If there’s someone who knows more about boating than Doug King, author of the Boating Survival Guide, then we haven’t met them yet. We quiz Doug about his favourite boating spots for this time of year, his tips for beginners, and what you can’t leave behind when you go on a boating trip.
• How did you get into boating?
As a boy, my family holidayed at the Gippsland Lakes. I learned sailing and motor-boating with family and friends. I enjoyed the freedom, the connection with nature and the ability to take control of what you were doing. I explored, learned and enjoyed myself in one of Australia’s most beautiful waterways. My love of boats and the water grew from there.
• What are your favourite boating spots at this time of year?
While it is a bit one-eyed, I love Victoria in April, particularly the Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip. We have cool nights and warm sunny days coupled with long periods of settled weather. North of Brisbane is also great this time of the year. The cyclone season has gone and settled weather is approaching.
• What are your three top tips for novice boaters?
1. Commit to learning more about boating and your boat. Gaining a licence is the beginning. You can get much more from your boat by gaining experience and learning how to safely extend yourself.
2. Don’t rush. Take your time and reflect when things don’t go quite right. You can learn from small errors.
3. Gain practical experience gradually. Take small steps to challenge yourself and seek advice from experienced boaters or consult reliable texts.
• What sort of information can people expect in your book?
I wrote the Boating Survival Guide with a wide range of people in mind, from the novice to the experienced boater. Information in the book provides the knowledge to extend yourself with a good base of information. The tips, checklists and case studies allow experienced boaters to confirm their skills and the novice to develop them. I have deliberately written the book in such a way that it could be a mate talking to you about various topics. I’ve tried not to be too technical! There are no boating books that cover the range of topics in the Boating Survival Guide.
• What items are always in your pack when you’re boating?
On day trips, apart from the mandatory safety equipment, a whistle, a good multi-tool, a jacket, a small waterproof torch, a waterproof mobile phone pouch, sunglasses (even in winter), a hand held marine radio, a cap and a bottle of water. For extended trips the list includes more items such as clothing and an EPIRB (Rescue Beacon).
• What places in Australia are on your must-travel list?
I’m sure I will miss out many great places but from a boating point of view my must-visit travel are – the extended Whitsundays (Mackay to Bowen), Coffin Bay to Farm Beach in South Australia, Hobart to Southport along the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in Tasmania, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury System. I love the north-west coast of Western Australia, although it is a bit remote. As well as these places, I love any large inland river system – you can lose the stresses of a busy life easily.
For more boating tips, check out Doug’s book, Boating Survival Guide.
