Jerry Hale

Jerry writes about leisure activities at the lake in his monthly column.

Recent columns

• Recipe for safe boating in 2008
• Getting your waterfront ready for the season
• Little league for adults
• It's not too early to start planning cleanup

For most of us at Smith Mountain Lake, the end of February does NOT mark the beginning of boating season. The air's nippy, the water's frigid; we're still trying to get to all the "winter stuff" we promised ourselves we'd get done by the end of March -- including taxes.

No, it's definitely not the beginning of boating season, but it can be -- and should be -- the beginning of thinking about boating season.

It's when those of us with winterized rigs in our lifts begin wondering when the weather will moderate enough for us to feel safe cranking up and checking out the engine after a winter's rest.

It's when we ponder where we stored the battery charger, knowing we'll soon want to give our starting power a good top-off to get it ready for that 50 degree, sunny and calm day. (Of course, if your battery's more than three or four seasons old, it's time to watch the ads for a spring marine batter sale.) It's when we think going through the tackle box and oiling up our reels might be a useful in-front-of-the-TV activity one of these weekend afternoons.

It's when we encounter, once again, the pre-season ritual of spring boat shows.

If this is your year to shop for a new boat, you've likely been anticipating the Feb. 29 opening of the Southwest Virginia Boat Dealer's Association (SWVBDA) show at the Roanoke Convention Hall. For potential buyers, this is an easy way to see models from dozens of manufacturers and compare multiple dealers' offerings in one convenient shopping trip. Plus, all the equipment and accessories you might want to improve your boating experience are on hand in the same location.

But what about lakers who are not planning to buy a boat this year? Are there reasons for them to attend the show?

You bet there are -- several, in fact.

First, it's a great place to become a better-educated, better-prepared boater. The U.S. Sail and Power Squadron will be offering a free "Boat Virginia" boating safety course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28.

You can get compliant with the new state law and still have time to peruse the latest boating gear. Advance registration is required; call 719-1500 to ensure there are course materials waiting for you. And if you have a child or grandchild who's at the legal PWC-driving age (14 with Boat Virginia diploma), taking the course together is a great way to establish a shared commitment to safe boating.

Second, roaming the boat show aisles is a good way to learn about new equipment that can make boating more enjoyable. Try on the new, more comfortable PFDs; check out the latest in fish finders and other electronics; shop the 2008 line of water sports toys for something to make the grandchildren's first visit this summer that much more fun.

Mark Mills of Webster Marine said he'll have specs on a huge new Yamaha 350 HP 4-stroke outboard, though probably not a production engine by then. The latest Bennington pontoon boats with the new elliptical center pontoons for better ride and handling will be displayed, as will the new Sea-Doo GTX Wake Edition with its removable 200-pound ballast tank for towing big-air wake skaters and boarders.

Third, this year's show will feature for the first time an indoor wake skating exhibition -- what riders call a rail jam. It will take place in a special pool installed in the lower exhibition hall. That entire area will be a wake sports smorgasbord showcasing the latest towboats, boards and fashions.

If the wake sports phenomenon is threatening to pass you by, this is a great place to get hip about it all so you can better relate to your young visitors this summer. A story in the Boat Show issue of Laker Weekly (Feb. 29) will detail the up-to-date plans for the rail jam and all other aspects of the SWVBDA show.

Fourth, with the increased space in the newly expanded Roanoke Convention Center, there's room for exhibitors showcasing the latest in outdoor living/entertaining. From grills to hot tubs to disappearing screen doors to lawn care, you'll be able to browse products and services that can make your summer season easier, more convenient, more fun.

Fifth, getting there is easy and parking's a breeze. Most lakers can reach the Roanoke Civic Center in an hour or less. You can combine the boat show trip with a Roanoke errand run. Take in a movie that isn't showing in Rocky Mount or Westlake, check on the progress of the new Art Museum or pick up some gardening supplies. Point is, attending the boat show doesn't have to require a special trip; it can be added on to one you'll be making anyway.

Finally, all that polished fiberglass and gleaming chrome is a great way to get psyched for another season on SML's beautiful waters. The Boat Show just reeks of fun on the water; it's a nice trigger for planning the season ahead.

So check out the SWVBDA Show Feb. 29 to March 2. I think you'll be glad you did.