Full disclosure, I wrote this piece two weeks ago, but was holding off on publishing it until I could get some video and photos to better illustrate some of the things I'm talking about.  However, it has basically rained for all of the last two weeks, so you're just going to have to let my words fill your imagination.

Everyone loves to go out to the bar/restaurant on the lake by boat.  One thing that can be terrifying to boat owners is docking it, even with experience.  It seems simple enough in theory, but then you have that first windy day with only one slot open at the lake bar and you’ve got to pull in next to another, much nicer boat than yours. That is when things get really real.  Another terrible moment in boat parking is when you have a large crowd either on your boat, the boat you’re parking next to, or on/around the dock that you’re parking at.  Everyone’s got an opinion, that’s for damn sure, and if you don’t nail that docking job, judgments will be made and opinions formed, and you can go from King of the Lake to Lake Jester just like that.  I’ve seen (and probably (definitely) participated in) instantaneous arguments, heated exchanges, and questioning of marriages, friendships, relationships, and religion over intense boat docking conditions.  In fact, this past weekend I witnessed and participated in all of the above, which leads me to this post.  Plain and simple, parking/docking/tying up your boat is difficult and can be extremely stressful.  For the non-laker, it might seem like it’s basically the same as parking your car.  Well, since you’re here reading about the lake life, you’re probably aware that it most definitely is not the same as the road, parking space, and/or curb don’t move while you’re doing it, but the boat, the water, the dock, and the people do.  Also, no brakes.  Here are my top tips for parking your boat confidently, effectively, and safely, so you can park like a boss (NSFW language) and Rule The Lake!

I've been going out on the lake for over a month already this year, but with our second straight nice weekend, the lake was alive and well!  Water temps were only 62-65 degrees, but that didn't stop the water-sports enthusiasts from hitting the waves early!  We got to spend another day with Murphy testing out the Dog-On-Water boat ramp (pics and video over on Murphy's Log), and we definitely had more success than last time, and I didn't have to jump in the water.  It was great to see all the activity on the lake, however there was also plenty of bad boating behavior going on as well, so I figured it's time to post another Rule of the lake, so look for that to come out here this week.  (Here's a hint and a free download that every laker should read)

Wake surfing is definitely the "in" thing right now, and it looks like a lot of fun.  I'm told it's much easier on the body than skiing and tubing, which is nice for some of us broken down ex-athletes.  HOWEVER, it really sucks having one of these boats go by you when you're just cruising.  The wakes that these boats create are just massive and will definitely rock your boat.  It looks like a lot of fun and if I had a sweet wake boat I'm sure I'd be out there tearing it up too.  I only have a pontoon boat though, so I try to steer clear of that wake after several massive waves crashed over us....literally.  

So another great weekend is in the books; yards were worked on, tennis balls were chased after, golf balls were swung at and hit occasionally, we taste tested a beer that did not live up to expectations (review coming to The Cooler), and my first mate was very helpful on the boat.!  

This week the Rule The Lake team leaves the water for the friendly grounds of Talladega for 5 nights of camping and ​revelry.  Come say hi in the North Park campground or in the Paddock Club on race day!  Were you on the water this weekend?  How'd it go?