Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Salute 'Old Glory' George M. Cohen said it well in the song he composed: " You're a grand old flag; you're a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave; you're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave... " June 14 we are reminded of this on Flag Day and again on Independence Day, July 4. Even in disturbing times like these, there is hope that all that Old Glory has symbolized will prevail. In celebration of our nation's independence, the folks at Lake Pleasant H... Full story
Reprinted from US Sailing Ed Huntsman, 72, who devoted his personal and professional life to boating safety, died after battling stage 4 cancer for nearly seven years on May 1, 2024. He was a committed volunteer to US Sailing as a member of the Safety at Sea Committee and Chair of the Committee Structure Task Force along with being a licensed captain, certified instructor, and combat veteran (Vietnam War). His First Family Son of Arral B Huntsman and Ann McFarland Viles Huntsman, brother of... Full story
Publishers Note: We realize that we ran this story in our April issue. We feel that it is a timely and important message. Thank you Ed. Have you completed your National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved state boater education course yet? If you're a California resident, effective January 1st, 2024 a NASBLA approved California course is required for any California resident age 60 and under. The course is available online, in a classroom or through home study. More... Full story
We never tire of reminding boaters to wear their life jackets, ideally the entire time they are out on the water. PFDs are no longer bulky, unattractive, and ill-fitting. Now they are comfortable, come in many styles, even colors, and some of the kid's jackets are nothing short of "cute and fun to wear". If you are new to life-jacket shopping, check with the Coast Guard or its Auxiliary, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the National Safe Boating Council. Another good resource are the members... Full story
With the warmer temperatures and change of seasons, "a young man's (and woman's) fancy turns to thoughts [of fishing]". Throughout the Southwest the focus is on both fresh and salt water fishing. If you are in Arizona's high country, it's time for trout stockings; if you are in San Diego, the annual Day at the Docks celebrates the start of salt-water fishing. Whatever your preference, we wish you tight lines. And when you are on the water, salt or fresh, remember to think safety first. Our... Full story
You are in luck! There is never a challenge when shopping for a gift for the boater(s) in your life. Whether your recipient sails, operates a powerboat, PWC, enjoys paddle-sports on a Stand-up paddle board, in a canoe or a kayak, chances are they are always in need of something that will enhance their day, safety or activity. Some Ideas If they’re not dropping any hints for you and you’re not comfortable asking them what they’d like, you might give their watercraft and equipment / gear a look... Full story
WHO: Tumbleweed Sailing (Lake Pleasant, Arizona) & National Women's Sailing Association WHAT: WOWazr! (Women on the Water Zonie Regatta) presented by Tumbleweed Sailing Friday through Sunday, Nov. 3-5 at the Maricopa County Desert Outdoor Center (https://youtu.be/iJ25KkJHJaM) near Pleasant Harbor Marina located north of Phoenix, Ariz. Tumbleweed Sailing offers identically prepared Catalina 25 Fin Keel boats available for unlimited annual use for a fraction of what it would cost to own, dock,... Full story
By Cameron MacLaren Long Beach Yacht Club is preparing for their annual US Sailing sanctioned International Safety at Sea course February 17-18, 2024. Participants may choose acomplete in-person two-day course; or a hands-on (Sunday only) course AFTER they've completed the 15 module online course, or a refresher / update if they've completed a sanctioned International course within the last 10 years. An impressive line up of seasoned and experienced presenters are scheduled to conduct the... Full story
The hottest low. The hottest high. The warmest summer. The long, hot summer. Needless to say, it's too hot. Period. Records have been broken and, unfortunately, both humans and animals without shelter have suffered tremendously. And, although we are usually celebrating outdoor activity in this publication, we instead are urging caution now when recreating outside. Arizona is one of the hottest places on earth from May to September. Heat-related illnesses are common during the summer, and some... Full story
Protect yourself and your guests - It's still hot! And September doesn't look like it's going to be much cooler. As a matter of fact, many areas in the Southwest – especially the Phoenix area of the Northern Sonora Desert are generally much warmer than other areas of the country. Unseasonably Hot Both Southern and Northern California, Utah, Southern Nevada, in fact the entire lower Colorado basin is definitely unseasonably hot. This is the hottest summer on record since the National Weather s... Full story
Not surprising that if you "know" the navigation rules on the waterway upon which you're boating, it's easy to spot those that don't. In fact, many boaters don't even know they exist, let alone what they are and that we are all legally responsible to know and understand them. Part of the reason there's confusion is that unless you've completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety education course or you've "heard" about the NAV Rules somewhe... Full story
It never fails – every time I’m on the water, be it on a powerboat, and sailboat or paddling I always hear a boater doing a radio check. And frequently, others demonstrating their total lack of understanding on proper radio procedure by engaging in two-minute plus conversations on channel 16 while everyone else listens in –- not unlike the person speaking loudly on their cell phone in a restaurant.Many apparently justdon’t understand, or have not taken the time to learn how to properly use their... Full story
Non-boat owner friends often comment just after boarding our boat in San Diego about the traffic on our VHF marine radio offering up the latest weather information. More than one frequently remark about what a beautiful day it is – so what's up with the weather concern? Capt Debbie and I are quick to remind them that while the sun may be shinning now and the breeze is gentle, the Southern California coastal weather can change rapidly. And we take advantage of the moment to educate our guests t... Full story
It never fails – every time I'm on the water, be it on a powerboat, and sailboat or paddling I always hear a boater doing a radio check. And frequently, others demonstrating their total lack of understanding on proper radio procedure by engaging in 2 minute plus conversations on channel 16 while everyone else listens in – not unlike the person speaking loudly on their cell phone in a restaurant.Many apparently justdon't understand, or have not taken the time to learn how to properly use the... Full story
There are three great Christmas Specials Ad Opportunities This Year. The first five to order an ad in each category (Fishing, Boating & Water Safety, Business Card / Logo Section) will receive two Arizona Renaissance Festival tickets as a bonus. 1. Fishing Arizona Game & Fish, Margie Anderson and Wayne Gustaveson are some of the main contributors to these great fishing stories. There are many stories to choose from to sponsor. Click Here To See Example Click here to purchase.. 2. Boating &... Full story
Capt. Ed Huntsman US Coast Guard Licensed Captain Member, US Sailing Safety at Sea Committee Why is safety such a hard sell? Why should water and boating safety officials across the country even have to try? Its always interesting that those most interested in the topic are rarely, if ever, those that would most benefit from learning about it and adopting the culture. As I sit here writing this article, I just finished reading a Coast Guard notification regarding a 65-year-old fisherman who... Full story
Fisherman is missing; was he wearing a life jacket? Why is safety such a hard sell? Why should water and boating safety officials across the country even have to try? Its always interesting that those most interested in the topic are rarely, if ever, those that would most benefit from learning about it and adopting the culture. As I sit here writing this article, I just finished reading a Coast Guard notification regarding a 65-year-old fisherman who went missing in Texas a few nights back.... Full story
This story is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.mil or by telephone at 504-671-2148. FILE A FLOAT PLAN Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple - there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately... Full story
This page is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational Federal Requirements boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Federal Requirements Federal Requirements Boating Safety (RBS) Program Manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.milEdward.L.Huntsman or by telephone at 504-671-2148. Here are a few “hot” links that will provide you the information necessary to comply with the law. The... Full story
Many find it hard to believe that sailing is even available in Arizona, much less that it is so popular. Yes, the Desert Southwest even has sailing clubs, yacht clubs, and many sailing courses and activities - for all ages and skill levels. Forget the sand and set your sails this summer! We thank Ed and Debbie Huntsman for the cover photo of their boat Bliss who called Arizona home for many years but now plies the waters on Lake Ponchatrain in Louisiana where Ed is now Boating Safety Program... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms' bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the West and Midwest have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record-breaking El Nino season will be offering. Time... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the west and mid-west have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record breaking El Nino season will be offering. If yo... Full story
Ed Huntsman took this shot six years ago walking up to Havasupai Falls from the Colorado River in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. He remembers, "It was awesome rafting from Lee's Ferry completely through the Canyon to South Cove on Lake Mead, but I can't begin to imagine transiting some of the rapids on that trip in a kayak! Brave souls everyone. BTW, the falls were great! Thanks to the Park Service for the opportunity for a joint patrol on some of the country's most challenging, and... Full story
The Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council remind recreational boaters of the importance of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons in conjunction with 406Mhz Beacon Awareness Day. An EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue forces in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 megahertz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue coordination center, which then notifies local search and rescue forces. "Having a... Full story
