What is the best practice for boarding a boat from a dock?

The best practice for boarding a boat from a dock involves stepping onto the boat while keeping your weight low and maintaining balance. This approach is essential for several reasons. Lowering your center of gravity helps to enhance stability and balance while transitioning from the dock to the boat, which can often be unstable, especially if there is any movement from waves or the boat itself. This technique reduces the risk of slipping or losing your balance, making the boarding process safer.

Maintaining a low center of gravity is particularly important when boards are narrow or when there is a gap between the dock and the boat. By bending your knees and keeping your weight distributed closer to the floor of the boat, you help to secure your footing. Balancing properly while boarding not only keeps you safe but also prevents potential injury to yourself or others on board.

In contrast, options that suggest jumping or stepping from the front of a moving boat introduce unnecessary risks. Jumping can lead to loss of control or inaccurate landing, while boarding a moving boat creates instability and increases the chance of accidents.