What is a suggested way to manage time on the water?

Managing time effectively on the water is crucial for ensuring safety and making the most of your outing. The practice of checking frequently for time allows you to stay aware of how long you have been on the water, which can help you plan your activities accordingly and ensure that you return at a safe hour. It helps prevent situations of overstaying your planned time, which could lead to navigating in the dark or missing important commitments.

While leaving without a timer may seem freeing, it removes the ability to monitor your time effectively and may lead to unintended consequences. Ignoring the time completely can create issues with safety, logistics, and communication, especially in situations where you may have parking restrictions, weather changes, or other commitments to attend to. Returning at a random hour is also not practical, as it lacks structure and can compromise both safety and planning.

Regularly checking the time allows for flexibility in your activities while providing a framework to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water.