As if you need an excuse to get out on the water! Boating is one of the more enjoyable pastimes out there, and is a great way to enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Taking the boat out is a fun enough activity in itself, but there is a lot more you could be doing to get the most value out of your purchase and create lasting memories with family and friends.

When a sunny day comes along, here are some fun things you can do out on your boat.

SWIMMING

One of the best parts of boating is it allows people to get out on the water and feel the sunshine, and cool down with a quick dip. It is great to be able to jump off a boat right into the water. Swimming leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Find a safe location and remember to avoid areas with strong currents or high boat traffic, and check the restrictions to make sure you are swimming in the right place.

Switch off the engine before jumping right in, and be sure the water is deep enough. Weaker swimmers should be fitted with a life jacket, and the skipper should always be monitoring who is in and out of the water. Enjoy your time in the water, swimming is one of life’s simple pleasures!

EXPLORE NEW WATERWAYS

Any time you set out to discover a patch of water you have never seen before, there is always an exhilarating sense of adventure. Exploring parts of your local waterways, or setting off on a day trip to a new part of the country is a great way to uncover hidden gems and expand your boating knowledge.

Before heading off, have a plan. Take a moment to open the Deckee app and look up the weather, points of interest and navigational information in the area. Look for marine parks, protected coves, beaches only accessible by water or picnic spots by the lake.

If you live by the ocean, mix it up by exploring a nearby lake or river. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you find if you get out of your comfort zone.

FISHING

By far one of the most popular activities that boat owners do, fishing offers a chance to escape to the water and reconnect with the environment. Whether fishing in saltwater or freshwater areas, boaters never have to go far to throw in a line. Depending on where your boat is located, there are numerous ways to fish and species to catch.

To make the most out of your fishing trip, do some advanced planning and be mindful of sustainable fishing practices. Consider what you want to fish, which rod set up is most effective and what bait would be best suited to the area.

WAKEBOARDING AND WATER SKIING

Wakeboarding can provide hours of fun if your boat has the right set-up. All you need to get going is life jackets, a wakeboard and a tow rope for the rider to hold onto.

Wakeboarding is a great way to get some sun, have a fun time on the water, and get a pretty intense workout in the process.

As an alternative, water skiing offers all the same fun aspects of wakeboarding, and some boat owners may prefer it. Water skiing requires you to face forward, hold onto the tow rope and let the boat pull you up out of the water, whereas wakeboarding starts sideways, which can prove more challenging.

Wakeboards and water skis can last years, and be passed down to the next generation, so it's a great activity to get the kids involved.

TUBING

A simple way to get out on the water for some fun and action is to buy a tube to tow behind the boat. Inflatables can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and for all age groups.

Whether it's a traditional tube to try and fling the kids off, or towing a giant swan for a relaxing river cruise, they can provide hours of entertainment.

With most activities out on the water, there is always an element of risk when tubing. Prevent injuries by practising safe boating techniques, have someone keep a lookout and know the limits of the rider.

SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING

From the swim platform of a boat you can get a glimpse of the abundance of marine life that call your local waterways home. These days snorkelling and scuba diving is more accessible than ever, and lets you enter the natural world in a completely different way.

Exploring coral reefs, colourful fish or underwater sea life up close and personal provides a great thrill, but also acts as an important reminder that boaters share the water, and have a responsibility to preserve it.

If you’re looking for an escape, then there is no better place to be than underwater in scuba gear.

BRUSH UP ON YOUR BOATING KNOWLEDGE

Take the boat out with a mind to test your expertise. Practice anchoring, docking, navigation, testing instruments and the finer points of boating safety. Involve the family and get them to actively participate in parts of operating and maintaining a boat.

Passing down knowledge to the next generation will nurture their love of the water and inspire them to own their own boat one day.

MAKE BOATING EXTRA FUN: TRY THESE SEVEN ACTIVITIES