Backing down a boat ramp can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the boating world. Review these simple guidelines before driving down to the water so you can avoid rookie mistakes such as holding up the line of other boaters or letting your boat drift off before you’re ready.

A few things can make launching your boat easier, and the first is to park out of the way of the ramp and take time to get your boat ready in the staging area. Be courteous to other boaters and don’t spend unnecessary time blocking the ramp. Once parked, transfer all boating items you’re taking with you into the boat from the tow vehicle, such as life jackets, coolers, floats, swim gear and towels. Remove the boat’s tie-downs but keep the winch line and bow-eye safety chain hooked in place. Make sure the drain plug is installed if it has one and that the outboard is not in a locked position and is ready to be lowered once in the water. Lastly, secure docking lines to the boat so someone can help you on the dock.

A wake surfer rides the powerful waves behind HeyDay’s H22.

Thirsting after the adrenaline rush that accompanies extreme water sports used to mean cramming into a tow boat with its minimal seating and pointedly narrow bow. But along with sweeping technological advances in powerboats that can create and control their own wave patterns comes luxury boats designed for maximum comfort and vast passenger capacities.

Known as wakesurfing or wakeboarding boats, these new hybrids are made for the pontoon buyer seeking more performance and versatility and the surfboat buyer looking for comfort and stability. Here’s what to expect from just a few of the major players.

Last fall I went to test a pontoon that was being delivered to a marina by an older gentleman from an independent transportation company. I could see it in his eyes but he quickly confirmed he had never driven a boat and had no desire to start today. To his relief I offered to help get the boat in the water and bring it around to the dock. After he had backed the boat down into the water I attempted to fire the engine with no luck. The battery was completely dead. What I would’ve given for a jump pack at that moment. I ended up borrowing one from another boater in the parking lot who had been on the water all day and was just ready to go home. He patiently waited as we looped around and made a second attempt to launch and it was that day I truly understood the value of a good portable jump starter.

The one I borrowed that day worked, but it wasn’t even in the same category as the newest portable jump starter from the Zeus family from Uncharted Supply Co. It was just released this summer and the Zeus Air includes a 130 PSI air compressor to prep boats and other vehicles for all kinds of summer adventures, from pumping up tires and air mattresses to paddle boards and inner tubes.

Who doesn’t love a good success story? You know, that self-made journey from nothing type of tale that has you rooting for the company to succeed. After digging into the backstory on Sunchill you can add our names to the list of those who are cheering for Hans Burri.

Growing up, Hans and his friends were always seeking ways to elevate their time on the water. Cheap float mats were everywhere but he didn’t feel they were cutting it, especially for big groups. Hans wanted a float that was portable and quick to assemble, but could also take on the whole family, pups included.

Sunglasses are a must-have for a sunny day on the water, and the fact that the latest Bajio styles are available in prescription lenses makes them even better. The new Hopedale frames are excellent for angling, boating, or just everyday outdoor activities. With a hidden sun blocking Sun Ledge, double barrel hinges, and recessed nose pads for extra comfort, these are quality sunglasses that are going to last a long time. I love the medium-wrap fit that blocks bright light from the sides, and that my eyes don’t feel tired after a long day in the sun.

The blue mirror lenses let the world show up in natural colors while blocking most UV rays as well as blue light, and have only 12 percent of visible light transmission (VLT), making them best for the brightest light conditions. Crucial for spending time on the water, all Bajio’s lenses are polarized, which cuts glare, minimizes distractions, and offers the greatest contrast and clarity.

Don’t let its compact size fool you; this might be the “next big thing” for boaters. The Toadfish Stowaway LED Lantern brings light to any situation and its versatility goes well beyond being a must-have on the water. The unique design allows it to be used as a handheld flashlight, hanging light, utility light, or safety light and it can be suctioned or magnetized to most surfaces. Plus the single-piece aluminum housing combined with the IPX7 sealed construction make it waterproof and corrosion-resistant and if it goes overboard it floats!

Much like their panfish cousins, bluegills and crappies, yellow perch have saved many a fishing day by cooperating when flashier game fish such as walleyes, bass, trout and salmon turn a blind eye to anglers’ efforts. From early spring through late autumn, active schools and individual perch willing to bite can usually be located. Depending on the time of season, you may be dunking fathead minnows in two feet of water in April or sending emerald shiners and jigs plummeting to depths of 40 feet or more in August to score a mess of “seven stripers,” as they are referred to in some regions, for the dinner table.

One of the first fishing “tricks” I learned as a kid has, in the decades since, entertained fellow anglers and netted me some fine catches from both fresh and salt water and yellow perch in particular. That’s one of the joys of traveling to fish: discovering local tactics that can be learned and put into practice back at home – sometimes with startling results.