What’s on your boater bucket list?

Navigating on “big water” is at the top on many a boater’s bucket list. If you’re among the fortunate, this view may await you. Photo by Andy Lockey

What’s on your boating bucket list?

story by Dari Mullins

Bucket lists among boating enthusiasts take many forms. They may include places they want to take their boat, things they want to do on their boat or items they would simply love to purchase for their boat. Whether it is fresh or salt water, these “wanna” lists can be endless.

Here are some items we found when exploring the in’s and out’s of boating bucket lists.

WANT TO “GO BIG?”

• Travel some or all of the American Great Loop — a 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the Eastern United States. The loop runs from the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and then up the East Coast. It can be completed in two months, but most boaters choose to extend the trip to several months. Travelers of all ages enjoy this scenic route, winding through the Great Lakes, the heartland of America and the coastal countryside.

The McPhail sisters, Elizabeth, 21, and Katie, 25, launched out to conquer the Loop. To read more of their adventures check out their blog at: “Great Loop Blog: Small Boat, Big Summer” in Boating Magazine. • If the Great Loop seems a little overwhelming, consider cruising the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway), which runs from Canada to Key West, FL. It is a system of canals, rivers and protected waters maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers that keeps you off the open ocean. For more information and tips on navigating this waterway check out: “Cruising The Intracoastal Waterway In Your Own Boat? I’ve Done It! Here’s How To Plan Your Trip & Navigate The Canals” in The Travel Hacks Guide (thefuntimesguide.com)

• Or simply charter a boat in an unusual location and spend a birthday or holiday out on the water. Many people take commercial cruises, but it is more intimate and special to get out on the open water with family and friends celebrating a special occasion. Many companies, both domestic and international, will help arrange a private charter that may last only a few hours or could expand to several weeks. • Explore other places with a trailering road trip. There are many lakes across the country and, if you own a trailer, you can tow your boat and explore the beauty of other lakes. Some of the most wellknown are Lake Powell and Lake Tahoe, but there are many others.

Check out these links for some cross-country options: 12 Best Lakes in the US in Travel + Leisure (travelandleisure.com) or 50 Most Beautiful Lakes In US - Best Lake in Every State in America at (countryliving.com) • Go deep sea fishing, whale watching or snorkeling. These are common things to do on vacations and can provide some of the easiest ways to enjoy boating. Someone else is captain, and you do not have to help navigate. Basically, you sign up and show up. There are these types of excursions available in virtually every coastal town across the United States. When planning a vacation, be sure to remember these as fun boating options to inquire about and put on your itinerary.

CLOSER TO HOME

Those wanting an easier bucket list with destinations closer to home may want to consider these ideas: • Take your boat, paddleboard or kayak, or you can book a charter trip on Lake Jocassee. It is by far one of the clearest and most beautiful lakes in the Southeast. There is only one boat ramp located at Devils Fork State Park; if you go on a weekend, get there early as it closes

For Adam McKeon, his boating bucket list wasn’t complete unless it included deep sea fishing. These Yellowfin Tuna show he was able to put a checkmark by that item. Photo by Andy Lockey

once it is full. To find out more about boating on Jocassee visit: Water Sports Abound at Lake Jocassee at (discoversouthcarolina. com) • For great memories simply sleep on a boat. You can ride out to an island, anchor and enjoy being away from home, or simply grab a pillow and blanket and sleep on your boat down at the dock. The gentle rocking and nighttime sounds of a summer evening provide a wonderful escape from our technology driven busy lives. Just be sure you are equipped and have the necessary safety equipment for a night on the boat.

{left} The simple pleasures of lake life have filled many a boating bucket list. Here, Victoria Mullen is shown skiing while siblings Margaret Mullen (at the wheel) and Elizabeth Mullen enjoy the ride. Photo by Shane Mullen • {right} Maybe your “on the water” bucket list includes simply having a little fun on a paddleboard. That was certainly the case for Reah Smith who was doing handstands on Longnose Creek on Lake Hartwell. Photo courtesy of Reah Smith

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• Try a new sport on the water. You can try anything from paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing to water skiing, wake boarding or wake surfing. There are several local places you can rent personal boating equipment. Several local boat dealers also provide lessons or demonstrations of some of the most popular water sports.

Fishing is a classic pastime often overlooked by boaters. A great place to find out great fishing spots is (takemefishing. org) • Scuba or snorkel in the lake. Snorkeling or free diving is fun to do off of an island. You can often find hidden treasures at some of the most popular beaches and tie off spots. If you like to scuba dive, one of the neatest places to explore is Lake Jocassee. Whether a beginner or expert you can find a pristine dive site on Lake Jocassee. For more information on Scuba diving on Jocassee check out: Discover Underwater Worlds with Scuba in Lake Jocassee at (discoversouthcarolina.com)

This final boating bucket list item is easy to check off, even if you don’t own a boat. • Attend one of the many boating events in the area — from an antique boat show to a poker run to boat parades. Events on and around the local lakes provide lots of entertainment for boating enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for announcements about local events throughout boating season.

No matter what’s on your boating bucket list, remember that with an increasing number of people purchasing and discovering boating, it is more important than ever to be sure you are properly trained and understand how your vessel operates when exploring the waterways. n

{left} Sleeping on a boat is an easily accomplished bucket list item for some boaters. Young Elizabeth Mullen got her opportunity on this sailboat adventure. Photo by Shane Mullen • {above} James Handy’s boating bucket list has meant enjoying all of Lake Jocassee and as many of its viewable waterfalls as he possibly can. Photo by Korey Bean

HALL MARINE GREENVILLE