Raise your spirits...go boating!

Not many things in this world compare with boating...the exhilarating sense
of freedom, the feeling of water spray on your face and the wind in your hair.
But, we've found a way to make your boating experiences even better.

Whether you're out for a pleasure cruise, a day of sport fishing or a nice long outing
with friends or family, everything you need - or want - to know about
boating and boat related activities will soon be available on DVD.

Boating: Why Boat

Why go Boating?

Do you remember your first fishing or boating trip? Ask anyone to tell the story of who
first took them boating or fishing - chances are good the story is deeply personal and meaningful.

Over a dozen studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people spend time on the water.
A family doesn't have to spend a fortune on a theme park vacation to have an experience
that everyone will enjoy. Although your first meeting with Shamu the whale will probably
be memorable, chances are it will pale in comparison to memories of spending time on the
water with the people you love.

Time spent fishing and boating connects family and friends.
You know how important it is to spend qualitytime with family and friends. Many of us have seen how outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unitand children as individuals.
So it comes as no surprise that studies have consistently shown that involvement with
family members and friends is a primary reason people go boating and fishing.

It's easier to talk on a boat:
On the water, there are no cars, no rush hour, no deadlines and a chance to relax. Business
deals or otherwise difficult coversational topis are often made on a boat that would be
awkward on land.

There are news stories every week about the stress and time crunch felt by working
Americans and their families. People are searching for ways to escape the daily routine,
be closer to nature and focus more on family and relationships. Studies show that people who
participate frequently in outdoor recreation are more satisfied with life overall. For a
weeklong vacation or just a quiet Saturday morning, recreational fishing and boating are
great ways to "get away from it all."

Fishing and boating enhance appreciation for the natural world.
Many Americans see outdoor recreation as one of the main reasons to protect the
environment. Nearly nine in ten Americans say outdoor recreation benefits the environment
because it gives people a reason to care about the resources upon which their activities depend.

By participating, anglers and boaters provide vital funding.
Fewer than 10 percent of recreational anglers and boaters are aware that their participation
plays a vital role in sustaining resources and promoting safe and responsible use of our nation's
waters. On average, 83 percent of state fish and wildlife agencies' total freshwater fisheries/aquatic resource management budget is supported by fishing license sales and
Sport Fish Restoration funds. These funds are derived from motorboat fuel taxes and
a special excise tax on fishing tackle and equipment. Sport Fish Restoration funds also
support boater education and safety programs around the country.