The primary reason you bought a boat was to enjoy it, take advantage of the variety of new, fun and exciting opportunities. We’ve explored safety and maintenance and now it is time to reap the rewards of that effort.

I recommend stepping outside your every weekend boating comfort zone to explore and experience something new and different.

If you strictly fish, take a weekend to motor to Bath, Belhaven or Washington for lunch.

Anchor off the beach at Goose Creek State Park and swim; enjoy the beach and all the park has to offer.

If you are strictly a cruiser, borrow a rod and reel and take an experienced fisherman fishing. Having someone experienced and knowledgeable helps. We are in a fishing paradise of fresh and saltwater fish. We have an abundance of freshwater creeks along with the upper reaches of the Pamlico. We’re extremely fortunate to have the estuary of the Pamlico where fresh and salt water mix with its fish variety. Then we have the salt marshes and open waters of the lower Pamlico River plus the Sound. Throw in a line; you will catch something.

Buy a tube for the kids or young and courageous of heart adult, to ride. If you don’t water ski or wake board, learn. Then teach your children or a friend the fun of jumping the waves and making those high-speed turns on one ski. There may be state champ out there just waiting to learn.

Like eating crab? Buy a half dozen of crab pots, line and floats to install outside the channel. Not being a crabber I’ve heard successful crabbers say they use everything from fish heads to chicken necks, even bread and cheese balls. Set pots on Friday harvest and rebate them Saturday as well as Sunday morning then have a crab feast Sunday afternoon. Ask if you can hang pots or bait off docks of a marina.

Fishing and crabbing are excellent family bonding as well as teaching opportunities for children and teenagers and their friends. Share the water with them so they have your appreciation for what we have and where we live.

Meander up an unfamiliar creek, with special attention to your depth gauge. Explore the river’s expansive shoreline for birds, butterflies, flowers and plants in addition to animals. You might even see a black bear or bald eagle. Take that trip two or three times during a year to watch the chances in both plant and animals, season to season. Early fall, like this, when the weather holds is perfect for those slow adventures.

If you boat to Washington, Bath or Belhaven, take the time to explore what’s unique to each community. Have a meal, visit a museum, walk the waterfront, explore the vessels there. Locals are justifiably proud of their town, so ask one what to do? They are glad to share it with guests who ask.

Convert your boat into a pirate ship for the children. Prearranged with another “pirate ship”, attack one another with water balloons then raid the treasure chest cooler. Encourage adult participation.

Join a flotilla of decorated and lighted boats in a holiday boat parade, such as July 4th, Halloween or local festival. Then enjoy the festivities, new and different foods and local activities to which your boat brought you.

Your boat is a transporter to new experiences when you venture outside your everyday comfort zone. Still check for good weather before leaving plus have the enough of the correct safety gear aboard.

For local information on boating safety and education we invite you to go to our website www.pamlicosailandpoersquadron.org or email to educaton@pamlicosailandpowersquadron.org.

Biff Matthews is member of Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron.