Tag: lake life

The Joys of SEC Football and Lake Life

Posted on Staff

With less than one week ’til the kickoff of college football, it’s time to take a look at two common passions in the South: SEC football and lake life.

With regional temperatures generally staying warm well into the fall, and many lakes in close proximity to college campuses, it makes for a natural fit!

Whether you are having family and friends over to party and tailgate at the lake home, or attending the game and returning to the lake home as your out-of-town getaway, the lake will definitely enhance your experience.

University of Alabama – Lake Tuscaloosa

Located only 20 minutes from Bryant-Denny Stadium and Alabama’s campus, this reservoir features 177 miles of shoreline and serves as the main water supply for the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Its close proximity to these cities and clear waters also make it a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

Nick Saban, coach of the Alabama football team even has a house on Lake Tuscaloosa. He is known invite his players out to occasionally enjoy the use of his boat and jet skis!

Auburn University – Lake Martin

Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Auburn campus is conveniently located less than 1 hour away from gorgeous Lake Martin, which boasts more than 700 miles of shoreline.

In addition to pristine waters and luxurious houses, the lake boasts natural attractions like Chimney Rock, as well as numerous local restaurants.

Search the web for Lake Martin rentals, and you will find no shortage of properties promoting “Auburn Football weekends on the Lake” and “Auburn Football Weekends.”

University of South Carolina – Lake Murray

USC, located in Columbia, SC, is minutes away from the fishing and recreational hotspot that is Lake Murray.

The lake, which has more than 500 miles of shoreline, can reach depths of up to 200 feet.

One draw for Lake Murray is the consistency of its water levels, fluctuating only 4 feet between the summer and winter seasons.

Another perk of lake is the convenience to Columbia, which is the home of the Riverbanks Zoo, Broadway shows, concerts, and of course, the USC Gamecocks and Williams-Brice Stadium!

University of Tennessee – Tennessee River/Fort Loudoun Lake 

UT’s Neyland Stadium is located 30 minutes from Fort Loudoun Lake and sits directly on the shores of the Tennessee River.

With almost 400 miles of shoreline, there is a lake property to match anyone’s needs, and if there is not, you can even look for a houseboat to live directly on the water!

UT fans take tailgating  to a whole new level, so much so that it has spawned its own title, known as “sailgating.”

That’s right, a group of super fans and boating enthusiasts, known as the Vol Navy, arrive by boat and tie up outside of Neyland Stadium to celebrate with traditional tailgating activities on their boats and on the three-mile riverwalk.

The bottom line is, no matter where you go in the SEC footprint, you’re bound to be near a beautiful body of water.

While most people think of a lake home as a great spring and summer getaway, it can also function as a one-of-a-kind tailgating experience on the weekends during the fall and winter months!

 

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 Loss
  • 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.

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

Wakesurfing 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

You 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

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 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:

  • Cruising
  • 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.

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:

1. 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!