Our family’s traditional week-long boating trip is imminent and we’re busy making preparations. There are two main things that I’ll drive all the way back to get if I forget them. First is my wakeboard. I’ve got a Hyperlite board, which I love, but Marine Products has great deals on so many more kinds. If skiing is your deal (and that’s how it is with most of my family), there are great deals on skis as well.

The second thing I’d drive back for is my swimsuit. Without those two things, I wouldn’t have any of the fun we’re going to have.

What would you drive back from a big boating trip to get if you forgot it? Let us know in the comments!

Also, we’ll be sure to bring back some pictures for you.

I have only three words to describe my skiing condition this year: out of shape. Seriously, it’s pathetic. I didn’t get to ski last year because I was pregnant/just had a baby so it’s been two years since I’ve really done anything. What are your tips for getting back in shape? Skinny jeans, schminny jeans. I don’t care about that, I care about looking respectable on the lake. And remember, I’m looking for something reasonably effective without taking tons of time.

I once had a ballet teacher who’s mantra was “fake it ’till you make it.” As a short, not particularly willowy, dancer I’ve had plenty of chances to practice faking it. Naturally, I take the same approach to skiing. (Don’t ask me how good I am. I don’t really have a lot of perspective. All I know is that my sister is more talented than I am and that bugs me.) Part of faking being a good skier is having the right gear. Gloves really seem to impress the masses. I’ve been sharing gloves with my mom for a while now and I’m thinking of getting my own pair. My question is: what feature will be most important to me? Price? Well, yeah, now that I’m paying for them. Fit? I do have freakishly small hands. Color? That seems like an awfully girly criterion. I don’t think I’ll get picky about that one. Full-fingered? I don’t know. What are the pros and cons on that one?  What do you think?

Now that we’ve passed to this side of Memorial Day, I don’t think that anyone would disagree that boating season is officially here. Whether you’re into skiing, boarding or just hanging out on the lake, there are some things to remember to make sure everyone has a good time. Even aside from all the stuff that’s required.

First one is sunscreen. I fully agree that getting a tan is one of the perks of playing on the boat, but with all the time you’ll be spending out there, it’s best to take some precautions to reduce your exposure. You remember that day last summer that you forgot to put sunscreen on and got burned really badly? Good times, right? Also, skin cancer isn’t fun. I’ll leave it to you what kind and how strong your sunscreen is, but you definitely need some. Last summer, we tried out some Bullfrog gel that was pretty cool because it rubbed right in, but it flaked off later in kind of a strange way that made me a little nervous. This summer, we’ll be trying a Coppertone spray.

Second is snacks. You’re going to need something to fuel your time on the water, and I’m not talking the gas in the boat. I’m a big fan of dry roasted peanuts, juice, and a ham sandwich or two. If you ski anything like I do, you’ll end up drinking a lot of lake water, but you’ll want to have some on the boat, say, in a container of some kind. It would be ironic and sad if you got dehydrated at the lake.

Third, you’ll need something to cover up with. The shade on the boat does a good job of keeping the sun from beating down on you, but the light also reflects off the water. It’s a good idea to take a shirt or a towel to throw over you or something else to keep yourself from getting all tired out by just being exposed to the elements. It’s also nice to have in case you’re out longer than you’d planned and it gets a little chilly. I like to keep a few sweatshirts around for this very reason.

I’m sure there are more that I’m not coming up with at the moment, so what kinds of things do you not launch without? Let us know in the comments!

I remember the very first time I ever tried waterskiing. We were at Bear Lake playing on my uncle’s boat. (A snazzy gold and metallic olive green beauty.) I got all kinds of instructions–keep the rope between your knees, hand signals for faster and slower, how to get up, don’t cross your skis, don’t hold your breath, the fish won’t nibble your tushie while you’re sitting in the water, etc. The one piece of vital information no one thought to give me? If your skis fall off, let go of the rope. I’m going to paint myself in a good light here and say that my family all thought I had enough common sense (I was eight) to figure this out for myself. I didn’t.

So there I was, ski-less, being dragged behind a boat, quasi-drowning. Not the makings of a great memory. After I finally let go of the rope and the boat came back around to me, my aunt informed me that there was a 3-tries-before-you’re-allowed-back-in-the-boat rule. I seriously considered swimming to shore. (For the record, I’ve never seen her enforce this rule with anyone else.) I tried two more times, and each time I got closer, but then I was adamantly finished. My aunt tried every bribe in the book to get me to try a fourth time (including a Squeeze-It drink. Remember those?) but no go. I was not skiing again–ever.

I did eventually try again, four years later. And I’ve been skiing ever since. This summer I’m hoping to get my little four-year-old up on skis. I’m open to advice but there is one rule that cannot be broken: when she says she wants to get back in the boat, she gets back in.

We know times are tough these days. Every one’s looking for the best deals they can find on groceries, gas, clothes, and anything else they need.

Well we here at Marine Products have exactly what you need to help float you by in these frugal days. Introducing…. THE BARGAIN ATTIC!

The Bargain Attic is located in the down town store at 1700 South, 949 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, and is filled with tons of past product to fill all your water sport needs.

Also, for you loyal internet customers from all over the world, don’t worry, we didn’t forget you either. You too, are just one click away from the Online Bargain Attic.

So come on down and see us for the best deals on all your boating needs. We know you’re working your hardest to give your family summers that they’ll never forget, and this is our way to help you do so.