Catching Freedom on a Pontoon Boat

Going to the lake for me is a sort of bittersweet experience.  While I love the serenity I associate whenever I’m near water, it crystalizes how clear my disability affects my experience.  It’s obvious to me how so many of the lake activities that used to be doable for me just aren’t anymore.    Or if they are, I am at the whim of someone else helping me.  It can be frustrating watching others do simple things that you used to be able to do.  However, in the spirit of my blog, I want to share with you one big part of the day that made it more accessible.  It’s not quite that we need a BIGGER boat like Hooper says in Jaws but we will need  DIFFERENT  boat…..specifically a Pontoon boat.

When I was younger, I just wanted to go fast on the water and be whipped around on the tube.  I never got into knee boarding, water skiing, or wake boarding.  Tubing was my sport! I loved the feeling of wind and wake slapping against your face while laughing hysterically at nothing.   As I got older and my disability started to be more apparent, I still could get in the water and even go for a tube ride, but I didn’t want to go quite so fast.  I just didn’t want to fall out and have to ungracefully climb back into the tube.  I wanted to limit my getting in and out of the boat or tube.   Now, since I am completely reliant on a wheelchair, I definitely don’t want to be climbing in and out of boats.

My family has had a speed boat for about 20 years so that is what I have grown up around.  We’ve admired deck boats that offer more room and seating.  I began noticing more people getting pontoon boats.  When I was younger, I always thought these were just big and slow.  Boy was I wrong.  Depending on the type of pontoon, they are very powerful and some can pull water skiers, wake boarders, and yes even tubers.  Even though I don’t want to get on the tube anymore, that feeling of freedom as the wind hits my face, still takes my breath away!   Especially when I’m sitting in the front of the boat.  Excuse me, the bow.  My family can still do water sports while I get to enjoy being a part of everything. Or I can tune everything out, put my AirPods in, and listen to Hamilton while feeling the wind on my face.  Nothing like the smell of freedom.

The reason I can still enjoy this boat ride is due to the ease of getting in and out of a pontoon.   This is great for people of all ages and ability levels to safely get on.  They also have a wide deck once on board which is easy to navigate.  There are different types of pontoon boats, but I most enjoy one that has the capability to support ALL water sports.  This allows me to be a part of the action as my family and friends enjoy water sports.  Then in the evening we can take a “sunset cruise” and putz around the lake listening to Christopher Cross’ ‘Sailing’ while sipping a cocktail.  It’s the best of both worlds.

My experience on the lake pre and post disability is different.  Of course!  But by focusing on how it can still be fun and inclusive, lake excursions no longer feel daunting.  If you’re looking for a boat that can be fun for the WHOLE family think about trying a Pontoon boat.  A sense of freedom is important to everyone.  While those moments are harder to attain as my disability gradually progresses, each and every one becomes more precious. I am always seeking ways to feel more independent and  boating on a pontoon makes me feel free.