How do you learn boating?

[bloocrab]

I found the CG/EP class very informative...it provides you with a lot of the rules of the sea as well as some common sense information, but it's only about 5% of what you really need to know.

In a perfect world, what you would really want ...would be to have someone very experienced with a similar type boat....take you out on YOUR boat and teach you as much as they could about handling certain situations, in certain conditions...explain things in a more "lay-man" type way that you may not get from the dealer or the private owner that sold you the boat. As most already know, most boaters don't follow the rules taught in the CG class. Right on red, mellow on yellow...etc//...you'll find your way around that.
Simple things, although embarrassing to ask sometimes are things like....how to best approach the ramp or slip, what to ask yourself before pulling away (some type of mental or even written check list) how to fully utilize your electronics. What 2-4' waves really means depending on past or future weather patterns, what your boat can comfortably handle, what to do in a possible emergency (before calling "Sea-Tow") which I highly recommend purchasing, whether from them or some other company...There's just so much to learn. You will learn most of it with your own experiences...however, if someone gives you a hands-on explanation leading you in the right direction....the learning curve will be more enjoyable and SAFER.

I only have a dory, but am looking to upgrade....so I know nothing compared to most.
Good luck, take up offers from members on here who are willing to show or teach you some stuff. Lot of good people on here who truly want to help. Research their posts first, you also don't want some tire-kicking wave-jockey looking to take advantage of your innocence.