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Boating & Sailing
GORP - For Paddlers, Kayakers, Rafters, and Canoeists Around the World - Tired of surfing the Net? Why not try kayaking the keyboard or canoeing the computer? This resource is a great casting-off point from which to paddle Net resources about canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and similar water vehicles. Parental advisory: Not all links have been checked.
International Signal Flags - You want to say "Hi" to your buddy in a boat across the bay, but it's too far to yell. You could use the semaphore alphabet and two flags to send messages. How? Boaters spell words by holding a flag in each hand and moving them into different positions. An H is made by holding the right-hand flag out straight and the left-hand flag down and across the body. You can learn the whole semaphore alphabet from the pictures and descriptions you'll find at this page. Get your flags, and practice! Would you like to learn more about the maritime signal flag system, or the semaphore flag code? At this site you can have your name spelled out in either one, or both! If you think you're ready, take the test and see how well you do.
Navigation Data Center - Even though waterways don't have roads, you still need a map if you want to visit unknown waters. There are underwater hazards like cables and shoals you'll want to avoid. Plus, you need to follow navigational buoys and channel markers to stay safe. Where on the Net can you get a navigational chart? Right here.
Online Boating Courses and Boating Safety Information - At this site you can learn a lot about personal floatation devices, knots and how to tie them, running lights, and all sorts of boating information. There's a special area just for kids where you can ask questions like "How far is the horizon?" and "Why are life jackets orange?" You can even take an online boating safety course that's approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized as acceptable to the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Program. To get your official Boating Safety ID card and certificate, you must pass the final exam with a score of at least 80 percent. Good luck!
Rowing Frequently Asked Questions - "Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!" That's the call of the coxswain as the rowers propel the shell (that's what those sleek racing vessels are called) ahead in a race for the finish line. Rowing is a sport particularly enjoyed by college and university teams around the world, with many amateur clubs as well. There are several variations on the sport, and the boats, equipment, and rowers are different in many cases. Did you know that rowers are grouped in heavyweight and lightweight classes? Learn all about the sport of rowing here.
Sailing Terms - Where's the bow? What if your scupper is plugged? How do you know when to luff? If you're going to be talking to boaters or sailors (or if you're going to be one), then you'll have to check out this site. And you thought you were a sailor because you knew your port ( left) from your starboard ( right)! Sail on over and find the definition of any sailing word.
The River Wild: Running the Selway @ Nationalgeographic.com - Some people love to ride down a wild river, working their way through the rapids, braving the dangers of unknown waters. Others just like to read about such a trip. We'll take yet another route--riding the waters on the Internet. "Holy Smokes," "Galloping Gertie"--we're in some mighty fast waters here! They give these rapids some pretty interesting names. Watch it, here we come to "Ping Pong Alley"! That one was "No Slouch"! Don't know about you, but we think it is time for a rest. You forge on ahead if you wish; we'll be there later!
United States Power Squadrons - Can you pass the online navigation quiz offered by the Power Squadron? Try it! You'll be asked which color running light is on the port side and similar questions. You can compare your scores with others, and no, you don't have to sign your name. If your score could use some improvement, check to see if there is a local Power Squadron group near you. They offer free classes in boating and sailing safety and navigation. You can preview what will be taught in the classes here.
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