Spring is all over LKN

There is a bass fishing tournement kicking off on March 24th (Blythe Landing) but based on the number of bass boats out on the lake over the past week, you'd think the festivities had already started. Still, it is great to see so much traffic on Lake Norman. Spring is here!

Get out there and have some fun on LKN but be safe!

Father and Son Hurt In Boating Accidnet on Lake Norman

Folks, the 2011 Boating Season is upon us and there is no better reminder to be careful as you take to our crown jewel, Lake Norman, than this story. Today, during a fishing tournament, a father and son were thrown from their boat when they struck something in the lake. Other boaters were close by and were able to rescue them. It appears everyone will be okay.

If you haven't taken a safe boating class, remember, it is now the law. This family was lucky. Let's see if we can have a safe 2011 Boating Season on LKN. All the better for everyone.

Safe(r) Boating is coming to Lake Norman

North Carolina has taken a major step forward and passed a law requiring manditor boater safety training for anyone operating a boat under the age of 25.

Rather than have me paraphrase, here is the link to a story in today's Charlotte Observer.

Happy Boating, ya'll!

Road Service for the Lake

There are a lot of Good Samaritans around Lake Norman. I've been both the recipient as well as the provider. You know what I am talking about. Either you have had a boat break down or you have come across someone that needed your assistance. Certainly, Good Samaritans are great but there are times when folks aren't around and you may find yourself in need of a tow. Now there is a service on LKN that helps with those times you are all alone. Sea Tow is a for fee service and is on call 24/7. You can join for the year or call from the lake but be prepared to pay.

Thankfully, most "rescues" are not serious or life threating. But none the less, when you find yourself on the lake with a non-working boat, the annual fee for Sea Tow will seem very small and your peace of mind will be priceless.

Safety and State Law on Lake Norman

Folks, just because we've not heard about people getting hurt or killed this year doesn't mean that it still can't happen. Add to that, the laws about boating near a dedicated boat launch, and this is a piece that needs to be read.

State law mandates that you are not to create a wake within 150 feet of a dedicated boat launch, this includes private piers. Please adhere to the law and safe boating rules. They aren't written or enforced to kill your fun but to keep you from getting hurt of killing someone else.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival and Race on Lake Norman

I bet you won't see this every day on LKN, Dragon Boats racing!

The 10th Annual Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival will be held this coming weekend at Ramsey Creek Park. This will be a sight to see but most of all, it promises to be fun. Stop by and take in the excitement of a real Chinese Dragon Boat Race and learn a bit more about the diverse community we call Lake Norman too!

Lake Norman Sailing Center is Open!

For the local sailing enthusiast, the time has arrived for you to rejoice, well, maybe just be really happy. The NC Community Sailing & Rowing Center at Blythe Landing has opened. If you are into sailing or would like to be, here is your local place to be. A non-profit group has raised money for the center and is continuing to raise funds to support the center's business plan. 

Check it out and slow the pace a bit. Sailing and rowing are great ways to enjoy LKN!

Boating Season is Coming to Lake Norman. Are you Ready?

I know it is still too cold for many of us to think about getting out on the lake and cruising the shoreline but Memorial Day will be here before you know it and we will all be ready to hop in our boats and head out on the water. However, before you pull to the boat launch or cast off from your private pier, now is a good time to think about preparing your boat for a summer of fun. 

Nothing can ruin a day on LKN like being stuck out in the middle of the lake with engine problems. Did you have your boat serviced last fall? Have you checked to make sure everything is in working order? What about an inspection of all the safety equipment? 

Yes, this is the stuff boredom is made of but it won't feel so boring if you have a great day out on the lake. And now is a great time of year to put just a little effort into maintaining your vessel. Boat mechanics are usually slower this time of year, so if you have been putting off maintenance or just didn't get around to it this fall, don't wait until boating season is here because you will be sitting on the shore wondering what a fun day out on the water would have been like!

NC Considers Boater Education Requirements

It looks like we are one step closer to legislation that would require boater education in North Carolina. As you've seen in my previous post, I think at minimum, required boater education is necessary. 

Living and boating on Lake Norman is great but only as long as everyone returns at the end of the trip safe and unharmed. Mandatory boater education could go a long way in helping that become a reality. I will hold out my full support until I see the final language of the bill but on the surface, this is a step in the right direction. 

What a Day on the Lake!

We spent the day out on Lake Norman yesterday. It was a beautiful fall day and since the major boating season is over, the water was very nice. We stopped off for lunch at an island around marker 8 on the main channel and it was really nice. We had the island to ourselves, the weather was great, and with smooth water, we didn't need to reposition the boat. 

In just a few short weeks, we will have the fun of cruising the lake and coves of LKN looking at the wonderful fall colors. This is really one of the best times to live and boat on the lake. See you around the lake!

Heading out on the Lake this weekend!

So, if you read my last post, you saw that we took the LKN Power Squadron's ABC Safe Boating Class last week. What that also means is that we bought a boat. We had a small bow rider a few years back but we had to trailer it and store it in our garage (HOA restrictions), so it wasn't that much fun. Especially since we live on the south end of LKN and on the weekends, navigating a 16' v-hull is like trying to boat in a pot of boiling water!

This time around, we bought a 25' pontoon that we currently have in dry storage on the west side of the lake. We're looking at building a pier at our home but until that happens I think dry storage will be a good fit for us. By virtue of being a bigger boat, the pontoon seems to ride better in the choppy waters. But not having to put in and haul a boat is like a dream for me!

We went for a sail on Sunday and let me tell you, there are lots of folks out there that don't know a channel marker from the port side of their vessel. I'm not sure I believe in boating licenses for all boaters in NC but the LKN Power Squadron and the LKN Marine Commission both are pushing to make safety courses required for all boaters. And after seeing LKN boating skills first hand this past weekend, I don't think it can happen too soon!

So, safe boating everyone! I'll see you out there this weekend!

ABCs of Boating - Best Thing on the Lake!

This weekend, my family and I took the Lake Norman Power Squadron's ABCs of Boating Class. While my 14 year-old didn't want to take the course, the "prize" of a NC PWC Certificate was enough to entice her to sit through the 8 hour session.

If you aren't familiar, the LNK Power Squadron is dedicated to boater safety and education for the Lake Norman area. I have to say that if all of their 100+ members are as dedicated as the 15 or so we met, LKN is in great hands. This is an all volunteer organization and the services they provide help make our community an attractive place to live, work, and play.

Thanks to the LKN Power Squadron!

Safe boating everyone!