How To Improve Your Boating Skills

Whether you have only recently purchased your first boat or you have several years of sailing under your belt, honing your boating skills can help you enjoy safer, smoother voyages on the water. The better you become at handling your boat, the more you will get out of boating. That is why Spring Brook Marina has created this list of tips on sharpening your boating skills.

Take a Boating Course

If you want to improve your boating skills, taking some courses is a great place to start. Luckily, there is enough sheer variety when it comes to course offerings that your chances of finding something that works for you are incredibly high. You can find free and paid courses on various subjects, such as navigation, safety, and understanding your boat’s systems. If an in-person class will not work for your schedule, you will often be able to find an online equivalent. 

Learning from a course has numerous benefits. Besides packaging the information in a structured format for better retention and understanding, you will also have access to an experienced and knowledgeable boater in the form of a teacher. It can also introduce you to boaters of a similar experience level, which can be beneficial when you have questions or just want to socialize with others who share your hobby. 

Get Better at Docking

Docking is one of the more difficult boating skills to master, so it might pay to take some time out to practice. Make sure that you are prepared to dock in a variety of situations, including windy days and times when there is a lot of traffic around the marina. Soon, you’ll be docking with confidence, meaning one less thing to worry about the next time you go boating. 

Get Better at Tying Knots

Knots can serve numerous purposes on a boat, such as securing cargo or tying the boat to a dock. However, it is quite easy to forget your knots if you are even a little out of practice. Luckily, there are many tutorials both in print and online, so seek one out and take the time to practice your knots every once in a while. 

For more information or to shop our selection of new and pre-owned boats, visit Spring Brook Marina & Yacht Sales. We also offer parts and servicing. We operate six locations throughout the Midwest, including one in Chicago, Illinois. We are proud to serve communities like St. Louis, Missouri.