That’s right, the Steamboat Lake Marina now has a new toy for rent. You’ve asked for it, now here it is. Please welcome the newest member to our fleet – the Master Craft “X-Star” wakeboard/water ski boat! We launched this sucker and got her in the water for the first time today. We are planning to offer piloted wakeboard, water ski and wake surf lessons for all abilities starting as early as next week. Rental of the boat comes with all of the equipment you desire, a driver and hands-on instruction. What more would you expect from the most cutting edge marina in Northwest Colorado?

Here are some pics of our lovely lady. Call to inquire about rental rates and availability. Perhaps we’ll consider some discounted sessions for the lucky few who get to help us officially christen this bad boy on the lake. 970-879-7019… ask for Dave.

Specs on this baby:
- Vortec, 8.1 Liter Engine (similar to a Corvette!)
- 450 Horsepower
- 22 feet… 12 passenger capacity
- 17 speakers… CD/MP3 equipped
- On-board cooler / 12 cup holders
- Official boat of the X-Games
- The “Gold Standard” of all wakeboard boats on the market!

Continental Divide Running

The Steamboat Lake Marina wants to cordially welcome one of the area’s newest activity vendors… Epic Running Adventures (www.EpicRunningAdventures.com).  Epic Running Adventures offers cross-country running camps through the single track trails of the Rocky Mountains.

Their next “Adventure Camp” is scheduled for August 5-8 with both overnight and day clinic options.  For the out of town guests, these adventure camps lodge at the beautiful Dutch Creek Guest Ranch which is located directly across from Steamboat Lake.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Afternoon Hiking

Designed for runners of all abilities, runners can expect daily provisions, transportation and coaching as part of the overall experience.

You’ll run sections of the Continental Divide along with other gorgeous North Routt trails.  Then, relax at the end of the day with horseback riding, canoeing, fishing or a massage!

The Steamboat Lake Marina welcomes our newest neighbor, Epic Running Adventures, and we wish you success in the years to come.

And kids… I know that it can often be a challenge to find that special way to tell dad just how important he is to you.  Personally, I always found it impossible to sum up my appreciation for my father with a simple card or gift.  I often struggled to come up with different ways to take a break with dad and just have fun.  So in an effort to make today’s planning a bit easier on you, here’s a quick list of some ways you can spend time with your ’old man’ here at the lake:

• Go fishing!
• Rent a pontoon boat and grill up some lunch
• Better yet, rent a canoe and promise to do all the paddling!
• Take a nature hike on the many surrounding trails
• Have a picnic at the swim beach
• Treat dad to some delicious homemade fudge!!!

http://bit.ly/280A8S

Stop by and join us at the “Curve Plaza Chamber Mixer” from 5-7pm on Wednesday, May 26th! Brian Harvey and the crew from KBCR will be broadcasting live from the deck of one of our party pontoon boats while we grill up some tasty food.

Listen here for the complete RADIO COMMERCIAL and we’ll see you there!

Your View This Summer!

If you are planning to bring your boat to Steamboat Lake and the Steamboat Lake State Park this summer, we’d love to have you!  There are two boat ramps available for full-size boats on the lake; Placer Cove and the Dutch Hill Area.  The Sage Flats ramp is for use with launching small boats only.

The Marina offers overnight dock rentals, fuel, concessions, camping supplies, firewood and a whole lot more.  For our visitors staying at the park can store boat trailers west of the Marina.  Complete boat registration details can be found on the Colorado State Parks website.

A Day Permit or a Parks Pass is required to access the park and the boat ramps.  Annual Parks Passes can be purchased for $60 per vehicle and there are discounts for seniors, veterans and those that are disabled.

In response to various threats such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels, all boats must first be inspected by a Colorado State Parks Ranger in order to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species.  Inspections will include a thorough scan of all boats and floating devices including their content, motors, trailers and associated equipment.

For those that don’t plan to bring their own boat but would love the opportunity to explore the lake from the water, please allow us to help you with the perfect Steamboat Lake boat rentals.

In that respect, I hope you appreciate how crazy this Canadian ice fisherman really are. Enjoy!

Peace and Quiet

On a personal note, the first time I ever tried kayaking I got about 2 stokes deep and flipped like a drunken sailor. It was then and there that I decided to give all those whitewater studs I’d see in the local rivers credit where credit is due. Your first foray into the fun and freedom of kayaking can initially be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be if you remember these simple things:

#1) Use the right paddle. Longer paddles are used for more relaxed, even strokes while short paddles are meant for more powerful, vertical strokes. When kayaking Steamboat Lake, we typically recommend going with a longer paddle style.

#2) You may not already know, but some paddles are specifically designed for right or left handed people. Check your paddle or ask someone to find if your paddle is dominant-hand specific.

#3) Offsetting your paddle blades can often help make your strokes smoother and longer, with less splash. This can typically be done by twisting the right and left sides once you’ve unlatched the small attachment button in the middle.

#4) To paddle with offset blades, the correct approach is to keep your dominant hand firm on the paddle while your other hand stays loose. Allowing the paddle to easily twist through your loose hand while your dominant hand controls the blade angle is the correct form.

#5) Paddling is NOT just in the arms! Your most powerful strokes should actually stem from your torso and core muscle strength. This will keep your arms from turning to rubber and prevent soreness later when you’re trying to roast marshmallows by the fire.

#6) When possible, try exercising the muscles in your hips and lower torso. Utilizing these muscle groups more effectively will lead to better control of the edge of your boat and your angle to the water.

Hopefully these quick tips will help keep your top end dry! Unless of course it’s a hot day on the lake. Then it’s perfectly acceptable to tip like a Weeble!