Diving into fresh water experiences straight off the shore is best done in summer. There is a water sport to suit everyone from tranquil paddling to heart-stopping rides. Before you embark on your journey, check that both you and your dock are prepared. Make sure your dock is in good shape—that is, without any loose boards or hazards—then think about adding safety-oriented equipment like a sturdy ladder or bumpers.
All the dock accessories and tools you might require are available from reliable sources like Haven Dock & Marine. If you have your dock ready, you will be able to participate in water activities during the entire summer.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Rising in popularity as an easy-to-learn full-body exercise, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is standing on a big, sturdy board and using a long paddle to glide across the water. Both beginners and experienced paddlers will find SUP a go-to summer hobby since this can be relaxing, like a leisurely morning trip on a lake, or thrilling, like catching small waves.
Dock Prep for Paddleboarding
If you want to begin paddleboarding from your dock, you need to make sure that the launch location is solid and resistant to slipping. You should check for loose boards or algae that is slippery, and you should remove any potential risks. If your dock is high above the sea, you might want to think about adding a small step or ladder to enable more simple board access.
Adding a paddleboard rack or hooks on the dock can help you to stow your board and paddle when not in use, which will help prevent anything from being dropped into the sea.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking, along with canoeing, is a time-honored water sport that combines physical activity with the opportunity to take in the scenery. A kayak trip can be as laid back or as demanding as you like; you can glide over a tranquil river or paddle along a coastal bay. Kayaking is a perennial summer favorite that everybody from young children to elderly people can enjoy.
Dock Prep for Kayaking
Install a set of rollers or a kayak launch attachment on the dock if at all possible to help slide your kayak in and out of the water.
Even if you do not have those, you can still make boarding easier by using a simple ladder or a low step. Install some dock cleats as well to fasten your kayak or canoe when you’re done so it won’t float away.
Wakeboarding and Waterskiing
In high-speed water sports known as wakeboarding and waterskiing, you ride a board or skis behind a boat, skimming the surface and sometimes catching some air. Lake wakeboarding has been booming, and a spinoff known as wake surfing has added a new dimension to the sport.
For newcomers, there are simpler ways to get involved. Before riding a wakeboard or skis, many begin with kneeboarding or tubing (riding an inflatable tube behind the boat) to develop confidence.
Dock Prep for Towed Sports
Along the dock, install strong cleats and fenders or dock bumpers to securely tie your boat and prevent damage to the boat or dock. Clear any obstacles from the vicinity of your dock; you want a broad, unobstructed passage for the boat to arrive and for riders to enter or leave the water. Finally, keep a dock ladder close at hand for simple departures following a fall or swim.
Wrapping Up: Take Time to Enjoy the Water
If you put in the time and effort now, your dock will be ready for all your summer excitement.
If you keep safety in mind and have life jackets on hand, as well as a dock that is well maintained, then every expedition will start and end without any problems. Now grab your equipment, get friends and family together, and splash your preferred water sports straight from your own dock!
