I’m a Facebook junkie. Considering the data that Facebook releases, this isn’t a shock because I encompass every feature of its standard demographic. I’m a female in the right age range to say the least. I also think it’s fun to interact with all the ‘toon and deck boat manufacturers on the social media site and see what they are up to.
The point of me telling you all of this is that over the years Facebook has got to know me pretty well. And I’m fairly certain the company makes a mint off using that information to subliminally advertise to all of us. But you can imagine my surprise when the Jersey Shore Pontoon Club page came up as a suggestion of things that I might like. I’m not a big fan of cable, but I’ve seen enough commercials to know that the popular MTV show doesn’t leap to mind when I think of things that truly embrace and encourage our lifestyle.
Pontoon Club?
But I thought to myself, “Pontoon club? That sounds awesome.” So I clicked away and came upon a hidden gem. In the process, I connected myself with Michele Beal, leader of the Jersey Shore Pontoon Club. Surprisingly, she didn’t think I was a crazy stalker and she readily responded to my request for more information.
Beal has lived on the water for 41 years and owned many different boats, but her Sweetwater 2586RE is her favorite. So the club was formed as a way of celebrating the pontoon lifestyle.
“We are a small group of four pontoons at this time, but we do have friends who just purchased a 40-foot houseboat on pontoons and they are looking forward to anchoring up,” said Beal. “We are looking for others eager to hop on the pontoon and relax.”
Basically the Jersey Shore Pontoon Club is a group of people who enjoy anchoring together and spending the day on the water. They use Facebook to share fun pictures and weather updates, plus other tidbits of information they run across. So when they aren’t connected on the water, they are connected online.
“This summer will be our third season of actively setting up outings,” said Beal. “We bring the grill, large cooler and enough food for any friends we might make when out and a great floating sofa. We relax, listen to great music, tan, swim, eat and drink.”
Starting Your Own
If you dock your boat, it’s more than likely your marina has its own Facebook page. That’s definitely a good place to find people in your area. But let’s take it a step further and come up with a process for forming your own social boating club.
1. Since we already know the hobby, you can skip the first step of deciding what the group is going to be about. It’s going to be a boating social club! The end goal is to establish a group of people who would like to meet up occasionally, grill dinner on the water and talk boating.
2. Clubs in general start small, with a core group of friends. So call your friends up! Come up with a day and time that works for everyone and meet at a sandbar, dock or any other place on the water that you have access to. Start with a potluck so that no one has to take on all the cost.
3. Assuming you all had fun, set up another time to meet up and do the same thing. Try to make the next meeting sooner rather than later and suggest that your friends invite their friends.
4. Now it’s time to turn to social networking site such
as Twitter or Facebook. Facebook makes it simple to start a page for a group. Once you log in, you will see
a link that says “Create a Page” on the left hand side
of your newsfeed. Invite your friends to “like” your page and now you have a foundation on which to build membership.
I asked Beal her advice on getting a new club off the ground.
“To start a club it is like having a big party,” she said. “Just open your pontoon gate and welcome people onboard. Start by inviting friends and let friends bring friends. Social media is another great way to put the club out there.”
Benefits
A group of people that hang out and socialize is one of the best resources that you will ever have. You can benefit from their experience and everyone can trade advice. Besides, don’t you think that boaters are the best kind of people?
Things To Do
Once you have your group going, it can be an extremely fun time. Take turns grilling onboard and have people bring different water games. Plan an overnight raft-up and encourage people to sleep on their boats. Consider having matching flags or t-shirts made so you create unity. If you want to get really official, the IRS has guidelines where you can establish your club as non-profit and collect dues from members.
Share It
If you already have a social club in place, I want to hear about it! Head over to www.facebook.com/pdbmagazine to share your link and photos. Wait, better yet: invite me to be a member. I’ll bring a side dish.
