Encouraging kids to step up to more responsibility while boating – and developing a deeper appreciation for the boat life When our kids were younger their main “job” on-board the boat was to simply listen to the rules while the first mate and captain (mom and dad) would do all the heavy lifting of...
How to Choose the Best Family Boat
Family-friendly boat features to look for when choosing the right boat size & style for a family with kids (as seen in Lakeland Boating) Purchasing a boat is certainly a big investment, so you definitely want to make sure that you choose the best possible boat for your family’s boating lifestyle. From how you...
Kids Need Boating Now More Than Ever
In a world of uncertainty, kids are yearning for the calming effect of boating All our lives took a detour from normalcy this year as a result of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact on our kids has been no exception. After months of social distancing and adapting to remote schooling, thoughts of...
Play Dates for Kids’ Friends at the Boat
Are you prepared to invite your kids' friends to the boat? Tips for a safe and fun boat play date for kids. Our boat time is all about family time, but we also really enjoy inviting friends to the boat. Sharing a piece of our boat life with our...
Summer on the Hook: Anchored Out Family Fun for Kids
Spending a fun day anchored out in your favorite spot is sometimes all kids need for some family boat day fun While boats are of course built for cruising, we don’t always want to be on the go. Although we like to plan weekend cruises as a...
Boats Are Busy: Review of Children’s Book of Work Boat Types
Beautifully illustrated children’s board book explains to kids the different types of work boats and the important jobs they perform – includes video review! Kids love learning about how things work – what makes them tick and do the things they do. So naturally if your kids are into boats they’ll enjoy learning about...
All Hands on Deck with Boat Duties for Kids at Every Age
Is it time to give your kids more duties on the boat? Here are some age appropriate jobs for your kids to help out on the boat (as seen in Lakeland Boating magazine) It may seem like just yesterday they were learning to walk and get their “sea legs” on the boat for the...
Is Your Child’s Life Jacket the Right Size and Fit?
In between life jacket sizes? Follow these tips to ensure you are getting the right kid’s life jacket size for your growing child Many parents end up on this site looking for some guidance on what type or size of life jacket they should buy their kids. When it comes to youth life jackets...
Massachusetts Kids Boating Day
“Massachusetts Kids Boating Day” will be celebrated for nine days June 2-10, 2018 to promote youth boating and fishing throughout Massachusetts The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has announced that “Massachusetts KIDS Boating Day” will take place from June 2 to 10, 2018. This important effort encourages and promotes youth boating and fishing events....
Baby On-Board: Boating with the Newest Addition to Your Crew
Is it safe to take a baby on a boat?...What type of baby boat gear do I need?... and other questions about bringing a baby on board your boat As a new parent (or even new grandparent), it’s only natural to be nervous about taking your new baby on a boat. That anxiety is...
Fun in the Sun: Keeping Kids Safe with the Summer Rays on Boats
Follow these important sun safety tips to protect your kids from the harmful rays of summer while boating or on the water (as seen in Lakeland Boating) Soaking in the afternoon sun as it glistens on the lake is one of the many joys we experience boating. In fact, it’s the idea of “more...
Gear up for Safety with the Right Life Jackets for Kids
How to choose the right life jackets for your boat kids by age and weight Water safety should be every parent’s primary concern around the water or on a boat. Balancing your kid’s desire for fun with your need for safety can be a tricky yet essential goal to achieve. The start of each new...
World Oceans Day Art Contest for Kids
West Marine invites young artists to send original artwork inspired by the 2017 World Oceans Day theme, “Our Oceans, Our Future” Kids ages 5-18 are invited to create and submit their own original artwork inspired by the 2017 World Oceans Day theme — “Our Oceans, Our Future!” World Oceans Day – “Earth Day for the...