Recreational boaters are being encouraged to register for a series of free clinics held around the state, to brush up on their skills ahead of spring and summer boating adventures.
Funded by the Better Boating Fund, which reinvests recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees, the clinics offer boaters of all experience levels to practice their trailer reversing skills under the guidance of experts.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the sessions would be run by the VFA’s Better Boating division with support from Peninsula Boat Training.
“Backing down the ramp can be a challenge for boaters of all experience levels, so these clinics provide hands-on experience under the watchful eyes of experts,” Mr Dowling said.
“You’ll leave with practical tips and tricks to put into practice next time you hit the water so you can make a great start to a day fishing or boating.”
In September and October, five sessions will be open to all boaters while three free sessions are female-only events held in conjunction with the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) Network.
Clinics will be available to all boaters at Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree on Saturday 7 September, Patterson River on Sunday 15 September, Rhyll on Sunday 22 September, Point Richards on Sunday 13 October and Altona on Sunday 27 October.
In addition, sessions at Geelong’s Limeburners Point on 10 August, Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree on 25 August and Lake Eppalock on 6 October will be aimed at women boaters, adding to recent events at Hastings and Rhyll run in conjunction with the WIRFAB Network.
The WIRFAB events at Ballarat and Bendigo will also include a free marine licence course, providing new female boaters with the opportunity to take their marine vessel licence test after getting guidance from experts on boating basics.
WIRFAB Network leader Amanda Keilar said the clinics have value for even the most experienced of boaters.
“I’ve been to a few of these sessions and I learn something new every time,” she said.
“It’s a great way to build your confidence in reversing at the ramp so when it’s busy and you’ve got family and friends waiting to head out, you can launch quickly and safely, find a park and enjoy the day in the great outdoors.”
The sessions are free to register and are open to boaters from across the state. It will be the third year Better Boating Victoria has run the clinics, and two sessions have already been run at Hastings and Rhyll in July. Upcoming sessions are:
- Limeburners Point, Geelong (WIRFAB Network women-only session) 10 August – Click here to register
- Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (WIRFAB, includes boat licence course) 25 August – Click here to register
- Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (all boaters) Saturday, 7 September – Click here to register
- Patterson River Sunday, 15 September – Click here to register
- Rhyll Sunday 22 September – Click here to register
- Lake Eppalock (WIRFAB, includes boat licence course) Sunday, 6 October – Click here to register
- Point Richards (Portarlington, in conjunction with Hooked on Bellarine) Sunday, 13 October – Click here to register
- Altona Sunday, 27 October – Click here to register
Better Boating are partnering with Peninsula Boat Training to deliver these sessions. There will be 2 trailers operating throughout the clinics with 3 people per trailer.
Selected sessions will also feature a boat licence course, providing valuable theory for anyone planning to undertake a marine licence test.
Better Boating’s expert instructors will be on hand to provide tips and tricks to help you master the art of backing your trailer with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, this clinic is perfect for boating enthusiasts of all levels.
