Even though you’re ready to hit the water and get into boating life, you’ll actually have to learn a few things before the fun can begin. Not only do you need a boat and some cash to get you started, but you’ll also need to learn what you’re doing and prep for the experience.

Boating at night is challenging and not usually recommended. If you do find yourself in a nighttime boating situation or really want to give it a shot for a specific reason like certain fish bite at this time of day, you’ll want to be really smart about preparing, executing, and returning.

When you pack for a weekend on the water, do you think much about the type of shoes you will wear? While you’re likely to grab your favorite flip flops or sandals, it’s much more important to pack some proper boat shoes.