Boating World

Back To Basics: Hosting Non-Boaters

Make new boaters comfortable with the idea of boating.

by Graham Garrison

You’ve planned a fun day on the water, but a few of the invitees are a little nervous around boats. Maybe they aren’t good swimmers, or they had a bad experience on a previous boat ride. Whatever the reason, they’ve accepted your offer to join you in your favorite recreational activity by bravely stepping out onto the dock and into your watery realm. Now it’s your job to make them comfortable with the idea of boating.

b2b1Channel Your Inner Salesman

You won’t make a commission, but you and your non-boating guests will have a much better time if you can allay any fears by giving them the ultimate fear fighter — knowledge. Give them an all-access tour before you leave the dock or even approach the boating ramp, from the bow cleats and the anchor area, to the engine and swim platform. Explain how boating works — point out that your modern boat contains foam flotation to keep it afloat even when swamped. Remember, these folks probably know next to nothing about boating. Explain the features  of the boat, and throw in a few boating terms (bow and stern, fore and aft, etc.). Offer a brief history of your boating experience — you’re selling yourself as the captain as much as the boat you’re driving. Let them ask any question, no matter how silly, about the trip you’re taking.

b2b2Go Overboard With Safety

One of the first things you should give a non-boater when they’re on board (and preferably before they even board) doesn’t involve ice or a frosty mug. Instead, offer them a personal flotation device (PFD, but spell it out for them). They may have misconceptions that all PFDs are cumbersome and bright orange. Invest in the lighter, more stylish models, and be an example by wearing your vest so they don’t feel out of place. In case they do prefer the larger, bright- orange models, though, have them available as well. Point out all of the safety features on the boat, from fire extinguishers to grab handles. Lay down the rules of basic safety protocol on board, and give them a plan of action in case of emergency. Print out a safety checklist, and walk them through it so they feel all the bases have been covered.

b2b3Assume Forgetfulness

Non-boaters will almost always forget something they wish they’d brought. The last thing you want to happen is for one of your guests to be fretting over some tiny item that they forgot, and then let it ruin the trip for them. So, think ahead of time about what those items might be: sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, bottled water, extra towels, keychain flotation devices — be a good host and stock up on these inexpensive items. You might want to inquire if they’ve ever been carsick or if they feel queasy on carnival rides, and if they answer yes, give them powdered ginger capsules before you leave to ward off potential seasickness. If you’ll be out on the water for a while and don’t have a portable head on board, plan in advance to make a couple of restroom breaks back at the marina.

b2b4No Sudden Moves

Instead of automatically getting on plane once you leave the no-wake zone, run slowly at first to let them get comfortable. Give your guests an overview of where you’ll be going and how you’re going to get there. Involve them by giving them a couple of easy tasks to do while you’re out on the water, such as keeping an eye out for other boats, so that they feel like they’re part of the crew. Make simple boating actions — like which side you’re supposed to pass other boaters on, why there are no-wake zones, etc. — an opportunity to educate.  By narrating a typical boat ride — from how the waves are supposed to feel to how the boat will handle when you throttle up — you will likely put them at ease. By the end of the ride — if they’re comfortable — let them take the wheel for a while, and you just might find yourself bringing a non-boater into the fold.