Woody's Watersports Blog

As the air temperature begins to drop, so too does the water temperature. Now that colder weather is moving in for most of the United States, it’s time to start thinking seriously about how to protect yourself when you’re out on the water. In other words, it’s time to take your wetsuit out of storage…

From dolphins to humans, thousands of species call the Gulf of Mexico their home, and for good reason. As the largest gulf in the world, this body of water is a unique part of our ecosystem, providing support and sustenance for millions of years. Read on to learn more: It formed 300 million years ago…

If you live near or are planning a visit to the ocean, you may have heard of the term “red tide,” but chances are you’re not 100% sure what it means. So, what exactly is red tide? Algae blooms Simply put, red tide is a commonly used term for a harmful algae bloom, or HAB….

If you’re heading to Madiera Beach, then chances are you’re going to be out in the sun a lot. While too much sun exposure can be a harmful thing, getting just the right amount can bring you several benefits. Just be sure you’re wearing the right sunscreen as you’re soaking up those rays. Vitamin D…

If you have ever found yourself boating around on any major waterway, you have no doubt seen the wake signs standing out of the water that almost look like the speed signs on our roadways. What are they and what do they mean? What is a wake? A wake is a disturbance of the water…

No matter how many or how few you’ve been through, hurricanes should never be taken lightly. They can not only destroy homes, but also lives, which means everyone living or visiting the Gulf of Mexico should be well-prepared when a hurricane hits. In order to do that, you need to know everything there is about…

Manatees are among Florida’s best-loved animals. While they are no longer endangered, they are still considered “threatened,” so if you enjoy boating or jet skiing, it’s important to take steps to protect them. Look, but don’t touch Feel free to look at the manatees from a distance, but by no means get up too close…

You’re swimming along the beach, having a good time, when suddenly a current overtakes you. It feels like you’re being pulled under, but in reality, you’re being quickly swept out to sea, the shore becoming smaller and smaller with each second. This is what happens when you find yourself in a rip current—one of the…

Whether you’re going out on the water or taking a stroll along the beach, you should always be aware of the different beach flag warnings. The beach flag warning system is meant to protect you from potentially dangerous elements, but you need to know what each flag means first. Here’s a quick list of the…

Madeira Beach is home to all kinds of jellyfish: moon jellies, Atlantic sea nettle, cannonball, pink meanie and comb jellyfish, as well as two of the most dangerous types – the Portuguese man of war and the box jellyfish. This means you need to be on high alert for jellyfish both on the water and…

It’s a beautiful, sunny day. The water is crystal clear, the tide is perfect, and the jet ski is ready to go. But before you embark on your ride, it’s worth touching upon some riding techniques, especially if you’re a beginner. That way you’ll not only have a fun time, but a safe time as…

You’re out on the water, just off the coast of Florida, and you see something in the water. It looks like a dorsal fin… but don’t worry! It’s not a shark. The waters off the coast of Florida are actually home to many pods of wild dolphins. They’re often very friendly, but when you’re out…