Releasing the stress that has accumulated over the working year can be as simple as taking family and friends out on your pontoon for some fun in the sun. But, there are certain pointers that will make the day run as smoothly as a pontoon boat gliding along glassy waters. Leisure Boating points you in the right direction.
PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES
Before you motor off into the sunset, plan a route and activities for the day. Whether it is skiing, tubing, wakeboarding or braaing aboard your pontoon, having a plan is always best. Having your activities planned out will stop the kids getting bored
GET EVERYONE INVOLVED
Most important is to get the children on board involved in simple tasks such as releasing the docking lines, helping steer the pontoon, assisting the captain and of course having a lot of fun with all the different aquatic sports.
SAFETY ISSUES
As always, ensure that you have the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets and fire extinguishers available for all on the boat. It is not uncommon for children to fall off the boat, so having the necessary safety measures in place is paramount. And yes, believe it or not, a pontoon can sink.
SUN PROTECTION
Always have a high SPF factor sunscreen available for all aboard the pontoon. When you are having fun, you are often not aware of how burnt you are getting. Covering up with sunscreen is a must, even on a cloudy day.
FOOD & DRINK
It is always important to drink enough water when on a boat as much of the time will be spent in the sun doing fun activities. Rehydration is necessary as is having a good meal on the boat to satisfy those hunger pains. Being out on the water will make you hungry in double quick time.
GO EXPLORING
Don’t take the same route every time you are out on your pontoon boat. Rather, find unchartered coves and small bays to put down anchor and take in the new sights. Pretend you are commandeering a pirate ship and get the kids on board to act as if they were pirates. You might even decide to make Auntie Betty walk the plank!
BEACH BRAAI
Put down anchor at a quiet section of the waterway and have a beach braai in the shade of the surrounding trees. Grill up some scrumptious hamburgers and slap them on soft buns topped with tomato sauce, cheese, onion and lettuce. Let the kids build the fire while you oversee their pyromaniac tendencies. Remember to take all your litter with you. Do not throw anything in the water or leave anything on the shoreline when you make a braai.
CAMERA ACTION
Take along a camera, preferably a waterproof camera to document your fun day on the pontoon. It’s always great to be able to look back at the photographs and videos to see everyone having a great time. You’ll see smiles all round.