Sneak Peak At Spring

Forget winter. It's been looking or feeling much more like spring ... or even summer ...

So, why the 'March Mildness?' Here is what the Weather Network had to say:

"It's been unseasonably warm mainly because of a strong ridge in the jet stream over the middle part of North America," says Brian Owsiak, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "As long as that ridge stays in place, that will mean above seasonal temperatures for many."

And since that ridge has been holding in place, the warm weather isn't going anywhere fast. 

They are expecting this trend to continue to the end of March, more or less. If that pans out, it could be the longest stretch of that kind of weather on record for this time of year.

No complaints here-maybe an early boating season on the horizon.

So once the fog lifted, early afternoon I took a short walk around the marina.

Click here to come on my walk.

Surviving Cold Water Immersion

Cold Water Immersion

We have now shifted from ice fishing & snowmobiling on the lakes and will soon be thinking about getting the boat out on the water.
But, the water is cold! It will be a little while yet before the water will warm up.
Are you prepared for a sudden or unexpected dip?
Do you know how you will react if you are suddenly immersed in cold water?
Most victims do not enter the water intentionally.
A boater who ends up in the water may die from complications of cold water immersion but can survive for a surprising length of time if they are wearing a PFD and take the proper actions. It is important not to panic and make the proper decisions in order to survive.
If you do end up in the water, it is important to do everything you can to conserve energy and body heat.
Below is a short video that will give you the information you need to prepare yourself, should you find yourself in this situation.

Accidents are inevitable, but with proper supplies, emergency procedures and long term survival skills. It is possible to survive even the most dire circumstance.


Gordon Bay Marine wants you to stay safe on the water and will from time to time post videos on boating safety, rules & regulations for boating in Ontario. 
Please feel free to leave comments here. Let us know if there is a certain topic you would like us to cover.

Wakeboarding Teaser

This is the first in a small series of cuts coming to help roll in spring.
Christian Primrose is a name you're going to be hearing more of in the coming year. He's already made a name for himself on the provincial level in Ontario and is breaking through on the National level. Check out this video from Vince Whiteman/Slightly Human; 




Christian Primrose Rough Cut from Slightly Human on Vimeo.

Gordon Bay Marine is proud to be a sponsor of Christian and we are looking forward to getting him behind his new 2012 Malibu Wakesetter VLX.
I'm psyched to get out and watch Christian this season.
Maybe even take a ride in the new Malibu..Riding in a Malibu there's just something way cool about the Malibu vibe that is unmatched by any other boat.

“It's Nearly Time To 'Spring Forward”

Are you getting excited for Daylight Savings Time?

Here at Gordon Bay Marine, it means boating season is just around the corner.

     Now you have to get excited about that! 

2am on Sunday March 11th Canadians will set their clocks ahead by one hour welcoming Daylight Savings Time - The beginning of the spring ahead and the end of winter. 

While many of us are looking forward to longer periods of daylight, few are thinking of the danger of a disrupted sleep schedule.

This has absolutely nothing to do with boating, snowmobiling or anything else you would expect a marina to be blogging about, but I found it very interesting and thought I’d share.

Let’s talk a little about Daylight Danger.

Being drowsy is more dangerous than you think. 

Every year Canadians lose an average of 40 minutes of sleep when they make the switch.

This doesn't sound like a lot but according to a McMaster University study called "Sleep Deficit, Fatal Accidents and the Spring Shift to Daylight Savings Time,"

Traffic crashes during the Monday following the weekend of turning the clock ahead one hour increased by a significant 17 per cent compared to the average Monday.

Most of the accidents occur in the afternoon, when your body would be winding down from a long day of work.

The increase in accidents is attributed to the disruption of circadian rhythms, which can have other negative biological effects such as an increase in heart attacks.

The loss of sleep is similar to that of alcohol consumption and can seriously alter your emotions, judgment, ability to react, and your ability to learn.

Here are 5 tips to help you cope with the Daylight Savings hangover.

1.Practice. Help your body get use to the impending change by practicing for the big day. Go to bed and wake up early the weekend ahead of the change.

2.Take A Nap. If you have a chance grab a quick catnap the following Monday, this will help you feel refreshed and less sleepy. Be careful not to attempt activities like driving or operating heavy machinery should you feel drowsy.

3.Get Some Sun. When you have a chance go outside and get some sun. Sunlight’s helps to regulate our internal clock regulating sleep.

4.Go For An Early Morning Run. Morning exercise is a great way to regulate your sleep and help you feel nice and refreshed. Just try not to exercise to close to bed time or it may keep you awake.

5.Downtime In The Dark. When you are getting ready for bed make sure to wind down in a nice dark room, the lack of sunlight will help remind your body that it's time for sleep.

So let’s all Practice, take a nap, get some sun & really try to get out for that morning run!