Summer is almost over. Those words instill fear in anyone who enjoys spending time outside. After all, summer offers some of the best opportunities to go boating and enjoy our diverse waterways, with longer days and wonderful weather.
Don’t panic, and whatever you do, don’t pack the boat away just yet. While summer is coming to an end, the weather is still fantastic, and the days are long with daylight savings still in effect in many states.
However, with work back in full swing, our approach to boating needs adapting. That’s not to say it’s any less enjoyable. In fact, I love the challenge of finding new and inventive ways of getting outside to enjoy our waterways. Let’s look at some fun ideas to continue riding the wave of late summer and early autumn.
The staycation
The biggest difference in my boating between holiday time and late summer is the distance from home. In late summer, time is more limited. Work is back in full swing and so are the usual daily routines. It now becomes a matter of squeezing in some days on the water whenever it’s convenient. This means finding locations close to home. The grass isn’t always greener; often the best places to go boating are right on our doorstep. Thankfully, most of us live along the coast and finding a waterway close to home is easy.
Many of our readers live in capital cities or coastal towns. Even those who live in a dense urban environment are usually only minutes away from their nearest waterway. You may think it’s not worth it. Maybe you believe it’s too crowded or not beautiful. In most cases, that’s just not true.
It’s no coincidence many of our major cities and even smaller towns are situated along waterways. Back in the early days of settlement, these rivers, bays, and harbours provided easy access for ships bringing supplies. Many of these early ports are still functioning to this day. What it means for recreational boaters is that there are endless possibilities for boating close to home.
Hidden gems
While we have an abundance of waterways close to home, they sometimes come with a catch… Even late in summer, when the holiday crowds go home, many of the urban waterways are busy. They’re busy with commuters, with commercial boats and other leisure boaters like you and I. But there’s good news. Even in the hustle and bustle of a busy urban waterway, there are always hidden gems; places you can escape the crowds and enjoy the scenery and solitude often found only in more remote places. Yes, even Sydney Harbour has its share of hidden gems. Where are they? It’s not that easy. You have to find your own. It’s more fun that way. So, how do we avoid the crowds and find our own piece of paradise?
Where to find them?
Personally, I find this part really fun. I love exploring new waterways. That could mean exploring in the boat itself or exploring from home with a good old fashioned chart or a digital map. Even Google Earth is a reliable way of discovering new spots. Looking at satellite images shows areas of shallow and deep water. In busier urban waterways it even shows boat traffic so you can determine which areas are less frequented by watercraft.
Look for those sections of the waterways with quiet bays and rivers. Check on Google Earth and also on your charts to see if the water is navigable. It’s very important to avoid water with hazards or shallow water. If your boat is too large or you have any doubts, please stay in the deeper, more easily navigable sections of the waterway.
Mini adventures
So we’ve worked out that the grass isn’t always greener and you don’t need to travel to distant destinations to enjoy the boating lifestyle. We’ve also determined that most of us live near a ‘hidden gem’ – an unspoilt section of a popular waterway that is often overlooked and worth exploring.
But when do we go? After all, we’re back at work, the kids are back in school, and the chores won’t wait. This is where the mini adventure comes into play. I love to get up early and spend a few hours boating or fishing before work. If you’re not an early riser, the same applies to after work adventures. Work through lunch, if possible, and knock off an hour early. Get home, hook up the boat and hit the water for a few hours of enjoyable boating.
This requires some preparation. Your boat will need to be easily accessible and always ready to go. I like to ensure my boat is set up the day before I want to go out. Better still, get into the practice of setting up your boat after cleaning it following each trip, so it is ready for your next adventure. With only a few hours to spare, you won’t want to waste time preparing your boat when you could be enjoying the local waterway.
If you’re into fishing, check the tides and try and match the afternoon or morning with a productive tide. Some fish prefer a rising or running tide, and many don’t like slack tides. Check in advance and maximise your time spent fishing.
If you’re a sailor, why not take part in a social twilight race? Check your local sailing club for more info. It’s a great way to spend an evening. These mini adventures are also great for a picnic or dinner on the water. However you choose to send your time on your local waterway, getting out for a few hours early in the morning or late afternoon will ensure you miss the crowds and can enjoy the experience.
Charters
Another great idea for discovering hidden gems or maximising your limited time on a local waterway is to take a charter. If you’re a fisho, you can often do half-day charters that are cost-effective and will still allow ample time for fishing. You will catch some fish, learn some skills about catching them in your local area and best of all, once you’re finished there’s no boat to clean. Likewise, charters of all types will allow you to enjoy your local waterway with an experienced operator without the hassle. It’s a great introduction to the hidden gems in your local area.
Get out there
Don’t hesitate! Late summer and early autumn are a fantastic time to discover your local area. The weather is great, the holiday crowds have gone, and there’s sure to be a secret spot near you waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
Words by Scott Thomas.
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