I am so Excited to Announce That I am an Ambassador for Discover Boating! #Sponsored

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Discover Boating. I received collateral to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

 

I am so excited to announce that I am an Ambassador for Discover Boating!  Not familiar with Discover Boating, here is some information on this great non-profit program"

"Discover Boating is a nonprofit program supported by the U.S. recreational boating industry to help people get on the water to experience the fun of boating. For those looking to get their feet wet, DiscoverBoating.com is an unbiased online resource to explore the enjoyment and accessibility of the boating lifestyle. Packed with easy, interactive features to familiarize people with all aspects of life on the water, DiscoverBoating.com has a boat selector guide, cost comparison tool, renting options, favorite boating destinations, links to education courses – even nautical lingo and how-to videos. Plus, the website offers tools and information for experienced boaters looking to learn more. "
I don't know about you, but summer is my favorite season.  Not only is the weather more tolerable and enjoyable here in the Northeast, but it also means I get to spend the majority of my days outdoors with my family.  And, come the weekend, we love getting out on a boat and creating priceless memories out on the water. I wish we had our own boat, but we had to sell our boat a few years ago to help pay for our dream home.  Even though it was hard to let our boat go, it was made easier, knowing that many of our relatives and friends have boats.  And, whenever they hit the waters during the summer, we are always invited.  It is like one big happy family out on the water, enjoying the company of friends, while taking in the beautiful sights, and calming feel of the water. :-) 

I was surprised to learn that "88 million American went boating in 2012", according to the National Marine Manufactures Association.  Have you ever been on a boat, or do you own a boat?  Isn't it just the most amazing feeling to be able to get out into the middle of a water and just sit back and enjoy the wonderful oasis?  It really is soothing, and helps me personally recharge my batteries after a crazy week with the kids.  And, with the girls and I having been sick the past couple of weeks, we are all looking forward to getting away this Father's Day weekend and getting out on the boat with family and friends. 

June is a busy month for birthdays.  My husband and father's birthdays fall within the same week, and a few of our good friends and their children also have June birthdays.  So, it has become tradition to take a boat trip the end of the month here in CT.  Not only do we enjoy the views of Mystic County, but we also love being able to drive up to our favorite seafood restaurant, dock, and get off and enjoy a delicious meal of freshly caught seafood.  I could chew your ear off with so many wonderful memories we have made over the years, after stumbling upon Abbot's in CT, as well as a few other hidden gems we dock up and eat at.

Here are a few other fun boating facts I learned recently, that may surprise you:

According to the Discover Boating 2012 Survey:

"58% of Americans say boating is a great opportunity to bond with family"

and

"91% of Americans believe there are benefits for children to be on the water, including: getting outdoors; appreciating nature; spending quality time with family; and disconnecting from technology"

Do you have any boating plans this summer? If not, are you looking to make boating plans? Or, are you just looking to learn more about boating? While many people have cookouts or go out to eat for Father's Day, if you own a boat, do you take your dad/husband out fishing or just a relaxing day on the water?  If we weren't having a family cookout this weekend, I know two men in my life (husband and dad), who would love to grab their fishing poles and tackle boxes and spend a day out on the water for some recreational fishing.  Who knows, maybe they will sneak away after they are done grilling to get a few hours of fishing in.  They both say it is best when it rains, and don't mind getting wet, as they catch all the fish. :-)

With Father's Day this weekend, and having a love for boating and being out on the water with my husband and dad, I couldn't help but be moved by the video, Good Run, about a man’s life journey by boat.  You can watch it here -- http://www.discoverboating.com/viral/youtube.aspx.

Do you have pictures of fun times on the water with Dad and/or Grandpa? If so, you can submit your best boating photos with Dad in the Discover Boating June Facebook Photo Contest! The best photo wins a Visa gift card! Enter here: www.facebook.com/discoverboating

"DiscoverBoating.com has great resources and educational tools for boaters of all levels! Especially if you haven’t had a chance to get your feet wet this summer, we hope these links spur some ideas and awaken your inner boater."

o    Boat Selector Tool: http://bit.ly/11Zr7fT
o    Boating & Kids: http://bit.ly/150vdap
o    Boating Clubs & Organizations: http://bit.ly/17t4jrb


I would love to hear about your favorite memory when it comes to boating with your family. So, be sure to leave a comment below.  It can be anything from childhood canoe trips with your grandpa, to buying your first family boat and spending quality time with your children on it during the warm summer months. 

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Discover Boating. I received collateral to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.