2015 Boating Regulations Recap Flyer

The 2015 Boating Regulations Recap flyer is available at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa. It is a supplement to the Boating Handbook and contains information every boater must know. The information includes highlights of laws and regulations that affect recreational boaters in Pennsylvania. This short summary is not intended to be a compete listing of all boating regulations. Consult the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook for more detailed information on boating laws and regulations or call the nearest Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission regional law enforcement office. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's website is the place to go for a wealth of up-to-date information on Pennsylvania fishing and boating programs. Visit FishAndBoat.com

Rent a Boat from Pocono Action Sports on Lake Wallenpaupack

Pocono Action Sports on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania is now taking reservations for boat rentals for the 2015 summer season! Offering ski boat, pontoon, fishing boat, sailboat, jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals along with parasailing, we have everything you need for a fun filled day on the lake! Our rental season starts this Friday, May 15th! Visit PoconoActionSports.com for rates and availability.

Estimated Water Temperature for Lake Wallenpaupack

Now that spring is here and summer is close, a popular question on everyone's mind is "What is the water temperature for Lake Wallenpaupack?"

As of today, May 1st, 2015, the estimated water temperature is around 46°F. Past weather trends, solar radiation, evaporation, and size and geometry of the lake are factors for determining the estimated water temperature. As we proceed into the month of May the temperature will rise to around 60°F. The estimated water temperature for June is around 65°F, July is around 75°F, August is around 75°F, and September is around 65°F.

For all your boating needs, or to view our LIVE MARINA CAM, visit Lighthouse Harbor Marina.

Life Jacket Options - OnlineWatersports.com

Now that we are getting into the boating season it's time to start thinking about the right life jacket for you. One of our previous blogs is a great reference on finding a life jacket. Click here to read it!

OnlineWatersports.com has a huge variety of life jackets for everyone in your family from name brand dealers like O'Brien, Hyperlite, and HO Sports. Featuring toddler, teen, women, and men's life jackets, you're going to find the correct size and style to fit everyone in your boat. In Pennsylvania, children 13 years and younger are required by Federal Regulations to wear a life jacket when not in an enclosed cabin or below deck. There must be a wearable life jacket for each person on board your vessel. There are many different types of life jackets depending on your boating activities and OnlineWatersports.com offers them all!

Physically located on Lake Wallenpaupack at 969 Route 507 Greentown, Pa 18426, you can purchase your life jackets in store or online.

Happy Boating!

Spring has Sprung! Plan Your Pocono Summer Vacation Activities!

It's finally starting to feel like spring on Lake Wallenpaupack! The ice is melting off the lake, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and we're definitely ready for summer! There are so many things to do in the Poconos during the summer. From hiking and fishing to shopping and dining, you're sure to find something to keep you busy.

One of the most popular activities in the area is boating. With a large selection of marinas, most offering numerous dock slips, there are hundreds of boaters who enjoy beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. Even if you don't own a boat you can still participate in this exhilarating activity. Offering a variety of boats for rent, such as speed, pontoon, fishing, and sailing boats, along with jet ski rentals, paddleboard and kayak rentals, parasailing, and more, Pocono Action Sports can provide you with an assortment of activities to make your vacation memorable. If you've ever wanted to wakeboard, water-ski, kneeboard, or tube on the lake, this summer is the perfect opportunity. You can rent watersports equipment at Pocono Action Sports, too!

With 52 miles of shoreline, Lake Wallenpaupack has numerous walking and biking trails. Relax while fishing the shoreline, browse locally owned shops around the area, visit the local zoo - Claws N Paws, or go for a horseback ride while on your vacation in the Poconos. There are so many options you're definitely going to want to bring your camera!

Visit PoconoActionSports.com for rates and availability for rentals and parasailing. Visit 800Poconos.com for other activities to plan for your Pocono summer vacation!

Boating Among top 3 Stress Relieving Activities - National Stress Awareness Month

April is National Stress Awareness Month and ranked as one of the top 3 ways to reduce stress is…you guessed it…BOATING!

As mentioned in our blog "Why to be a Boater...", after surveying over 1,000 households, the National Marine Manufacturers Association concluded that boating is one of the top 3 activities that are stress relieving. Relieving stress from your life is very beneficial in that is aids in weight loss, happiness, cancer protection, better sleep, better relationships, a healthier heart, and increased memory.

90% of Americans live less than an hour away from a navigable body of water. With that convenience it’s easy to see why the boating lifestyle is available to the majority of people. Through spending time with loved ones and strengthening bonds, boating is ideal for relaxation, stress relief, and creating lifelong memories. The NMMA survey showed that the most popular boating related activities included relaxing with loved ones (40%), fishing (33%), cruising (14%), and waterskiing (8%). Also concluded from the survey is that 50% of boaters get pleasure in spending time outdoors in nature and 25% expressed they feel it’s a chance to escape from daily life.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) did a study showing anxiety can be lowered by simply being near water.

Weekend road trips and exercise were among the top stress relieving activities as well.

Tigé - lighthouseharbor.com/tige-boats.html

"Tige Boats launched in 1991 placing innovation and passion at the heart of our boats. Since our beginning, we have remained a family owned business placing relationships with our owners, dealer network and vendors as a priority.

Today, Tige keeps these values alive with one common goal in mind—to make your ride better than anything else on the water. Through a refined sense of aesthetics, precision manufacturing, and a love for watersports, we have set new standards in boat design and engineering. By personally engaging with and using our own products, we have introduced many innovative technologies and industry firsts, each one created to make your time behind the wheel or on your board as perfect as possible.

From the new ASR to the highly-acclaimed Z3 and throughout the entire 2015 lineup, Tige produces the most technologically advanced product line specializing in massive wakeboarding wakes and ocean-worthy wakesurf waves. The all-new Touch2 interface, Surf Link remote, patented ConvexV hull, and TAPS2 technology are just some of the features that make Tige unlike anything else on the water." - Tigé

You can find these amazing boats at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpauack.

Boating Safety Education Certificate - Boat-Ed.com

As boaters, it’s our responsibility to be educated and responsible in operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. Boater education saves lives and prevents accidents on the water. More than 40 states in the United States have educational requirements for those who operate a boat or PWC (personal water craft) on state waters. Anyone who operates a boat with over 25hp and was born Jan. 1, 1982 or later, is required by law to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. In order to make your boating experience safe, Pennsylvania law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to ensure everyone is educated. There’s no reason to get caught without a required certificate, especially with how easy it is to get one.

When you visit Boat-Ed.com you’ll learn how to improve your boating skills step-by-step. You can take the safety course, which is broken down into 6 easy-to-understand parts, at your own pace. At the end of each part you take a quiz to ensure you’re understanding each topic. After scoring at least 70% on the quiz, you move on to the next part. You can study each part as much as you’d like in order to pass each quiz.

The certification exam is available for you to take upon completing all parts. Depending on your level of comfort, you can take a practice exam or proceed straight to the certification exam, both contain all the material learned in the 6 parts of the course. In order to pass the certification exam, you must score at least 80%. You have the option to take the exam as many times as you’d like until you pass and you pay only when you pass. You instantly print a temporary certificate after passing and within 4-6 weeks your certification card will arrive in the mail. This is a lifetime certification!

This online boater education course is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission as an approved online boating license course. It only takes a few hours and can be completed at one time, or over a period of time, from your mobile device or computer. It’s also proudly made in Dallas, Texas, USA!

Why to be a boater...

Have you ever seen two motorcyclists give a friendly wave as they pass each other cruising down the road? There is an unspoken kinship between bikers. They acknowledge the fact that they have something in common. The same goes for boaters. Boaters are some of the nicest people around and they appreciate and respect the fact that they have something in common with other boaters like them. They form lifelong friendships on the water. This is just one of the reasons being a boater is wonderful. Here are some more reasons:

There is water EVERYWHERE!

Water is all around us. You don’t have to live near the shore or a huge lake to be a boater. In fact, approximately 90% of American live within an hour of a navigable body of water! How convenient?!

It’s not as expensive as you think.

There are so many brands of boats out there with a wide range of prices. Just like cars, boats vary from inexpensive to expensive. However, unlike a car, a boat have a longer life span which means banks are willing to finance for longer terms, lowering your payment. It’s common to get a boat financed for less than $200 a month! So a boat may be more in your budget than you thought.

A better life.

Have you wanted to try your luck at fishing? Or maybe you’d love to watch those birds that nest on an island. Boating gives you the opportunity to experience things you’ve thought about but haven’t gotten around to. Learning how to water ski or wakeboard or even watching the striking sunset from the water with your loved ones are little things that give you a better quality of life.

Time spent together is never in vain.

There’s a saying for Christmas “It’s not about what’s under the tree, it’s about who’s around it.” Well that can also be translated to boating. The most important thing about boating is who you’re with. What better way to spend time with friends and family than to spend it on the water?

Leave your stress behind.

Upon leaving the dock in your beautiful boat, you’ll notice your troubles haven’t come aboard. Boating was listed as one of the top three stress relieving activities in a survey of over 1,000 American households by a National Marina Manufacturers Association. I guess you could say boating is healthy!

It’s good for your body.

In addition to less stress, everyone also needs more exercise but most of us don’t want to go to the gym. Well, if you have a boat you don’t need the gym! Fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and pretty much any boating activity is a great way to get moving and stay active. Besides, wouldn’t you rather breathe the fresh, outdoor air than the sweaty gym air?!

Who doesn’t like a reward?!

The rewards are great when you’re a boater! From enjoying the fresh fish you caught to building up your child’s confidence through learning how to tie a line, boating creates many opportunities to grow and many rewards are reached in the process.

Experience nature.

There is no better way to get out into nature than to surround yourself with it. The water is a beautiful place to experience the outdoors and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Make memories.

How many memories are really made sitting on the couch playing video games? How many instances do you remember from watching TV or a movie? If you’re a boater, you make memories without even trying! So many exciting things happen on the water it’s hard to forget the times you’ve spent. Get out on the water and start taking mental pictures of all the smiles, laughs, and joys of being a boater!

Tips for Docking Your Bennington Pontoon

After a fun day out on Lake Wallenpaupack, the sad part always comes: bringing everyone in. And to do this, you must dock your pontoon. Because of its shape and size, pontoons catch wind more easily and can therefore be more difficult to dock than most mono-hull boats. So here are a few tips we've picked up over the years on how to successfully dock your Bennington.

Minimize damage with fenders. Especially if you're still getting the feel for docking your pontoon, there's no harm in tying on 2 or 3 fenders to, well, fend off the dock. We'd rather have fenders hanging out than scratches from the dock, wouldn't you?

Come in at an angle. Even just knowing this is preferred will make your docking life easier. More often than not, it will be impossible to line up straight to the dock. So don't put that pressure on yourself! Once you get closer, straighten up and aim for a particular spot on the dock.

Slow and steady wins the race. Don't race into the dock. That's a recipe for disaster. Go as slow as possible, preferably spending most of your time in neutral and bumping it into gear for seconds every so often. The best way to turn is with power, but the best way to execute a sharp turn is with the lowest amount of power possible to minimize skidding.

Use reverse. Don't be afraid to knock the engine into reverse! That's actually the best way to slide up next to the dock. Once your front end is close, turn the wheel all of the way and slide into reverse for a moment (give it a little oomph) so that the rear will slide into place.

Practice makes perfect. Every boat handles differently, so it will take awhile to learn exactly how to handle your boat in order to dock it gracefully. (Remember how long it took to learn how to back the trailer down the ramp?) Just remember: don't use excessive speed. That can cause a little mistake to turn into a big problem.

Beautiful Boating Destinations

Owning a boat allows you to travel to breathtaking locations most people cannot access. Pick A Slip has gathered a list of the top 10 lakes to go boating on in North America picked by over 5,000 boaters. Check out their full article here.

1. Lewisville Lake, Texas
2. Wheeler Lake, Alabama
3. Lake Marion, South Carolina
4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
5. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont/Quebec
6. Lake Lanier, Georgia
7. Norris Lake, Tennessee
8. Higgins Lake, Michigan
9. Shasta Lake, California
10. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

Of course our #1 pick is Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania. Let us know where your favorite boating destinations are!

Trailering Your Boat Safely

 

With the fall season coming up, many boats will be loaded on trailers and towed to different locations for winter storage. Make sure you know how to trailer your boat safely with these tips:

• Verify the towing capacity of your vehicle. This information is in the owner’s manual. Also, verify the dry weight of the boat. Keep in mind that the dry weight does not include fuel or gear.
• Be familiar with your state trailering laws. Different states may have particular requirements based on weight and beam of the boat.
• Maintain your trailer like you would your boat. Every time you launch or retrieve your boat, your trailer is submerged under water. Inspect the hubs, trailer bunks, tires, and the lights on your trailer to make sure everything is in good condition.

For more information on trailering your boat safely, check out Discover Boating.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must be shown if a vessel is in operation:

• between sunset and sunrise
• in restricted visibility

Navigation lights indicate:

• the size of the ship
• the angle where you see them
• the direction the ship is travelling
• if the ship is anchored

Most recreational vessels less than 30 feet long should have navigation lights. The arc and color of the lights determines the direction the vessel is traveling. These lights must be seen from a minimum distance and have a certain arc through which they can be seen. Check out the following lighting requirements for recreational vessels less than 12 meters in length (approximately 39.4').

When boating at night remember the following: "When two lights you see ahead, turn your helm and show your red".

Boating Safety for Children

 

Boating is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Whether tubing, water skiing, sailing, or just lounging around on the water, there is no better place to connect with loved ones than outdoors. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep everyone's safety in mind. Did you know that Pennsylvania law states anyone 13 years and younger must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while on a vessel? Here are some other tips to consider while boating with kids:

Wear the right life jacket – Make sure kids not only wear a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved, but that it also fits them correctly. While raising both arms straight up, the life jacket should not reach the child’s chin or ears. A life jacket should be snug and fit securely. For more information on choosing the right life jacket, click here.

Keep warm – Children and babies are at a higher risk for hypothermia. It may not feel cold to you but a child may not be able to handle the temperature as well. Make sure you properly dress them, and wrap them with blankets or towels if they are shivering.

Set safety rules – Set some rules to keep kids safe on the boat. No running, no roughhousing, and no jumping are some good rules to follow. Make sure they are aware of the boundaries on the boat and where they are allowed to go while on-board.

Be prepared – No matter how careful you are, sometimes things go wrong. Ensure that you can handle a situation should one arise. Learn CPR, install a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you of toxic fumes, and make everyone aware of the location of the fire extinguisher.

Teach children the difference between swimming in a pool as opposed to open water – Unlike a pool, open water has uneven surfaces, currents, and an unknown bottom. You never know what is under the surface, so kids should not dive into open water or swim too far away from the boat.

Supervise children – Each child is different and has unique capabilities. Enroll your child in swimming lessons so they learn how to tread water, float, and swim. Keep an eye on them when they are in the water and never allow a teen to operate a vessel without supervision.

Boat Types - LighthouseHarbor.com

With the variety of boats on the water these days, it is common to come across a type you have never seen before. Here are some of the most popular boats you may spot these days:

Bowrider Boats – Generally between 17’ and 35’, these runabout boats use stern drive or outboard engines. They hold six to ten people and have a bow area that is open with available seats.

Pontoon Boats – A flattish boat featuring two or three tubular flotation devices underneath it to create a platform. Pontoon Boats are ideal for fishing as well as pleasure boating and are low in cost considering their capacity.

Center Console Boats – With the console of the boat in the center, these open hull boats have a single deck that surrounds the console in order for a person to easily walk around the boat from stern to bow. These boats are ideal for fishing and range in length from 13’ to 45’.

Wakeboard Boats – Designed to create a large wake behind the boat, they usually contain heavy inboard motors that are specifically intended to generate a great and specifically shaped wake to allow a wakeboarder to jump and do aerial tricks. They also feature a tower with the purpose of elevating the pulling position of the towrope, allowing the rider an easier launch and longer airtime.

Deck Boats – Varying in length between 18’ to 28’, deck boats typically have a vee-bottom hull like a bowrider, but provide a vast seating area like a pontoon.

Cabin Cruisers- Featuring accommodations for its passengers inside the boat, and ranging in size from 25’ to 45’, these powerboats are usually set up with a toilet, dining area, and sleeping cabin. Some even feature air conditioning, heating, and power generators.

Sailboats – Powered partially or entirely by its sails, these boats are used for recreation, transportation, and even racing. Ranging in size and shape, smaller sailboats are called sailboards and larger sailboats are sailing ships.

For more information on boat types and brands, visit DiscoverBoating.com

What To Know When Renting A Boat - PoconoActionSports.com

 

Renting a boat in the summer is a wonderful way to spend a day on vacation or a day off from work. It allows you to spend time with your family while doing something different and exciting. You get to explore an area from a different perspective for an affordable cost. With all the boat types offered, there are some things you should take into account when you're ready to rent a boat.

• Where to rent from - There are numerous marinas situated around a single body of water. Lake Wallenpaupack has several locations to rent boats, with many different rental options. Research your options and choose the place that is the best fit for you.
• What boat to rent - With all the rental options available, such as ski boats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats, take into consideration how many people will be in your party, what activities you are planning on doing, and how much stuff you will be bringing along. Choose a boat that can accommodate all your needs.
• What is the rental agreement - Before signing a rental agreement, read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. Some marinas restrict the area in which you can travel with the boat. Many boats are not equipped for towables. Know the rules prior to renting.
• What are you covered for - Along with the rental agreement, you should know what you are liable for should there be damage to the rental equipment. It is common for a rental facility to offer a damage waiver. Inspect the boat with an employee before taking it out to ensure you both agree on it's condition.
•  Do you have a qualified driver - Regulations for operating a boat vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, you must have a Boater's Safety Certification to operate a boat if you were born in 1982 or later. Make sure you know the qualifications and have an adequate and knowledgeable member of your party operate the boat.
• Location and use of safety equipment - Commonly provided with the boat rental, safety equipment is required on a boat. Know where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it. Know where the Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are stored and make sure everyone has one that fits properly.

Pocono Action Sports, located at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack, offers various rental options. Visit us online at PoconoActionSports.com or call us at (570) 857-0779 for more information!

Rope Knots

With so many different rope knots for various uses, it's hard to remember how to create them all. It's even more challenging to remember which knot to use for what, like to tie an anchor to a rope, or to tie a rope to a cleat or a dock. With dozens of rope knots it's a good idea to keep a guide handy. The Pro-Knot App is a convenient way to have dozens of knots at your fingertips. 

Naturally Preventing Skin Damage

 

While you are out on the water having fun this weekend you are probably not putting a whole lot of thought into your skin. Jumping in and out of the water, swimming, tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are more prevalent on your mind than if you have reapplied your sun block. However, once that sunburn sets in you will be reminded that prevention would have been a better route to take. Lucky for you, we have put together a list of ways to avoid that sunburn and keep your skin healthy. Obviously, sun block and shade will help immensely, but there are other measures you can take before you are even on the water to prevent sun damage.

• Vitamin D – Your tolerance to the sun’s rays may increase if you take in more Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in foods such as cheese, fatty fish like tuna and salmon, meats like salami and ham, and mushrooms. You can also get Vitamin D through oral supplements.
• Minerals – Sun rashes and photosensitivity can be caused by a deficiency in vital minerals such as zinc and magnesium. A good source of minerals can be found in whole grains, spinach, wheat bran, lima beans, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds.
• Astaxanthin – This compound is found in algae and the organisms that eat it like salmon and shrimp. Astaxanthin can be consumed or applied directly to the skin and has shown to be beneficial in preventing sunburn.
• Green Tea – A chemical found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is being revealed to prevent skin cancer. Not only is EGCG useful in preventing skin damage, it is being shown to reverse damage.

While in the sun for extended periods of time you should always protect with sun block and shade, but thinking ahead of time and preventing with natural alternatives may be a positive choice, too.

Giving Your Boat the Perfect Name

 

A boat is more than a vessel to get you on the water. It's a vessel to carry your family and friends around on unforgettable experiences. It's a way to spend time surrounded by nature and get to those unreachable fishing holes. With all the importance of your boat, doesn't it deserve a fitting name?

Here are some tips to help you name your boat perfectly:

Consider your boats personality - Boat owners know that each boat has her own personality. Your boat may be the relaxed, layed back type who's "Lallie Gagn", or perhaps she's the sleek, stylish kind like "Reeli Nauti", or maybe even the bold, look-at-me sort of boat that's "Limitless". Whatever her personality, make sure her name fits her.

Keep it short and sweet - Try to keep your boat's name one or two words. If you have to call for Mayday it's easier to spell out the name of your boat if it isn't a mouthful. A shorter name is easier to say and every second counts in an emergency.

Make it unique - Avoid using a name that you're likely to see a lot on the water. Pick a name for your boat that is special and unique, just like your boat. Some boat names are clever, but common, so try to avoid one that everyone's already thought of. Your boat should have a distinctive name that allows it to stand out from others.

Pick a name that has meaning - There are a lot of cute, clever boat names out there, but try to pick one that is meaningful. You spend a lot of time on your boat so give her a name that's special. It doesn't matter what other boaters think of your boat's name, they have their own boats to name. Pick a name that reflects how you feel while on your boat and what it symbolizes for you.

Unwritten Boating Rules Everyone Should Follow

There are quite a few rules and regulations everyone learns while taking their boating safety course; however, there are unwritten rules that aren't taught but should be followed. Hopefully you follow these unwritten rules:

• Do not create a wake within 300 feet of a commercial dock - Wake is created around 5 MPH. Even if there are no signs, areas within 300 feet of a commercial boat dock are no wake areas. When someone is at their dock trying to balance themselves and their stuff and trying to get in or out of their boat, it's very inconvenient to be rocked by unnecessary wake. There are also a lot of people who swim off the dock so it's extremely dangerous for boats to be going fast enough to make a wake. 
• Do not hold up everyone else at the boat launch - It is very inconvenient waiting for someone to load their boat with coolers, fishing gear, and equipment while they're parked on the launch. You should remove your boat cover, load your boat, remove all tie-downs, and make sure your drain plug is in before you are at the launch. Once your boat is launched, quickly move your vehicle out of the way so the next boater can enjoy their day not waiting in line.
• Do not leave hooks on the dock - While fishing from the dock or loading and unloading fishing gear from your boat, make sure your hooks are not laying exposed on the dock. A fishing hook can easily be stepped on by someone walking barefoot on the dock, or by a pet.
• Do not anchor too close to another boat - One of the most relaxing things to do on your boat is nothing at all. It's wonderful to go into a quiet cove, anchor your boat, and sunbathe, swim, or fish. Generally boaters who are anchored away from activity are looking for privacy. Allow enough room between your boat and another boat for both to swing around their anchors and have sufficient privacy.

Boating is a wonderful activity that should be enjoyed without inconveniencing anyone else. By following these unwritten rules, we can all enjoy the water together!