Lake Martin Magazine

The water sports industry has definitely been busy while old man winter has been fully dressed and off the water.

From Sea Scouts to free sailing lessons, Dixie Sailing Club members this summer will direct a course to introduce kids on Lake Martin to the fun of sailing.

I had to tell this story, in part because he never would, but also because I love boats, especially old ski boats. In the early 1970s, the father of a friend of mine did for him what could only be believed in the best of dreams.

It’s a sad time in the world of watersports, as we acknowledge the passing of a true icon in the industry. Herb O’Brien passed away at the age of 68.

The lack of riding time equals less exercise for us, and if you’re like me, you count riding as a source of exercise. When I can’t ride, I try to do something to prepare me for the next time I get out for a few obvious reasons.

For the highest percentage of us, the trusty heater top comes out and becomes a staple for the next month.

If you haven’t been in a marine pro shop lately, let me tell you: there is an insane amount of water toys to choose from. I think back to my youth, walking in a marina and seeing pairs of skis, slaloms, zip sleds and – as time went on – hydroslides (that was kneeboarding back then).

May is a great month of the year on Lake Martin. The lake is full. The boats that have been tucked away for the winter are being summerized. The air is getting to the point of being hot and the water temperature makes its way from really cold to refreshing when you get in from a hot day out on the boat. It’s the month that really starts the season to me.

Behind the boat on TV all day, every day – Singleton Marine Group now has a cable channel for your viewing pleasure. Channel 23 on ComLink Cable runs 24/7 and currently airs wake team videos. Austin Singleton decided a few years ago to promote his marinas in a new manner: through a team of riders. The idea is to have teams of the best riders on their respective lakes ride behind his boats, as well as have his lines and all the accessories that come along with them carried in the pro-shops.

February is the last month of low water in Lake Martin. The lake begins to work its way up toward full pool starting around the middle of February, and the visual shoreline begins to diminish.