Dip a toe into Minnesota's growing boat cultures

Minnesota is the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ and more than 830,000 registered boats, from canoes to fiberglass fishing and speed boats. Only Florida has more registered boats than Minnesota.

So, what is it about getting on the water that holds such allure? Whether you love to paddle or pontoon, getting into a boat lets you float away from worries and get a new perspective on the shoreline and life in general.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with veteran and newbie boaters about why they love to spend time on their favorite lake or river and how Minnesota has contributed to the development of jet skis, water skiing, pontoons and paddling. Plus, ideas for how to get in on the fun if you’ve never done it before.

Guests:

• Laura Yuen is a features columnist at the Star Tribune and a former editor and reporter with MPR News. Her recent column, “With a new pontoon boat, I’m embracing a Minnesota Dream,” describes her entry into Minnesota boating culture.  

• Darren Envall is an avid boater and the vice president of Midwest Boat & Sport Shows with the National Marine Manufacturers Association. He oversees the Minneapolis Boat Show in January. And during the summer you can find him out on his 2018 Boston Whaler 17’ Montauk.

• Amber Lynum also known as “Sparky” on the water, is a guide and instructor for Paddle Bridge Guide Collective, which leads kayak tours on the Mississippi River. She previously led white water rafting trips on the Kettle River out of the quarry town of Sandstone, Minn.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.