Boating Lifestyle
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Freedom Boat Club.....on the slopes!

In January, minutes after I booked a Colorado ski trip for spring break 2023, my daughter said, "I really hope we are going somewhere warm. I miss boating so much". When I saw her on the hill this morning, I had a good laugh and shot some photos. I h...

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Danica by Guest Contributor
  • 1507 Views
  • 1 replies
  • 3 likes

Get Ready for the 2023 Season!

With Spring nearly here, are you planning your first day on the water yet?  Do you live somewhere where getting out on the water and boating is a year-round activity OR are you still seeing snow when you look out the window OR maybe you're somewhere ...

Ripl by Team Ripl
  • 1466 Views
  • 1 replies
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Business Trips & Freedom Boat Clubs

Recently, I had an opportunity to fly our to Connecticut and “audition” for a cruise ship company, which includes several interviews and also operating a very realistic cruise ship simulator, complete with an identical bridge representing their fleet...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
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Dying the Chicago River Green 2023

Everyone is Irish for at least a week in Chicago. For as long as I can remember, it was not St. Patrick’s Day until the Chicago River is dyed green. Also, I have never in my life boated in Chicago in March… so who doesn’t like adventure? Full Disclos...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
  • 2474 Views
  • 1 replies
  • 3 likes

Boat Safe Chicago Project

Last summer, there were several severe and fatal accidents in and around the Chicago Waterfront. However, there have been a record number of accidents over the past few years which have started to tarnish the reputation of mariners on Lake Michigan, ...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
  • 1299 Views
  • 0 replies
  • 2 likes

Fort Lauderdale to Miami with a stop at Haulover :)

Looking for another epic adventure on the east side of Florida? Haulover Inlet is located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, along the ICW. The man-made channel connects the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County. We have all watched Wa...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
  • 1022 Views
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Resolved! Rodney Atkins Message

Hey everyone. The personalized message from Rodney Atkinson was AWESOME! It was clear he read my comment. I had shared a story about my daughter’s first time driving the boat after taking the cert class. When the message came and Rodney had talked ab...

Dukester by Guest Contributor
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  • 5 replies
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Fall Boating on the Chicago and Illinois River

Every fall, there is a slow dance of boats in the Midwest which get pulled before winter hits. Usually in October, the marinas start to empty out and the storage yards start filling up. I recently had the privilege to captain one of four boats headin...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
  • 1681 Views
  • 1 replies
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Florida Keys Boating w/ FBC

As members of Freedom Boat Club, we often get to travel and explore new places without having to tow or rent a boat. One of our favorite places is Islamorada, about an hour south of Miami. There is a Freedom Boat Club located just before the Snake Cr...

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CaptainJon by Guest Contributor
  • 1810 Views
  • 1 replies
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Scalloping in Homosassa

Our favorite thing to do with the boat is to go scalloping in the gulf from Homosassa. Scalloping is just the great fun excuse to use the boat in fresh water, swim in the gulf, swim with manatees, dolphins, evening cruises with access to excellent re...

JeffKing by Guest Contributor
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  • 4 replies
  • 3 likes

Night Boating with Bioluminescence

One of my favorite boating trips every summer is night time boating in the bioluminescence! With every movement the water glows neon blue & is truly awe-inspiring. This photo was take in the Banana River in central Florida. I do not have underwater l...

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CarrieF by Guest Contributor
  • 1573 Views
  • 1 replies
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Resolved! Midwest Fishing Spots for Kids

I want my kids to love fishing, but we RARELY can catch anything. Are there any good lakes close to the Chicagoland area that are great for kids and the fish are biting? We're willing to travel too, but nothing longer than 5 hours from North Chicago...

Unplugged!

When asked what's my one favorite part of boating, it's easy....being unplugged!  With 3 teenagers, having us all come together to laugh, soak up the sun, and simply be in the moment is undeniably priceless.  No phones (except for music) , no emails,...

tleisses by Guest Contributor
  • 1550 Views
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Favorite Place to Boat

What is everyone's favorite place(s) to get out on the water!? I grew up boating on the Muskegon River in Newaygo, Michigan - cruising, tubing, tying up, fishing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, kayaking, rope swings along the river, etc. We camped from...

lriorda by Team Ripl
  • 1691 Views
  • 1 replies
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