Tag: lake life

Exercising on the Lake: Canoeing and Kayaking

Posted on Staff

There are many reasons why people participate in canoeing and kayaking. One of the biggest reasons is the exercise they get from this fun past time.

Exercising on the lake with paddling facilitates aerobic and cardiovascular training. It also helps build upper body strength.

Both kayaks and canoes offer great benefits, regardless of the type of paddling that is performed. Some of these benefits include:

  • Weight Losscouple kayaking
  • Stress Reduction
  • Back Strength
  • Chest Strength
  • Arm Strength
  • Overall Body Conditioning
  • Overall Health
  • Boosted Immune System

Side Benefit

Some people paddle solely for the exercise since paddling works your back, arms, abs and more. However, those who paddle because they love to seem to reap more benefits than those who do it just for a workout.

This is because a person who loves something does not view it as a chore, they do it as much as possible since it is their hobby.

Preparation

Anyone that paddles their own kayak or canoe even just once knows the task burns a high amount of energy. And the burn doesn’t start there.

There is exercise in just getting the vessel to the water!

Imagine what it takes to just lift the boat in and out of the lake, not to mention getting it prepared for transport to and from the water.

Proper Technique

The most crucial consideration when you are paddling, especially when doing it for the exercise, is to maintain proper technique and to stretch before and after performing the activity.

The repetitive nature of this sport can adversely affect your joints and muscles when posture and rowing technique is not kept in mind.

Some injuries occur before hitting the water, when the canoe or kayak is being lifted and carried to/out of the lake.

Remember to lift with your knees when dealing with heavy objects, and to keep them close to your body when transporting so as not to strain your back and shoulders.

For more details on proper rowing techniques, look to this guide, provided by REI.

Enjoy Your Exercise

As if you needed another reason to get out on the water, the fact stays the same that you will not only enjoy paddling, but you will soon see a significant increase in your overall health due to the amount of exercise that you receive from this sport.

You will also enjoy the scenery. The water and wilderness offer a sense of peace and calm. You will relax your mind while you are exercising your body.

 

7 Crazy Ways to Float the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having fun on the lake is great for all ages and will offer memories for years to come. There are all sorts of floats and toys to enhance your lake experience, here are seven of the most outlandish floats on the market:

Floating Jacuzzi

A floating Jacuzzi is an amazing addition to the fun gear that you have already. All you have to do is fill it up with some water, grab some cold beverages, and enjoy it.

It will float in the lake as you enjoy all the perks that a Jacuzzi offers. They are lightweight and easy to move. Normally they include a drain in the side or bottom to remove the water from the unit.

Water Trampoline

If you love diving boards, then you fall madly in love with a water trampoline. It is a trampoline that is installed on top of a floating circle.

You can climb up onto the trampoline and jump as high as you can into the water. It offers so much fun that even Grandpa will be out there showing the young ones how it is done.

floating lake cabana with four people relaxing on it

Chill Out Chairs

There are so many different designs for these type of chairs. They can be inflatable or made out of buoyant material and easily transported from garage to lake.

There are some that you can sit on almost like a hammock, and then there are others that offer a way to keep your legs up so you are in a laying position to relax. Some include cup holder for your beverage, while others offer seating for multiple people.

Floating Patio Set

If you love the water, but you also want to be able to play cards and enjoy your company while you are resting, then you should purchase a floating patio set.

They offer a way to be out on the water with the comfort of chairs and a table. Sets include seating in a circle, a table in the center and a place to keep you cooler.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch, drinks, cards, music and more on the floating patio. And when you are not using it, you can simply deflate it and pack it up!

Floating Rocker Chair

If you want some fun, a floating rocker chair is a half circle that offers two seats.

The two people face each other and force the chair back and forth in a rocking motion. You can relax in it or go crazy and try to rock each other into the water.

Think of it like a floating seesaw!

Floating Playground Complex

Floating playgrounds offer crazy fun with all the activities built right in.

There are mounds to climb and jump off of, trampolines connected, swings and so much more all on one float!

It can also be turned into an obstacle course for a prize for those looking for a little challenge

For more floating fun, read out our “Summer Lake Toys” story!

What is Wakesurfing?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

wakesurfingWakesurfing is a sport that has become increasingly popular in the recent years.

It started with a couple of daredevils goofing around with boards tied to their boats and has now become an exciting new watersport that is a cross between wakeboarding and surfing.

Here are some wakesurfing basics:

You will need an inboard boat

If you have a boat with an outboard engine, an engine which is mounted externally to the back of the boat, wakesurfing is not an option.

In order to ride the wake, a surfer must stay near the back of the boat, and should the rider fall, they may go towards the vessel.

Because of the danger presented by outboard motors, which do not feature protected fan blades, it is not safe to wakesurf with one.

You Need a Rope

ropeYou can’t wakesurf with just any rope, but one that is “wakesurf specific”.

Wakesurfing can be dangerous when pulled by a thin rope which can cause nasty rope burns.

Handles on such ropes can also be quite large. Surfers do not want to run the risk of getting hit with one should it fly off the rope or come down on them when the rider goes down.

Wakesurfers should look at using thicker ropes with small handles such as the ones featured here.

Surf Boards and Wakesurfing Boards

People use to wakesurf with regular surfboards, but now there are many companies who make specific boards for wakesurfing.

Note however, that regular surfboards are not a non-option. The only major differences include the length of the board, fin sizes, and buoyancy.

How to Get Up

Getting up on the board is not as difficult as it looks.

You should simply relax and lay back while placing your feet loosely on the wakesurf board. Make sure your knees are bent and start moving slowly at 2 mph, this will give you the chance to dial in.

Keep your arms straight, and try to pull yourself up.

Imagine that you’re on the floor, and someone is trying to pull you up. Simultaneously press down with you feet, and point the board in the direction of travel as you come out of the water.

Once you are up and comfortable, you can then toss the rope back to the boat or have someone pull the rope back in.

The momentum of the wake will keep propelling you forward at the same speed as the boat.

Positioning your Feet

An important question here is to what is the right width for your stance.

Usually it’s about shoulder width, but your feet can be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches, depending on height. Practice is the best way to find your sweet spot.

You can accelerate by shifting your weight to your front foot, and you can brake by shifting your weight to your back foot. The same applies when you shift yourself forward or backward.

Feet positioning is important because when you start doing tricks, you will need to learn to balance yourself with your feet.

Top Speed

The speed of the boat depends on the experience of the wakesurfer.

Beginners should start out at about 9 mph and can go as fast as 14 mph, but this depends on the amount of ballast, the hull, the boat and of course, the surfer.

How to Clean and Prepare a Catfish

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
raw fish catfish on the kitchen board

Catfish are very hearty fish that have tough skin. However, once they are cleaned, prepared and cooked, they make for a tasty meal that is a staple in any Southern household. Although there are plenty of ways to skin a cat(fish), this is a quick and easy method that’ll have you licking your fingers when you’re done!

Cleaning the Catfish

Materials You’ll Need

  • pair of pliers
  • some rope
  • a large knife
  • a fillet knife

Skin the Body

Carefully cut around the body of the fish, up to behind the gills. Be sure not to make this a deep cut as you are trying to remove this portion from the meat.

Next, you need to gut the fish. Be careful not to puncture any of the fish organs.

Then you will need to remove all of the fish fins at the base. You will need to use your pliers to hold on to the fins while you are cutting.

Hang the Fish

Hang your fish by the gills from anything suitable, like a tree branch, using the rope. Cut the skin down the center of the fish’s back.

Pull Off the Skin

Pull the skin of the catfish off using the pliers from the head down. This can be a bit tricky; however, practice will help improve your skinning skills.

Remove Skin to Tail

Remove the catfish’s skin down to its tail.

Cut the tail off if it does not already have it removed.

Also, cut off the head using the large knife that you gathered with the rest of the materials.

Fillet the Catfish

Fillet your fish from the tail on up.

Cut along the fish’s backbone until you reach its ribs. Cut from the top, then down, beside the spine. Let the edge of the knife follow along the ribs.

Preparing the Catfish

Prepare your fish to eat. When you have both of the sides filleted, the sky is the limit on how you can season and cook the fish.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 Cup of Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ¼ Cup of Flour
  • ½ tsp. of Salt
  • ¼ tsp. of Pepper
  • 1 tsp. of Paprika
  • 1 Egg – Beaten
  • ¼ Cup of Milk
  • 5-6 Catfish Fillets
  • ¼ Cup of Butter

Directions:

  1. Mix the cheese, salt, flour, pepper and the paprika in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a different bowl, combine the milk and the egg.
  3. Dip catfish fillets in the wet mixture, and then dredge it through the flour mixture.
  4. Put the fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish.
  5. Drizzle the butter on.
  6. Bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the fish is flaky.

And if you want tips on the best ways to catch many catfish in an efficient manner, check out the article on Trotline Fishing: Fill Your Freezer.

5 Toys You Need for Your Pontoon Boat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having a pontoon boat will open up a whole new world of fun for you and your family. There are many different activities that you can do on a pontoon boat, and if you purchase amazing add-ons you can add even more fun to the experience.

Click on any of the links below for more information!

pontoon boat on the lake

Pontoon Fire Pit

Even though you can already fish, cruise, camp and ski on your boat, you can also add a fire pit.

These fire pits, fueled by natural propane, offer yet another way to relax an evening on the lake, particularly during cooler weather.

Pontoon Lighting

Lighting that can be put under the deck offers illumination for nighttime barbeques and parties. Though not something you will use every time you’re on the water, these lights create the perfect ambiance for a night ride.

The lights mounted to the underside of the boat will make the water glow with amazingly vibrant colors.

Your pontoon lights can even be used to liven up the mood the next time you have a party on your dock!

Mounted Barbeque Grill

There are numerous options for boat mounted barbeque grills. Most options offer a mounting unit with an accessory pole that fits into the same hole where you would put a drink table.

These on-board grills offer a way to cook for your family and friends without having to leave the water. All you have to do is throw some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill while everyone is swimming!

Diving Board

Half the fun of going out on the pontoon boat is getting to swim. Why not make a splash out there by purchasing a pontoon diving board?

Boards come in various sizes, which can be securely fasted to the boat and used like a regular diving board.

Before taking the first plunge, make sure you check for debris in the water and to ensure that the water is deep enough for safe diving.

Slides

Whether you want a permanent fixture or one that you can put up and take down as you please, there is a pontoon slide out there for you.

Slides can be made of metal or strong plastic and attached to the boat itself for unlimited fun. But if some occasions don’t call for such adventure, say a leisurely cruise along the shore, purchase an inflatable attachment.

These can be blown up and used, and then when it is time to pack it up for the day, the slide is deflated and can be packed away to offer more space.

 

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

One half of fatalities from recreational boating happen on the calm water, often even close to the shore.

In most cases life jackets are on board, but either go unworn or are not worn properly.

Activities that calls for life jackets are:

  • collection of life jacketsCruising
  • Paddling
  • Angling
  • Waterskiing
  • Racing
  • Swimming
  • Being Next to the Water

All people, from adult males to young children and pets, should wear the life jackets. Here are ways to ensure you have the right one.

Checking the Size

The size and weight information for each jacket can be found on the label. This will tell the range of weight the floatation device can support as well as the recommend height range of users.

Make sure that the jacket is fastened in the right fashion.

To do this, hold your arms over your head. If the tops of the arm openings can be pulled up past your chin, then the jacket is too big. It needs to be able to hold your head out of the water.

Auto Inflatable Life Jackets

This type of life jacket will automatically inflate upon immersion or from manual activation.

If a person wearing an inflatable jacket is in an accident and rendered unconscious, the device will turn the wearer face upwards.

These life jackets are not meant to be worn by children 16 years of age and younger. Additionally, this floatation device is not suitable for use in water sports.

Manual Inflatable Life Jackets

These jackets inflate only when wearers manually trigger the inflation device.

Manually inflatable jackets are cool and comfortable to wear since they are not bulky like most other life jackets.

This kind of jacket will also turn the wearer face up should they be rendered unconscious; however, it has to be inflated before their accident.

These do require some regular maintenance to insure inflation devices and pull cords are in working order and that there are no holes in the jacket itself.  Jackets of this kind should not be worn by children 16 or younger.

They are not recommended for water sports either.

Belt Pack Inflatable

This life preserver will also inflate automatically if it is submerged or it can be manually inflated.

Very easy to wear, this device wraps around and is secured to the wearer’s waist.

It should be placed over the head after it has been inflated and also requires regular maintenance.

Belt packs are not meant for water sports or children 16 and younger.

Vest Life Jackets

This is the most seen life jacket. They are typically orange.

The vest can turn an unconscious person face up and requires very little maintenance.

This is a great life jacket for those who do not know how to swim. It is also versatile as it is great for using as a flotation device. It is normally less bulky than other off-shore vests.

Children’s Hybrid Inflatable

These types of life jackets offer automatic inflation, but it can also be inflated manually.

These do require regular maintenance, and will turn an unconscious person upward like others mention previously.

It is not meant to wear during water sports.

Children’s Life Jacket

These types of life jackets are designed for possible immersion.

It may not turn a person face up, but requires little maintenance.

Most types of life jackets typically includes safety features for your child.

For more information check out the How to Choose the Right Life Jacket brochure from the United States Coast Guard found here.

Golf For Beginners: The Swing

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Golf can be a relaxing past time or extremely competitive. However, no matter how you look at it, golf offers an opportunity for bonding time for fathers and sons, and even networking among groups of friends.

There is nothing like hitting the green with an ice-cold beer and being surrounded by good friends.

Though it is an extremely complex and complicated sport, here are some tips to get you on the right path enjoying “the greatest game ever played.”

Your Golf Club Grip Matters

Those who have never golfed a day in their lives will have a tendency to grab the club and grip it just like a baseball bat.

While it may seem like it is unnatural in the beginning, it is important to become accustomed to using the grip properly.

man demonstrating how to properly grip a golf club

Take your club in the palm of the lead hand. The lead hand is the one that is at the end of the club.

You will need your thumb to run up the top of the grip that goes down. Slide the back hand below the other hand.

Then, interlock the back hand’s small finger with the lead hand’s pointer finger. The back hand’s thumb should run down the front of the club grip.

Approach and Posture

Proper back posture is also referred to as “the approach” in golf.

The basics include bending your knees slightly, leaning your upper body over your ball and placing your arms in front of you.

Your feet will need to be shoulder width apart. For the beginning golfer, your ball should be positioned so it is equal distance between the front and the back foot.

In order to figure out if it lines up right, take your 7 iron and run the shaft from the lead foot toe to the back foot toe. The club will point to where you will be hitting your ball.

Take the club, and then put the club head behind your ball. It should be at a 45-degree angle, and it should naturally fit in your hands.

Golf Swing’s Have Steps

There are three essential steps to a golf swing:  the take away, the impact and the follow through. Each one of the steps is vital to making solid contact with your ball.

With the grip and “the approach” taken care of, then it is all about hitting your ball.

For a beginning golfer, it is best to keep your feet planted throughout your swing and impact with the ball. Your head and your upper body should stay relatively still.

You should look at where your ball is through the entire process. As you bring back the club, try to keep the lead arm straight, rotate your hips, and then transition your weight to the back foot.

As you come down to make contact, your hips should begin to rotate forward while your weight should shift to the lead foot.

Keep your eye on your ball as you make contact. Allow your hips to keep rotating. At the end of the swing, your upper torso should face the hole.

 

While these instructions are very elementary, they make for a great starting point for you to get out there, and hit the greens!

 

Why You Need a Double-Decker Dock on Deep Water

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Docks are not only useful for storing your boat, they can also be a hot spot for fun. Having a double-decker dock can almost be compared to having a tree house, but on the lake! And the best part: two decks means two times the fun!

Here are just five of the many reasons to have a double-decker dock:

double decker dock on the lake1. Sun Bathing

Some people like privacy when they sun bathe. Not only do double-decker docks offer privacy when you are sun bathing on the top deck which is often enclosed with a slated fence, they also offer you direct sunlight.

On the top level, you can either enjoy time sunning by yourself, or furnish the area with a small table and a few chairs for others.

You can even offer a storage area to put your sun lotion, towels, blankets and radio in. Just make sure that the storage container is waterproof so your items aren’t damaged by the elements.

2. Boat Protection

Boat protection is another great aspect of having a double-decker dock, as the second floor shields the boat from exposure.

You can also add on to the structure by adding a closet to store fishing poles, life jackets, and other boating essentials.

You can even install a boat lift on the dock to raise your boat out of the water when not in use; just another way to help preserve and protect the investment that is your boat!

3. A Slide

Thrill seekers will enjoy the added height of a double-decker dock which are often as tall as 30 feet above the water.

Slides can be installed one of two ways:

The first starts the rider at the second level and is ridden down to the lower level, at which point the rider is deposited into the lake.

The second and more adventurous option would be installing a ladder to the top of the slide and once the rider reaches the bottom of the slide they fall from the height of the second level to the water below.

4. A Diving Board

Everyone enjoys a fun high dive! With the height of the second level plus the spring of the diving board, you can really soar before plunging into the lake below!

One safety precaution to consider before installing a diving board is to make absolutely sure the water around your dock is deep enough for diving.

This is also important to check even when diving without the aide of a board, as diving into shallow water is extremely dangerous.

Also make sure that the area is clear of all underwater debris, such as old man-made objects or downed trees.

5. Additional Entertaining Area

Having a double-decker dock offers more than double the capacity of a single level dock. You can have extra company, extra activities and the dock will offer much more space for patio furniture or even a grill.

With a double-decker dock, you are essentially providing an extra porch or patio for all sorts of entertaining right on the water!

 

5 Go To Burger Recipes for Summer Grilling

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

What is a barbeque without grilled hamburgers? Listed here are five amazing burger recipes that you can use to kick up the meal for the family and friends. From spicy to classic, these recipes will offer great tasting food that your guests are sure to enjoy.

To make it fun, you can always make it a burger sampler and competition. Reduce the recipes and make each type of burger into sliders, have everyone try each type, then find out which burger is the favorite!

1. Grilled Ketchup with Onions and Yellow Pepper

grilling burgers by the lakeSmoky, spicy and tangy, this great recipe offers a great-tasting burger that has a unique taste. The grilled bell peppers and onions add even more of a charred flavor to any burger.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Pounds of Roma Tomatoes – Cored, Halved
  • ½ Cup of Malt Vinegar
  • 4 tsp. of Salt
  • 2 tsp. of Spicy Pepper Sauce
  • 1 tsp. of Allspice
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Medium Sized Onion – Cut into ½ inch Rounds, Separate Rings
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper – Cored, Seeded, Cut to ½ Inch Strips
  • 2 Tbsp. of Oil
  • 1 ½ pounds of Ground Beef
  • Pepper
  • 4 Buns

Directions:

  1. For the tomato ketchup, heat up the grill pan to a medium-high heat. Grill the tomatoes with the skin side down until it has dark grill lines. It will take about five minutes.
  2. Flip them over and cook for 10 minutes. Chop them to pieces.
  3. Transfer the tomatoes to a sauté pan. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, salt, allspice, bay leaf, spicy pepper sauce, and cinnamon stick.
  4. Sauté it until it is almost dry.
  5. For the burgers, sprinkle the onions and the peppers with ½ teaspoon of salt and toss it with 1 tablespoon of oil.
  6. Grill the onions and the peppers until they are charred and softened. Flip only once. It will take about six minutes.
  7. Cook the burgers and then top it with the ketchup and the onions.

2. Upscale Slider Burgers

These taste amazing and will leave people wanting more. This recipe is very easy to do and you will have an easy recipe that packs a great flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Slices of Pancetta
  • 1 Pound of Ground Beef Sirloin
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. of Oil
  • 6 Slices of Gruyere
  • 6 Mini Buns – Toasted
  • 3 Tbsp. of Stone Ground Mustard
  • 6 Cornichons

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill to 400 degree Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper, and then spread the pancetta slices on it. Bake until crisp. It will take about 10 minutes.
  2. Divide the beef into six portions and then into patties. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
  3. Oil the grill, and cook the patties for five to seven minutes on each side until it is done.
  4. Add the Gruyere slices on the patties. Cover them with the lid so that the cheese melts. Remove them from the grill.
  5. Assemble your burgers on the buns with the crisp pancetta.

3. Latin Macho Burger

If you like jalapenos, then you are going to love this burger. From onions and jalapenos to brown sugar and adobo seasoning, this burger offers a punch of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 12 Ounces of Ground Beef
  • 8 Ounces of Chorizo
  • 1 Tbsp. of Adobo Seasoning
  • 3 Large Yellow Onions – 1 Sliced Thin, 1 Grated
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ½ Cup of Minced Jalapeno
  • ½ Cup of Brown Sugar
  • ¾ Cup of Mayonnaise
  • 2 Red Bell Peppers – Roasted
  • 6 Potato Rolls – Split
  • 6 Slices of Cheese

Directions:

  1. Mix the chorizo, beef, adobo, and the grated onion in a large mixing bowl. Form it into six patties. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add in the sliced onions and the salt and pepper. Add in the jalapeno peppers and the brown sugar. Sauté until the onions are completely caramelized. Make sure they are soft.
  3. Puree the mayo and the red peppers in a food processor or a blender until creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the grill on high. Grill your patties until they are cooked to desired degree.
  5. Spread about one tablespoon of red pepper sauce on both sides of the bread. Lay the burger on the half and then top it with the caramelized onions.

4. The Classic Burger

This is a recipe for those who want a simple, classic, cheeseburger. There is not much seasoning in the recipe so the focal point of the flavor is on the meat, so make sure you buy high quality 80/20 or 70/30 ground beef.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ Pounds of Ground Beef
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. of Oil
  • 4 Slices of Cheese
  • 4 Buns – Split, Toasted
  • Burger toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard)

Directions:

  1. Divide your meat in 4 equal portions. Form patties from it. Push the middle down to form an indention. Season both of the sides of the burger with some salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the grill on high. Brush your burgers with the oil.
  3. Grill your burgers until it is brown.
  4. Add the cheese to the tops of the burgers on the last minute of them cooking to melt the cheese.

5. Cheese Stuffed Grill Burgers

Because you can never go wrong by adding more cheese to any recipe! This is another recipe in which not a lot of seasoning is needed, but on the inside you will find melty, cheesy, goodness!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Pounds of Ground Beef
  • 1 tsp. of Salt
  • ½ tsp. of Pepper
  • 8 Ounces of Cheese – Your Choice

Directions:

  1. Mix the beef with salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and form it into 8 balls. Press the cube of cheese into the center of the balls.
  2. Cover the cheese with the meat.
  3. Form the balls into hamburger patties.
  4. Grill the burgers until they are done.

Grilling out and cooking burgers at the lake is an All-American tradition enjoyed by many every summer. Keep in mind that burgers are great blank canvases, so don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment with your own recipes!

Head out to the lake, and light up the grill with your friends and family this weekend! And while you’re at it, give some of these great summer cocktail recipes a try.