Recreational Boating Guide - Top 10 Reasons to Get Into Boating

With so many opportunities for boating fun available today, there’s no reason why anyone can’t take advantage of the benefits that recreational boating has to offer. Check out our list of the top 10 reasons to get into boating:

1. Boating Improves Quality Of Life

   It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long way towards improving your quality of life. The minute you start to move through the water, you’ll notice how easy it is to leave your troubles behind. Recreational boating provides a constructive outlet for family entertainment that reduces stress and provides enriching opportunities for self discovery, whether it’s learning how to water ski or simply enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset.

2. Boating Is An Affordable Recreation Alternative

   Boating is more affordable than you might think. These days many boats can be financed for as little as $200 a month. You’ll find that a marine lender really understands what your needs are (often they are boaters too!) and they will work with you to arrange for financing that works for you. Have a look at our Affordability Calculator to see how boating compares to other activities, and visit our Financing information to learn more about the ins and outs of financing

3. Water Access Is Closer Than You Think

   Did you know that about eighty percent of Canadians live less than an hour from a navigable body of water? This means that water access is a lot closer and more convenient than you might think. To find marina or launch ramp near you, please visit our boat marinas and ramps page

4. Boating Fun Helps You Bond With Friends And Family

   In a recent study, relaxing with family and friends was listed as a favourite boating activity (along with fishing and exploring the outdoors). In other words, to many people the best part about boating doesn’t revolve around the latest waterskiing tricks or the number of fish caught- the best part of boating is simply the opportunities it provides for fun with those closest to you. Recreational boating is quality time spent away from the television set and the video games, creating an atmosphere that brings people together and creates fond memories that last a lifetime.

5. Boating Helps Reduce Stress

   We can’t stress the statistics enough - numerous studies have shown that a little bit of boating fun each day can go a long way towards reducing stress. In fact, a recent Discover Boating survey found that 68% of Canadians feel that boating relieves their stress.

6. Boating Is Convenient

   Since over eighty percent of Canadians live less than an hour's drive from an accessible body of water, you can be enjoying the fresh air and water in no time.

   In fact, the convenience of boating makes it possible to hop on your boat for a mini-vacation whenever you feel like it, as an alternative to other family recreation activities which can quickly add up to be more expensive and time-consuming.

7. Boating Is An Engaging And Rewarding Activity

   Recreational boating offers lots of opportunities for personal growth. Whether you’re instilling your child with extra confidence as they learn how to properly secure a line, or you’re enjoying the delicate taste of fresh fish that you caught yourself, boating recreation provides many different rewards for all ages.

8. Boating Is Good Exercise

   From a rigorous sailing excursion to an invigorating run on waterskis, boating provides sporting enthusiasts with many active endeavors to choose from. In fact, we’d argue that simply breathing in the brisk wind coming off the water in itself can go a long ways towards strengthening one’s constitution - not to mention the additional physical and psychological benefits related to relaxation and stress relief.

9. Recreational Boating Is Easy To Learn

   If you’re new to boating, take heart. With so many available boating classes and courses to choose from, you’ll be out on the water before you know it. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to sail, or you’re just interested in cruising the lakes nearby, a wealth of available boater education courses make boating easier to learn than ever. To learn more about finding boating instruction near you, please visit our boating courses page

10. Boating Is FUN

    Likely the top reason to get into boating is simply because it’s so much fun. There are so many activities to explore when it comes to boating, whether you like to fish, waterski or simply enjoy relaxing and cruising on the water. Be sure to check out our boating activities page to learn more about all the different ways that you too can experience boating fun.