Page 7 - RVO TR Greers Ferry Lake May 2016

Advertising Supplement River Valley & Ozark and Three Rivers Editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Life on Greers Ferry Lake • Sunday, May 29, 2016 • 7
GREERS FERRY LAKE / NAVIGATING THE WATER
Bountiful boats WIDE RANGE OF WATERCRAFT FREQUENTS LAKE
By Sarah DeClerk
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
From canoes to sailboats, there are plenty of ways to make waves on Greers Ferry Lake. Before boaters buy or rent a boat, however, they may need to determine
which boat is the best option for their needs.
“They all have their own purposes,” said Jason Presley, park ranger at the Greers Ferry Lake Project Office, who added that boaters’ needs can help them determine which watercraft to choose. Here are a sampling of popular vessels at the lake and how they can be used.
CANOES AND KAYAKS
Canoes and kayaks are small boats that can be paddled by an individual or a small number of people. Because the boats are powered manually, they provide a great opportunity to exercise while enjoying the water. Canoes and kayaks also offer an easy way to take a short trip to nearby lake destinations such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, but those seeking longer or faster voyages may opt for a motorized vessel.
SKI BOATS
Ski boats are speedy and ideal for pulling skis, tubes or wake- boards, Presley said.These quick boats may be seen zipping across the lake on summer days, often with a skier in tow.They may not be as spacious or seat as many passengers as a pontoon boat or a houseboat, but ski boats can provide a fun afternoon for those who would like to engage in a variety of aquatic sports.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
Personal watercraft are like motorcycles on the water be- cause they are small, fast and hold one or two riders.The wa- tercraft are fun to ride, and they can also provide an activity for those who would like to take a quick spin around the cove while the rest of their party chats on the shore or an anchored boat.These watercraft can also be quite useful for quick trips to a marina for supplies such as life jackets.
“You can do that a lot quicker on a Jet Ski than you might a pontoon boat or something like that,” said Gary Ivy, chief park ranger at the Greers Ferry Lake Project Office.
PONTOON BOATS
Pontoon boats are medium-to-large vessels that are sup- ported by hollow cylinders called pontoons, and the boats are
TERRY MAJEWSKI/CAPTURE ARKANSAS
Sailboats may be spotted on Greers Ferry Lake during windy summer days. Because they are powered by sails, these boats are quieter and more relaxing than motorboats.
MAKENZIE GREEN/CAPTURE ARKANSAS
Canoes offer a fun way to exercise while paddling around Greers Ferry Lake.
available with a variety of motor types. “We’ve got a lot of pontoon boats,” Presley said. “Those are getting more popular and bigger.”The versatile vessels are large enough to take the whole family boating but fast enough to pull skis or tubes, and the boats can also be used for fishing.
SAILBOATS
Sailboats evoke dreamy ocean voyages, but they can also be found in the big open waters of Greers Ferry Lake.These vessels are propelled by sails, and they vary in size and seating capability. Because they are quieter than motorboats, they may provide a relaxing escape from the stresses of day-to-day life.
HOUSEBOATS
Houseboats are sizable boats that can be used as a dwelling. They are ideal for large family gatherings because they can hold more people than other types of boats.The vessels often include amenities such as kitchen and sleeping areas that provide a little luxury on the lake. Many people rent houseboats for events that may last all weekend.
FLAT-BOTTOM BOATS
Fishing is another popular pastime at Greers Ferry Lake, and a wide range of fishing boats are available. Recreational fishers
SHERRIE TRAFFANSTEDT/CAPTURE ARKANSAS
Personal watercraft are often ridden for recreation, but they can also be used to make quick trips to a marina or campsite.
usually use flat-bottom boats to reach nearby coves or fishing areas. These boats usually seat a small group of people, and because they are smaller than other boats, flat-bottom boats are easy to transport.
BASS BOATS
Bass boats are also used for fishing, but they are bigger, faster and more powerful than flat-bottom boats.These vessels are mostly used by tournament fishers, who may have a favorite fishing location that they have scouted or pre-fished before the tournament, Ivy said. Because the boats are so fast, they can help tournament fishers beat their competition to the catch.
Safety is an important consideration when using any type of boat.“[Boaters] need to have a safety plan to inform people where they’re going, what they’re going to be doing and how long they’re going to be out,” Presley said. “Always, you need to have the life jackets and the proper safety equipment on the vessel.”
Those born after Jan. 1, 1986, will also need a boater edu- cation card to operate a motorboat or sailboat, he said, adding that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers a boating education course.
“Come to Greers Ferry Lake, and have a big time,” he said. “It’s fun for all ages.