Sailing Away

BY RENEE ROBERSON

One of the best things about living in a lake area is, well, access to a 34-mile long lake with more than 520 miles of shoreline. Even if you don’t live on the water or own a boat, you can join a boating club or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a little exercise through local businesses and the Lake Norman YMCA. But what about if you want to actually just rent a boat for a few hours with some close friends or family? What are some things you need to know? Here are a few things to know about the best way to enjoy a day on the water without the responsibility of boat ownership or maintenance.

Safety first – anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete and show proof of the NASBLA boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater. The course is free and available online through www.boatus.org. Some boat rental places also require you have previous boating experience.

Depending on your needs, there are local businesses in the Lake Norman area that offer rentals for WaveRunners and pontoon boats. You reserve a boat in advance for two to four hours and meet the boat at one of the local boat ramps (such as Blythe Landing or Ramsey Creek Park). In many cases, the boat rental company stocks the boat with coolers of ice and snacks, swimming noodles and directions for places to see on the lake. You simply get in the boat, take off for a day in the sun and return the boat to the same dock.

Obviously, spring and summer are going to be busier seasons for boating, so make sure to do your research on the different boat rental companies and plan to make reservations well in advance of when you’d like to go on the lake. Options such as Cornelius Pontoon Rentals and Carolina Boat Rentals are located in Cornelius. Lake Norman Boat Rental and Sales in Mooresville has a variety of boats for rent, plus experienced drivers for an additional cost if you prefer to go that route, plus tube rental kits.

The bottom line is, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a day out on the lake jet skiing, boating, tubing, docking on an island and swimming to your heart’s desire. A good starting point is www.VisitLakeNorman.org where you can research which rental company has the best options for your needs. Then make your reservation, suit up in your jacket (required for children under 13 at all times and recommended for everyone else), and enjoy lake life at its finest.