Field Notes

Stories, safety, and seasons on the water.

Practical advice for recreational captains — from prepping the first outing of the season to the small habits that keep guests coming back.

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TagsClear ×Safety Checklists Hosting Guests Lake Life Season Opener Busy Waterways Cold Water Departure Gate Heat Exposure Kids on Boats Life Jackets Mid-Season Check Preseason

Showing 2 posts in Newsletter tagged Season Opener. Clear all

NewsletterMay 1, 2026

The Season Is Here — Let's Make It a Safe One

May is when it all starts for real. The captains who consistently have great seasons share one thing in common: they treat the early outings as the moments that set the tone for everything after.

SafetyHosting GuestsDeparture GateSeason Opener

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NewsletterApril 15, 2026

Cold Water Safety and the Art of the First Outing

Early spring is statistically more dangerous on the water than the middle of summer. Here's why — and how the best captains use the first outing to set up the whole season.

SafetyCold WaterSeason OpenerChecklists

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