Learn to boat: Affordable 3-hour powerboat training courses come to Jordan Lake on weekends
by BoatUS 25 Apr 2024 01:45 AEST
If you've always wanted to try boating, or you're a safe boat operator with a desire to grow your powerboat-handling skills or give yourself a boost of confidence behind the helm, now is your chance. TowBoatUS Jordan Lake and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water have teamed up to offer a series of at-the-helm boating courses on Jordan Lake, now held every weekend through early May. The three-hour on-water courses are affordably priced at $179 each.
The four courses offered follow a National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum. "We follow a sequential learning process that allows you to take the one you need, such as Introduction to Powerboating for beginners, or build upon your skills by continuing with Precision Docking & Boat Handling, Open-Water Boat Handling or Advanced Maneuvers," said Alan Dennison, program supervisor for the BoatUS Foundation.
Additionally, "Women Making Waves," and all-women course taught by TowBoatUS Jordan Lake's Capt. Megan Mosier, offers the same curriculum as Introduction to Powerboating and is the perfect opportunity to spend a half-day learning boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment. For ladies with more boat handling experience, the women-only format can also be applied to any of the modules of instruction.
All courses are held aboard 20-foot single engine powerboats under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructor. Class size is limited to a maximum of four students per vessel, ensuring everyone gets quality time at the helm.
The minimum age to participate is 16 years old, and there is a two-person minimum per boat for the classes to take place. BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training programs are offered at 15 locations across the U.S. Sign up at BoatUS.org/On-Water