Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Whether setting out for a day, week, or longer, you need a well-stocked first-aid kit on board. Here are the essentials. Words And Photo By Mark Corke Checking life jackets, VHF radio, and flares before setting out for a day on the water should be a standard part of your predeparture checklist. Butyour first-aid kit is likely stowed and forgotten - as it seems you never need it. If setting out for just a few hours, most boaters assumethey're unlikely to suffer amedical emergency. Or they reason... Full story
Big Fish And Big Money Can Come On Crankbaits When water temperatures start to go down and lake levels begin to rise, crankbait time is here again. Fish start moving up and getting a lot more active, and one of the best ways to find them is to start cranking around the same places you found them during the summer, but shallower.Long points that have good drop-offs to deeper water are prime early-fall areas. Fishing Legend Danny Westfall Re: Crankbaits Fishing crankbaits is easy, but still... Full story
Here's how to get boaters to stay and spend. Many waterfront towns don't make it easy for visiting boaters to stay and spend. It's not their fault. Protected, safe harbors as well essential boating services such as fuel, utilities and bathrooms, are beyond the price tag for a local town, marina or boat club budget. However, a federal program first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States in 1998, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, has proven effective in... Full story
Take this four-question true-false quiz; rental beacons available. The proliferation of personal locator beacons (PLBs), whose diminutive size belie their enormous on-water safety advantage, are no longer thought of exotic rescue electronics. "PLBs are user-friendly and easy to maintain, and we are seeing more boaters using them as a mainstream rescue device," said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner. However, do... Full story
Dog overboard! I heard the dreadful splash just seconds after our small dog slipped from the boat into the ocean below. Glancing over the side, I saw our tiny pug furiously doggie-paddling in the dark, cold sea. Kiang was struggling to reach the pier, but the frigid Pacific waters were quickly slowing him down and, despite the warm sun overhead, he was already shivering. Suddenly, a large green fishing net surged through the water, scooping the tired pup from the sea in a frenzy of splashing... 
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How many times do we use the phrase, "Take care" when signing off on texts and emails? We mean this, but it is often just a cursory comment. However, around water, whether boating, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying, the message needs to be powerful and at the fore of our thoughts. "Safety First" and "Take Care" are not just well wishes. They are life savers. And having pfds for all on board, including our precious pets, is paramount to doing just that: saving lives. That being said, having... Full story
Come To The Fun Side; Come To The Fun Slide H2 Whoa! the world's tallest floating waterslide has opened at Lake Pleasant. At a height of 34 feet "H2 Whoa!" and recently recorded by The Guinness Book of World Records as the Tallest Floating Waterslide, a major new water attraction called "H2 Whoa!" is now open at Lake Pleasant. This mammoth water slide features three launch ramps and a blob jump for even more outrageous thrills.... Website
Gas prices are up. What can boaters do to prepare for a summer of boating? The 800,000-plus member Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has 21 fuel-saving tips boaters can do to help save on fuel and still enjoy a fulfilling season on the water. While some of these techniques may sound obvious, there may be some you never considered. Before Heading Out: 1. Tune your engine now. A once a year for a tune-up and service will help it run more efficiently. 2. Match the boat’s prop to... Full story
This is the time of year when the monsoons hit with a vengeance, and I can't tell you how many times we've been rained out when we are vacationing in Flagstaff. Since we took the granddaughters there almost every year for a week or so of hiking, there were inevitably days when we had to retreat indoors. Storms Brewing? Usually, we were able to get at least one hike in up on the mountain before the storm hit, but not always! Once a huge thunderstorm blew in right while we were riding the ski... Full story
As any owner will attest, fiberglass boats are less than maintenance-free. Instead of waxing decks, hulls and outboards every month or more, savvy boaters use Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating. Its unique formula not only restores a showroom-like shine to older vessels, but offers a level of protection that lasts up to 18 months even in extreme environmental conditions, making it the ideal first project for a new boat. Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating uses nanotechnology. Equally effective on... Full story
PFD Bundles Get People (And Pets) On The Water New boaters and paddlers or those who want to upgrade their safety gear will find it hard to resist Bombora's new Bundles. Centered around its unique inflatable US Coast Guard-approved PFDs, they combine everything needed to get out on the water. Ideal for couples, families of four or those with a canine best friend, they're offered at a 30% discount over separate purchases. Extremely comfortable, the Bombora PFD is worn around the waist and... Full story
Waterfowl and snipe, trapping rules are also on AZGFD's website. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has posted the "2022-2023 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations" at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations. In addition, the "2022-2023 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations" and "2022-2023 Arizona Trapping Regulations" can be found on the department's website. The dove and band-tailed pigeon regulations are produced in a downloadable format that hunters will find handy in the... Full story
Opening day is Thursday, Sept. 1 Arizona’s dove hunters should have no complaints when the 2022 season opens Sept. 1. All signs indicate that there will be birds aplenty, particularly for those hunters who are willing to scout in the mornings and evenings between now and the opener to locate some good hunting spots. Once again, the greatest number of doves — and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat,... Full story
This pontoon boat at Lake Pleasant displays a great combination: freedom to enjoy the outdoors and our waterways in particular. In the middle of June we celebrated Flag Day (June 14) and the birth of the U.S. Army (June 14, 1775). This month, of course, is Independence Day on July 4. All these are reminders of the good fortune we have to live in this country -- even with its flaws and shortcomings. The United States of America offers us opportunities to accomplish all we can be, and she needs... Full story
Even dogs that are bred to swim can struggle if tired or the water is cold and rough. Designed especially for canines, Bombora's line of Dog Life Vests is perfect for keeping pets safe whenever they're on a boat, SUP or kayak, or simply lounging poolside with their human companions. Bombora Dog Life Vests are available in four sizes to fit pets up to 90 lbs. and are designed for all-day comfort. EPE layered and segmented foam forms around the body while amply-sized leg holes provide even... Full story
AZGFD Catutions OHV Riders, Boaters, Anglers, During Monsoon Monsoon weather is right around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash flooding. "Arizona is known for its...
The focus is on boating-centric inland lakes with distinction. There are 123,439 freshwater lakes – those water bodies generally larger than 20 acres – in the continental United States. Which ones may be best for recreational boating? BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong and contributing editor Fiona McGlynn consider the question in the magazine's February/March issue with the feature "Freshwater America," which highlights nine boating-centric lakes from New York to Washington. "Am... Full story
Find out the one thing that 60 percent of boat owners admit they forgot. You made it through your long to-do list of spring commissioning items and you're ready to go in the water during the summer boating season. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says don't forget these three often-overlooked steps that could bring your season to a screeching halt. 1. Don't get hosed. Aged hoses and fittings below the waterline are the single most common cause of sinkings – especially e... Full story
Whether it's a single small outboard on the back of a runabout or quads on an offshore center console, it's important to maintain engines in showroom-like condition. Keeping cowlings clean not only makes the entire boat look better, but adds to their overall resale value. Shurhold offers some Clean-N-Simple tips for helping outboards look their best. Unlike the deck and hull that are typically made of gelcoat, the engine cowling is likely painted and therefore softer than other onboard... Full story
From A Note At Soundings Online Gas prices are up, so the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) has collected 21 fuel-saving tips to help boaters save money. Some of these methods may sound obvious, but some are novel. They include things you can do before heading out, at the dock, and while on the water. Tips range from engine-tuning and prop optimization to finding good deals on gas, lightening your load, improving boat efficiency and even "buddy boating". Whether it's money... Full story
Just now, in this transition season before it gets too hot, is the perfect outdoor time. Hiking, enjoying water activities, or experiencing the grand glory of Arizona's world-famous canyon: All these invitations to visit Mother Nature await you. Please join us with an RSVP that you will be there; you will surely be refreshed and thrilled with the beauty and grandeur of our state. PORTS DOWNSTREAM - It's time to tune into June. Page 2 BOATING - Before summer sizzles, get out on the water in... Full story
Just forty-five minutes from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun. Pleasant Harbor is open 365 days a year and operates 24 hours a day. Do you want to rent a boat, show-off on water skis, wake board or lake surf? Jet Ski, kayak, paddle board or sail? Did we mention, Pleasant Harbor is home to the World's Largest Floating Waterslide - H2Whoa!? Another popular activity for all ages at Pleasant... Website
Dive In! The "merry, merry month of May" brings us both the lighter side of taking selfies with mermaids and the more serious side of remembering our moms on Mothers' Day and loved ones lost on Memorial Day. Scuba Show 2022 in L.A. promises to be a family friendly event with many programs focused on the kids. However, there is lots for the adults too who are interested in scuba diving: products, programs, educational seminars and more. Also in this delightful, not-too-hot-yet month are the... Full story
Lake Pleasant Is Not 'Just Another Pretty Place' In addition to concerts, special events, fun activities and water sports, and great fishing, recreational boating is often the highlight of two local sailing clubs at Lake Pleasant. Check out Pleasant Harbor Marina and RV Resort. Welcome To The Arizona Yacht Club! Sailing is alive and well in the greater Phoenix area. Since our humble beginnings in 1958, AYC has continued to create the region's best sailing opportunities for its members and... Full story
Like Tai, take it easy. Tai puts safety in first place at night. "You absolutely must have a spotlight at night," says Au, "but Arizona law says you can't drive with it constantly on. What I do is barely get the boat on plane, take it slow, and use that spotlight intermittently to make sure where I am." Knowing what marker buoys mean is crucial – the buoys with vertical stripes mean "don't go between here and shore". A diamond on a buoy is marking a hazard like a submerged rock, a square contain... Full story
