Boating is for Sweethearts

As we know boating is an activities that brings people together. We most commonly associate this with families that have teenaged kids. We often hear from parents that while they enjoy the escape to the water for many reasons on of the huge benfits to what boating brings to their family is an activity that all members of the family enjoy and helps to keep them together.

One of the lesser discussed topics is the effect that boating has on couple relationships. Interestingly enough all things point to the fact that boating is a great way to bring couples together. In 2008 there was an Angus Reid survey which polled 1,000 boaters and non-boaters . The survey found that 63 percent of boaters compared to 54 percent of the general non-boating Canadian population were satisfied with their sex life. To further their point, those who were on a boat 10 times more in a year were the most satisfied. 

Having a better sex life is only just a part of it. Couples boating also aids in bettering communication skills. When done properly, as explained in Brenda Dawson's book “First Mate 101” boat trips can prove to be a great marriage counceling adventures and greatly helps to improve communication skills between the captain and the first mate.

A great example of this can be expressed through the experience of our marketing manager who participates in an annual boat trip with her husband.  Carly Poole started her boat trip tradition when she and her now husband had only been dating for 6 months. While excited for this first adventure she knew that they would learn a lot more about their relationship after spending a week traveling through the Trent to Georgian Bay and back in a 22’ cuddy cabin. Being a long time boater and boating instructor Carly assumed the roll of captain and her sweetheart the first mate. While there were a number of trials and enjoyment along the way the pinnacle of the relationship growth happened in the last two days of the trip.

Ready to head home the young couple started out to cross some open water in the Bay heading toward Orillia. Although the trip had been unseasonally warm and calm waters this day brought the tail end of a hurricane that had hit the eastern seaboard earlier that week. With a small boat in some now big turbulent water, this was not a boating adventure that they two had ever experience together before. It required a lot of  concentration,  patience and direct, unwavering communication as they and the little boat got tossed around.

Carly and her husband on their wedding day!

The two made it home safe and sound with boat, egos and relationship in tact! When asked Carly and her husband concur that their first boat trip was a great testiment to their relationship and that they both look forward to getting out on the water every year to spend some quality time together away from it all.  “It taught us very quickly the importance of proper communication. When you are out of the water and you are not direct and specific in your communication you could be left on the dock with boat and captain floating out to sea.”

Do you have a great couples boating experience? We would love to hear how your boat helps you and your sweetheart to learn and enjoy new adventures together.  Click the "comments" link below to share your story.