As a baby boomer, you understand that living an active lifestyle equals living a longer, more satisfying life after retirement. So much so, many call your generation, “Generation Active.”
For those of you baby boomers living near the ocean or a body of water, kayaks and paddle boards represent an excellent way to stay active while enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. There is simply no greater pleasure than kayaking or paddle boarding while discovering one of those gentle giants known as a manatee or happening upon a school of playful dolphins along Florida’s coastline.
Communing with nature rejuvenates the spirit in a way that cannot be replicated in today’s hectic world of TV, computers and cell phones. Getting out and experiencing the beauty that surrounds us is a simple method to extend your mobility and activity levels in a safe, engaging manner.
One of the biggest concerns we hear from baby boomers when taking up an active lifestyle on the water is the limited distance a person can go on a paddle board or kayak. As a self-propelled means of transportation, kayaks and paddle boards are limited by the person’s body in regards to how far they are willing to travel while maintaining enough physical reserves (“gas in the tank” so to speak) to make it home. This is more of a concern on coastlines where strong high or low tides can make heading home nothing short of dangerous. Water moves very forcefully during tide events and coastline baby boomers must take precautions to ensure they are not swept up in the current.
Fortunately, there is a solution for baby boomers to enjoy the water and make it back safely after a full and exhilarating day of fishing or exploring. Recognizing today’s needs of a more active retirement generation, boat builders are designing ways for baby boomers to use an alternative means to power craft beyond paddling that makes boating in retirement safer and more comfortable.
These unique crafts allow a very stable platform to paddle from while sitting or standing. The majority of the skiff’s bottom is flat, which makes the motorized paddle board extremely stable. This is absolutely critical as we age and our equilibrium and balance may not be as sharp as in earlier years. Using an adjustable paddle, you can maneuver the skiff while standing or sitting.
These boats feature a slight V in the bow (front) of the boat. This allows the skiff to handle slight chop while paddling or under power much more safely than a stand-up paddle board. The ability to sit and navigate brings your center of gravity lower than just standing.
You’ll notice a large, sealed storage opening at the front of the skiff. This allows for a tremendous amount of storage to pack gear, lunch and beverages, while keeping things safe and dry.
What is especially attractive to retirees is the fact that these boats cost a fraction of a regular boat (Around $2,000) allowing couples to purchase two so that they can share adventures together. The low cost, low horse power requirements are especially attractive. Many power these boats with trolling motors, especially in neighborhood lakes where gasoline powered vessels are not allowed. Transportation is simple and a dual personal watercraft trailer can easily be towed behind an RV or Car, a truck is not needed making boat ramp navigation simple. The SK14 weights around 75 lbs. and while “bulky” can be maneuvered the same as a kayak, in many case lighter than a large fishing kayak. See the photo gallery of the skiff below.
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