Women at the Helm

This section is geared towards women who are interested in captaining a boat. It will help you gain the confidence and boating skills necessary to get behind the helm for the first time.

You'll find a wealth of information and useful tools covering everything from how to get started in boating to determining which boat is right for you to gaining the skill to step up and take the helm.

If you’re new to boating then you are probably just beginning to discover all that boating has to offer. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a single person boating can take you to where you want to go. Making friends and joining the community of boaters is a great experience in itself. You’ll find like-minded individuals who enjoy friendships and all kinds of boating from relaxing and getting away from it all during the lazy days of summer to exploring the many destinations that you can enjoy by boating. Boating lets you discover your passions, whether that is quietly communing with nature when you are fishing, or harnessing the wind as you sail the open waters, or challenging yourself with a variety of fun and active towed watersports, most importantly you are spending time with the people that matter to you and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This section is to encourage you to learn more about the various aspects of boating to further enhance your time spent on the water.  Having the skills necessary to take control at the helm is one of the most important ways to have a fulfilling boating experience.  

No matter what your level of boating experience or what your boating interests are, the ability to pilot your boat is an important skill. Knowledge of basic boating skills ensures you'll be able to get yourself, your passengers and your boat safely to shore. Being the Captain of a boat is not just reserved for men!

Let's get started!

First—get your boat licence or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).

Protect yourself, your family and other boaters—Consult a safe boating guide and obtain the required certificates before you go out on the water. In Canada, a PCOC is mandatory for anyone operating any type of powerboat. Click here for a list of Transport Canada approved course providers.

Boat with confidence!   

Take a boating course to gain the skills you need to explore waterways both near and far. If you’d feel more comfortable in a more female-focused environment, be sure look for courses geared specifically towards women.

Beginner’s Guide to Boating

Wondering how to join the boating lifestyle? Start here.

Casting Call—Book A Fishing Trip

There are lots of women-only fishing activities in Canada. Going on a women's fishing trip is a great way to spend time on the water, meet new friends, and practice your story telling (you know… tall tales about the "one that got away").  

Maintenance Tips

A properly maintained boat will provide years of enjoyment. Here are a few simple ways to keep your boat "ship-shape".

Navigation Tips

Knowing where you are and where you are going on large waterways is a must. While many boats today are equipped with GPS (global positioning systems) to make navigation easy, knowing basic navigation skills is a must, should your GPS fail.  Learn more

Trailering Tips

Owning a trailerable boat means you can explore waterways both near and far. Learn the basic skills you need to transport, launch and retrieve your boat safely.  

Lifejackets

While it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket, especially in good weather, the truth is accidents can happen at any time. Today’s life jackets are comfortable and easy to wear; they come in an almost limitless array of shapes, sizes and colors, so there's no good reason not to wear one. Learn more. 

Family Boating: Safety Tips for Boating with Kids

Boating is a great way to spend time with your children. However, it is important to establish boating safety rules and procedures to ensure your time on the water is enjoyable and safe.
Learn more.

Boating Magazines

Boating magazines are an excellent resource of boating information. You'll find publications geared to almost every boating activity—from fishing, powerboating and watersports to cruising, sailing and more. The more you learn, the more you know, the more confident you are and the more you’ll enjoy every trip out on the water.  Learn more