Preparing Kids with Boat Skills for the Great Loop
Read all the way to the bottom for an age-appropriate list of job ideas for your kid-crew on Great Loop Adventure!
Preparing your kids for your Great Loop Adventure by involving them as crew members keeps them engaged and helps them learn confidence, responsibility, safety, and teamwork. Teaching them essential boat skills before setting off allows them to take on important roles and feel more invested in the journey, regardless of age.
General Boating Knowledge
Start by taking a boater's safety course as a family. This is invaluable for everyone (and required by law in most states). BoatUS offers a free online course to get you started: BoatUS Free Online Course. This course covers basic navigation rules, understanding buoys and markers, and safety protocols.
Teach your kids to understand weather forecasts together, as weather significantly impacts boating and safety.
Boating has its own terminology. Learning basic boating terms helps everyone communicate clearly while docking or following other protocols.
Practical Boat Skills
On the Great Loop, you'll frequently dock and navigate locks. Skills like tossing lines, hooking lines on cleats, lassoing bollards, and using a boat hook to steady the boat are indispensable. Practice these skills early on and learn together as a family.
Younger kids might not be ready to toss lines but can tidy dock lines into neat coils, preventing tangles and ensuring they're ready for the next use.
Tying knots, like the clove hitch, cleat hitch, and bowline, boosts self-confidence. Keep books or cards on board to practice these knots.
Safety Skills
Ensure your kids know how to wear life jackets properly and understand their importance. Practice jumping into the water with life jackets on to build comfort and confidence.
Teach your kids emergency procedures, such as man-overboard drills, using flares, and calling for help on the VHF radio.
Even younger kids can learn basic first aid, like washing cuts, using antibiotic ointment, and applying bandages.
Boat Maintenance & Upkeep
Involve your kids in simple maintenance tasks like checking the oil, cleaning the boat, and inspecting safety equipment. Explain the steps you take and why they're important.
Teach your kids about the boat's systems, such as the engine, electrical systems, and plumbing. These skills translate into valuable life skills for the future.
Teamwork & Communication
Assign age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities to emphasize the importance of teamwork and foster a sense of contribution and collaboration.
Teach effective communication on the boat, including agreed-upon hand signals and the importance of listening and following instructions. Good communication and listening keep everyone safe.
Navigation Skills
Introduce kids to nautical charts, teaching them basic navigation skills, plotting a course, and recognizing key symbols.
Teach them to use a compass and GPS for navigation, including waypoints and routes.
Assign tasks like using Google Maps for land navigation. Show them where you plan to anchor and have them find nearby restaurants and activities (where's the closest ice cream?). They can navigate using maps, improving their sense of direction.
Environmental Awareness
Teach respect for nature and eco-friendly practices. Discuss the impact of trash and industry on marine environments and encourage habits like recycling, using eco-friendly products, and minimizing waste.
Involving kids in these roles makes them feel like an important part of the crew and teaches them valuable life skills. As they grow older and more experienced, they can take on more responsibilities, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable boating experience for the entire family.
Practice these skills before your Great Loop Adventure begins. Many of these skills will develop with time on the boat, but this list provides a great starting point.
Share your tips and experiences in the comments!
Boat "Jobs" by Age Group
Use these suggestions below for ideas on the different age-appropriate jobs you can assign to your kids. You know your kids; use this list to inspire what might be a good fit for them!
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Lookout: Keep an eye out for birds, boats, and other interesting sights.
Deck Cleaner: Help wash the deck with a bucket and sponge.
Trash Collector: Collect and dispose of trash in appropriate bins.
Gear Organizer: Help organize life jackets, ropes, and other gear in designated areas.
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Line Handler: Assist with handling dock lines when docking and departing.
Knot Tying Helper: Practice tying simple knots like the figure-eight and clove hitch.
First Mate’s Assistant: Assist the first mate with small tasks like fetching items and holding tools.
Weather Watcher: Help monitor weather conditions and report changes.
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Navigator Assistant: Learn to read charts and assist with navigation using a compass or GPS.
Radio Communicator: Help with VHF radio communications under supervision.
Anchor Watch: Monitor the anchor and report any changes or issues.
Locking Assistant: Help with locking through, including handling lines and fenders.
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Secondary Navigator: Take a more active role in plotting courses and navigating.
Engine Room Helper: Assist with basic engine checks and maintenance tasks.
Galley Assistant: Help prepare meals and manage provisions.
Safety Officer: Ensure all safety equipment is in place and conduct regular safety drills.
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Primary Navigator: Take full responsibility for navigation under supervision.
Docking Lead: Lead the docking process, handling lines and fenders.
Maintenance Assistant: Perform more complex maintenance tasks and system checks.
Emergency Responder: Be trained in and ready to handle emergency situations, including first aid and man-overboard drills.
