Just like the legendary return of the swallows every year to the mission of San Juan Capistrano in California, one of the inevitable rights of spring in the Boundary Waters is the training of another group of drivers for our Williams and Hall fleet of towboats.  

My Labor of Love

I have reserved this labor of love for myself.  It is my way of insuring that every young crew member that is going to drive a towboat for Williams and Hall gets the scoop right from the boss and there is no doubt what the expectations are. Our goal is to have the best tow service on Moose Lake as we bring our guests to the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness for their canoe trip.

They come from all walks of youth-hood.  Some have had years of tutelage from their families and grew up on the water surrounded by boats.  To others stepping into a towboat may be the first time they have ever saddled up in an outboard motor and jon boat.  

The Heart-to Heart Talk

Either way, it all starts with a very heart to heart discussion of WHY we care and what the responsibility is that we take upon ourselves when we transport others.  Even though these are small ships, the drivers are still the captains of the ship and they must have a set of skills they and their passengers can rely on.

Next, we move on to the boats.  It is not cool to run out of gas.  We talk about how to take care of the boats and motors. Dock operations come next.  How do we launch parties, and how do we get them back again; all good to know.  

How to Drive a Towboat

Then it is on to boat handling.  For some of the kids it is pretty weird to have the boat go the opposite way you point the tiller.  Then, moving in reverse is just the opposite.  A concept better experienced than contemplated. 

Next, we need to get to know the lakes and to know proper etiquette and safety procedures.  For us we usually begin with a map talk and then a bunch of “ride alongs” to get the new guys comfortable with the lake.  Do you remember the first time you headed up the lake toward the Canadian border?  It all was just one big blob of green, wasn’t it?  We learn where we can go and where we do not go.   One of our overarching themes is showing courtesy to canoeists and other boaters.

The Final Exam

Then back to the map and now the testing.  Always my questions.  Always the map.  What is that called?   What do we do when we have this or that type situation?  What happens if the motor quits? 

We now put the frosting on the cake by teaching about our natural surroundings.  Critters, birds, fish, weather and on and on.  Then there is the reply, I don’t know that, but I will find out for you.  The end result after a couple weeks is a boat driver that is skilled, experienced, knowledgeable, and confident.  Plus, I get a whole lot of time on the lake in the process.

The Best Towboat Drivers

In the end, we always achieve our goal of providing the safest, most efficient and high-quality tow service to the Boundary Waters and Quetico to be found in Ely, Minnesota.

Paddle On.