Eleven On-The-Water Resolutions for 2026
Date: January 13, 2026Making resolutions for 2026? Ready to stop daydreaming about life on the water and start living it? Whether you’re aiming to learn, explore, relax, or just try something new, there are a dozen ways to dive in.
The question you have to ask yourself is: Will 2026 be the year that you…
…catch a fish?
Fishing is inexpensive, easy to learn, and offers an accessible path to enjoying the great outdoors—even if that’s just the retention pond behind an abandoned Kmart. That said, a firm grip is key.
…learn to sail?
Don’t let all the jargon fool you. Sailing is easier than it sounds. Lessons are the best option, but plenty of folks have gotten their sea legs by crewing on someone else’s boat or commandeering a Sunfish on a calm afternoon and muddling through it.
…buy a boat?
You might have heard that the two best days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it. Well, folks who say that simply didn’t find the right boat to match their needs (maybe they should have gone to a boat show). Not ready to buy a boat? Maybe it’s the year you decide on a ‘do’ date. Yes, the DO date, the date you will do it, you’ll buy that boat.
…try waterskiing?
It’s difficult to imagine having more fun while being dragged behind a vehicle. Wake sports (such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing) offer a high adrenaline experience that’s surprisingly accessible.
…go to a raft up?
Who doesn’t love a raft-up? If you’re unfamiliar, a “raft-up” is a group of boats anchored in close proximity to one another. You tie up, relax in the water, listen to music, and enjoy the party with some food and libations. They also offer a great opportunity to hop aboard a bunch of different boats and get a feel for what you like. Just don’t forget to pack fenders—your gel coat will thank you.
…go to a boat show?
Okay, so maybe we’re a little biased; but if you’re looking to experience the full breadth of boating, you really can’t beat a boat show. You can compare models, shop gear, talk to industry experts, and take advantage of educational opportunities.
…dock your boat?
It can be nerve wracking to hurl your dream machine at a pier but, with the right guidance, figuring out how to dock your boat is just as easy as learning to park a car—and you look way cooler doing it.
…compete in a regatta?
When it comes to sailing, some are content with basking in the resplendent natural beauty of the Chesapeake, but what’s in it for the folks who wear gloves to play mini-golf and call fouls in cornhole—those with the need for speed? If you’re the competitive type, sailboat racing might just be for you.
…take your kids boating?
There are few hobbies that offer a better way to connect with your kids than boating. As their interests change and develop, you can adapt your boating style to match. And as a bonus, when they get into that weird teenager phase, you can always “accidentally” hurl their phone into the water.
…overnight aboard?
While falling asleep is generally discouraged while operating a vessel, it’s an essential part of long-haul cruising. Overnight trips offer a great opportunity to test your navigation and anchoring skills. Nothing beats waking up from a good night’s rest and discovering your boat is still more or less where you left it.
…try something new?
Sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Try waterskiing even if you’re convinced you’ll faceplant. Try chicken-necking for crabs when you’d planned to cruise. Say yes to an invitation that involves a different boat, a different stretch of water, or a different pace altogether. Boating has a way of rewarding curiosity.
After all, the best thing about a boat isn’t just the freedom to go where you want—it’s the freedom to discover something you didn’t know you were looking for.