For as long as I can remember, weekends in my family have been filled with trips to the dock and days on the water; boating, tubing, skiing, and fishing. The lake has been a common bonding place for my entire family and the Rock River serves as a local weekend getaway. My dad and his siblings had a love for the lake instilled in them since day one and have been able to drive a boat and ski as long as they’ve been able to walk. This love for the water was reciprocated on to me as I've grown up. Here are 5 things growing up on the water has taught me.
1. A little sun never hurt no one.
My favorite thing I learned growing up on the water is that a little sun never hurt anyone. My great grandpa is the root of the love my family has for the water. He used to tell us to “tie the sun on” before we head out for a day on the lake. This is a phrase I still hear almost every time I’m on the boat with my dad and it never fails to make me smile. I know my grandpa is there with us every time I feel the suns warmth on my skin as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds.
2. Always look out for myself
The first thing you learn when you jump into the water to ski or fall off of the tube is to check your surroundings and make other boaters aware that you are there. When you learn to drive a boat, being able to look out for yourself becomes important not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of all other boaters. The water is the first place where I learned to protect myself and to look out for myself.
3. Stay young-- just a little bigger and smarter.
Growing up on the water taught me that you’re never too old to have a little fun. I’ve seen all of my aunts and uncles, along with my parents continue to enjoy the ‘lake life.’ Even into their 50s, I’ve seen my family continue to play like kids just as they used to. Why grow up when you can stay a fun-loving teen forever?
4. Let loose and get your hands dirty.
Sometimes, to have a little fun you just have to let loose and get your hands dirty. Baiting a hook and catching a fish aren’t exactly the cleanest of all tasks but when you love to go fishing, its all in good fun.
5. Appreciate nature
You’ve never seen a truly breathtaking sunset until you see it from the lake. Nothing beats the view of the sun meeting the horizon and the edge of the lake, leaving a trail of sun right towards you. The view of the stars from the middle of the calm, silent lake is another sight you just can’t top no matter how hard you try. You see the true beauty of nature from the water.
