boating. Not only do you get to be outside
but you also get to enjoy being in and on the water. Boating enables you to enjoy the warmth and the sun. It is necessary and helpful for people to get outside and boating is one of the best ways to do that.

Boating also provides time for family and friends to gather and enjoy the company of one another. Busy families can get away from the rush of work and activities and enjoy a quiet day away from all distractions. Boating can be a perfect activity that combines rest
beauty and fun. Friends can come together for a day or a weekend and enjoy renewed friendship and conversation during a special boating trip.

A great thing about boating is that it includes several different ways to have fun. Boating allows you to enjoy the quiet and peace of anchoring at a spot on the water or you can enjoy the wind in your face as you speed from one side of the water to another. For many people
boating also means swimming
tubing
and even waterskiing. Once you are out on the water there are so many ways to enjoy the day. You can anchor the boat and spend hour after hour jumping into the water and swimming. More adventurous people will want to try out a tube or a waterski to enjoy boating even more. Some will love the thrill of watching the tubers or the waterskiers from the safety of the boat. Whatever water activities sound fun to you
boating is a great way to enjoy them all.

If you have never learned how to handle a boat you can take lessons and learn how to lead your friends or family in a boating adventure. If you do not own a boat and are not sure if purchasing one is right for you
look for a family member or friend to lend you theirs for a weekend boating excusion. In no time you will be so excited about boating that you will want to purchase your own. Your family and friends will look to you to provide the endless hours of outdoor fun that
boating is sure to provide.

Boating is a great adventure on any type of boat and is being enjoyed by many on a daily basis
but with that comes a great responsibility. It is not mandatory to do a boating course at this time but there are some very good reasons to get your self informed about the rules of the road.

1) You will learn about safety equipment and what you are required to have on your boat before you undertake any boating excursion. This is very important because what you don’t have with you could make the difference between being able to handle a situation or not. Also
that outing for the day could cost you if the sheriff stops you to spot check your boat and fines you for not having all the safety equipment required for your specific boat.

2) You will learn that driving a boat is vastly different from driving a car. You are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a boat you may think that it is easy
until that is
the current is pulling you in the opposite direction that you want to go. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to dock your boat.

3) Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of boating. You have to be able to secure a boat properly. If your boat gets away
it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach and you will probably require the assistance of another boater to help you get to it. So learn your knots.

4) You will learn what the channel markers mean. We learned the hard way the first time we went out on a boat and ran aground outside the markers. We also had no clue what the red and green markers meant on the poles. This you also learn on the course.

5) There are speed limits on certain water ways but unlike the roads
they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.

6) Using charts for coastal navigation can be a life saver. It’s your road map that helps you stay away from the shallows and shows where all the markers and bridges are
and by using measurements you can calculate the distance and time it will take to get somewhere. It can be valuable tool for navigation.

7) Just like on the roads
there is the right of way. On a boating course you will learn who has the right of way and why.

8) Every boat should have a horn. You may hear one long toot or 2 short toot and so on
and you’ll learn what they mean.

9) There are boating regulations and laws that must be followed by all boaters
for example
(and I have seen this rule broken so many times) you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the boat with your feet hanging over board. There are many more regulations to learn and not knowing them can cost you.

10) Anchoring a boat is not just a matter of plopping it down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your boat. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra insurance of knowing your boat is going nowhere until you want to move it.

There are different ways to enjoy pleasure boating such as the fast pace of ski boating or the slow pace of a trawler
kayaking or canoeing. In whatever way you want to do it
it is a good idea to know the rules of the road. Then you can avoid potential situations and get on with the fun of being out there with all that sky
sun
water
family and friends.

Enjoy!