Empowering, Fun, and Transformative: My Experience at the Wild chix Boating Boot camp
- isabell8785
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Yasmine, one of the curious women who wanted to learn more about boating, and joined us for the first ever Boating Boot Camp, shared her experience with us! Thanks Yasmine, super stoked about you taking the time putting this blog post together for us! :-)
As someone passionate about female empowerment and a proud feminist, I’m constantly on the lookout for activities and groups that champion women breaking barriers. From all-female motorcycle clubs to boxing and mentoring groups, I love seeing (and being part of) communities that empower womxn to learn, grow, and thrive. So, when the social media algorithm introduced me to the Wild Chix Boating Bootcamp, I was immediately intrigued.
The ad piqued my curiosity, and I wasted no time reaching out to the organizers. Their warm, friendly response and quick turnaround made the decision to join an easy one. A few days before the big day, I received a well-organized email detailing what to bring and what to expect—everything was set for an adventure that promised to be as exciting as it was empowering.
A Supportive Start:
When the day finally arrived, I showed up about half an hour early, nerves and excitement buzzing. A few other participants had already arrived, and after exchanging shy “hi’s,” we introduced ourselves. It felt a little like the first day of school, but the energy was positive and welcoming. Soon after, Shanel—one of the organizers—brought out a stunning fruit platter and sweets to go with tea and coffee. This thoughtful gesture set a warm, friendly tone for the rest of the day.
Diving into Boating Basics:
The Boot Camp started with a theory session. We covered key topics like understanding tides, weather forecasts, and how to avoid unexpected weather surprises—crucial knowledge for anyone heading out on the water. Once we wrapped up the theory, it was time to get hands-on!
We headed out to explore two gorgeous Haines Hunter boats that had been generously provided for the day. As we walked around the boats, we identified different parts, learned their functions, and discussed why it’s important to know these details. We even learned how to check the boat’s battery level—a small but vital skill!
Next up was knot-tying. This part was surprisingly fun and practical, as we learned how to tie useful knots every boater should know. Just before lunch, we conducted a boat check using a checklist provided by the organizers, then launched one of the boats into the water.
Lunch and Camaraderie:
Lunch was a delicious spread of homemade burgers, and the atmosphere was electric. Over our meal, we shared stories, laughed, and reflected on everything we’d learned so far. It was a moment of connection that made the day even more special.
Hands-On Challenges:
After lunch, the group was split into two. Half of us went on the boat to practice undocking, moving at slow speeds, and docking—a fantastic way to build confidence and control on the water. The other half worked on backing a trailer, first over a distance and then maneuvering it into position at the boat ramp.
Backing a trailer was, without a doubt, the part that had me the most nervous. I’d never done anything like it before! But with Izzy’s calm guidance and her knack for giving clear, timely instructions, I was able to get the hang of it. The environment was so supportive and nonjudgmental that even this initially daunting task became a confidence booster.
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Day:
As the day came to a close, we had a debrief session, took a group photo, and said our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet moment because I didn’t want the day to end—but I walked away feeling empowered, accomplished, and ready to put my new skills to use.
A Life-Changing Experience:
The Wild Chix Boating Boot Camp wasn’t just fun—it was transformative. For any woman who’s ever dreamed of confidently handling a boat, I cannot recommend this event enough.
And here’s the real kicker:
The Boot Camp was on a Thursday. By Saturday, I was confidently backing our little boat into the Gulf Harbor ramp—all by myself!
Thank you, Wild Chix, for creating such an empowering, inclusive, and supportive experience. If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and connect with an amazing group of women, this is it!
