The San Diego Boat show is back and bigger than ever at the San Diego Convention Center and Marriott Marina Thursday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 7.
This year, the 19th annual show has expanded by 25 percent due to its increasing popularity.
“Look where we live. You either have a surf board, a boat or something to go in the water,” said Jeff Hancock, the boat show’s regional manager.
Nearly 30,000 people from California, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico are expected to view the more than 500 boats and yachts.
“I think people think that it’s a rich man’s sport,” Hancock said, “and that’s not exactly true. I’m a boater myself “” I own two kayaks. The thing is to be on the water.”
He explained that while the boat show does include yachts, the event also showcases inflatable boats, wakeboards, kayaks and more.
“It’s not only the boats, but it is all the things that people use in and around boats,” Hancock said.
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is partnering with the National Marine Manufacturers Association, organizers of the boat show, to introduce a new exhibit called Take Me Fishing, an interactive information center that promotes freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing.
Hancock said that portion of the event would include new product information and kiosks that identify fish types, local activities and clubs as well as information on aquatic stewardship.
Fishing experts will also be available with guidance and instruction on everything from equipment and water access to tips and skills.
Attendees will even have the chance to practice casting in simulators. There will be two casting contests daily as well as a tank fully stocked with fish from local lakes. The exhibit will have six fishing centers in which visitors can learn about licensing, products, tips, and where to fish locally. There will also be seminars on both salt- and fresh-water fishing.
Old favorites such as the Discover Boating Center and the big bay kids area will return again this year. The former provides boating education and resources, and the latter features a giant inflatable slide, boat painting, balloon expert and water safety puppet show.
New to the big bay kids area is the Splash Dogs event, featuring local dogs that broad-jump from a dock into a pool.
“Dogs and kids and boats all naturally fit together,” said Hancock. “They even have life jackets for dogs.”
Tony Reed, president of Splash Dog LLC, explained why dog pier diving events have become so popular.
“People like to watch their dogs jump off the dock,” he said. “They live vicariously through their dog, and they just enjoy being around their dog. It’s great exercise “¦ and we all hang out and it’s a lot of fun.”
Splash Dogs has a new event daily, and participants can register the day of but are encouraged to read the rules and pre-register at the Splash Dogs Web site, www.splashdogs.com.
Attendees can also experience life on the seas during free boat rides, which include a mini-lesson on sailing.
“We can indulge those kinds of fantasies,” Hancock said. “It’s nice to see boats in their element.”
Seminars are offered throughout the event, including how to cruise in Mexico; salt-water kayak fishing, a popular sport in San Diego; and how to teach kids to sail and basic sailing.
“Sailing is more arcane than other aspects of boating,” Hancock said on the importance of proper training.
The event also gives experienced boaters and boating enthusiasts the opportunity to shop for the best deals this season.
The San Diego Boat Show runs Thursday and Friday, Jan. 4 and 5, from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The marina portion of the show closes at 6 p.m. every night. Entrance fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 to 16 and children under 12 are free. Active duty military, law enforcement and firefighters are invited to attend for free on Thursday and Friday.
For more information, call (858) 274-9924 or visit www.sandiegoboatshow.com.