The crowds are gone, the water’s calmer, and the best boating days are finally here—welcome to local summer. In this episode, Capt Jess and Capt Vinnie share their favorite parts of this hidden season at the Jersey Shore, from quiet marinas to sunsets that feel like they’re just for you. They’ll also talk about why local summer is the perfect time to invest in yourself on the water—whether that’s fine-tuning your docking, practicing open-water maneuvers, or finally booking that training session you’ve been putting off. Relaxed vibes, local secrets, and encouragement to keep growing your skills—it’s all here in Episode 14.

This week, we’re switching gears! Instead of boating lessons and safety tips, Capt. Jess and Capt. Vinnie are letting their guard down and answering totally random questions. From personal quirks to funny stories and everything in between, you’ll get to know your favorite captains on a more relaxed, behind-the-scenes level. It’s candid, lighthearted, and a perfect chance to see the personalities behind the helm.

Hurricane season brings more than just rough weather—it creates dangerous conditions for boaters who aren’t prepared. In this episode, Capt. Vin is back on land and ready to chat. He and Capt. Jess dive into the realities of storms on the water, from sudden squalls to full-blown hurricanes. They share safety strategies, real-world stories, and what every boater should do before, during, and after severe weather. Whether you’re docked, anchored, or underway, this episode will help you understand how to protect yourself, your crew, and your boat when the seas turn unpredictable.

In this episode of Wake Zone, we sit down with our office manager, Cas, to tackle the most common questions about getting certified to operate a boat in New Jersey. From the essentials of the NJ Boating Safety Certificate to the path toward earning your Captain’s License, Cas breaks down what every new and experienced boater needs to know. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your boating career to the next level, this episode covers the FAQs, myths, and must-know details that keep you legal, safe, and confident on the water.

In this episode of Wake Zone, Capt. Jess and Capt. Vin dive into the most common injuries boaters face — from slips on slick decks to rope burns, prop mishaps, and docking disasters. We’ll share real-life stories, prevention tips, and safety must-knows to keep your time on the water fun and injury-free. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a seasoned skipper, this one’s packed with advice that could save you a trip to the ER.

Out on the water, knowing the right call to make can save lives. In this episode, we break down the three most important distress and urgency calls – Mayday, Pan Pan, and Securité – what they mean, when to use them, and how to make them correctly over the radio. From true emergencies to important safety broadcasts, we’ll guide you through real-life examples, tips for getting your message heard, and how to keep your cool when it counts. Whether you’re a new boater or a seasoned captain, this is essential knowledge for safe time on the water.

The sun is hot, the drinks are cold, and confidence is way too high out on the water. In this episode, Capt. Jess and Capt. Vinnie dive into real-life stories of boaters who let their summertime swagger get the best of them—putting themselves and others in danger. From ignoring no-wake zones to misjudging their own skills (and their boat’s size), we’re breaking down how overconfidence can turn a dream day on the water into a near disaster.

We’ll talk about the importance of proper on-the-water training, knowing your limits, and why confidence without knowledge is a recipe for chaos. If you’ve ever thought, “I got this!”—this episode is for you.

Kate Hogan from MarineMax drops anchor with us to talk about her journey in the boating industry, the rise of women in marine careers, and how we can all work to get more women on the water. We’re diving into community, confidence, and challenging stereotypes. Don’t miss this inspiring and empowering conversation.