Blog, Volusia

Right Coast Wahine: Boating

I have always loved being out on the boat from cruising around and fishing to just relaxing! Sitting in the front while my hands drag along the water. I remember when I was 6 years old and was steering the boat and now I get to drive. I recently learned how to work my boat and here’s my adventure!

Learning how to drive a boat meant learning how to work the throttle and raise the motor and stay in between the marks. You really have to pay attention to the water and sandbars so you don’t run them over and get stuck! You also don’t want to get too close to other boats.

On my adventure, I got to drive my dad while he wakeskated behind the boat. I was a little nervous I would accidentally make him hit something. Luckily everything went fine! I went easy on the throttle and stayed close to the mangroves. I think I did pretty well!

The hardest part about driving a boat for me is when it comes time to take it out of the water. You have to stay close enough to the dock, but not too close, and you have to make sure to get it on the trailer right. You’re constantly switching from reverse to forward, and slow to fast, and all in all, it’s a bit complicated. 

The most important thing I learned when you’re driving a boat is don’t panic and keep calm. When you freak out, you can’t think, and it doesn’t help the situation you’re in!

Getting to drive and ride comes with the responsibility of helping wash down the boat and taking everything back inside where it belongs. This experience was very exciting and a little difficult. I still have a lot to learn, but now I know the basics. I look forward to being out on the boat more often and learning more! 

Shakka Shakka Brahda!

~ Marley Scott

Marley Scott AKA the Right Coast Wahine. She is 14 years old and this is her 4th year writing for ECC. Her hobbies include surfing, skating, drawing, dancing, writing, singing, gymnastics and acting.

Read more from East Coast Current’s youngest columnist here!

Leave a Reply