Sea Grant Specialist talks about the fall season's great boating opportunities as part of Your News Now's "Discover Better Boating" Series

With fall just around the corner, many boaters are starting to think about storing their vessels for the season. But, as we find out in this month's edition of Discover Better Boating, there's still plenty of time left to enjoy the water.

Syracuse, NY, September 15, 2012 - "Welcome to Discover Better Boating. I'm Dave White and thanks for coming

aboard! While some consider Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, for boaters the fun can continue through these late summer days and well into fall. Joining me today is Drew Wickham from the Boating Industries Association to remind us of the great boating resources and opportunities we can continue to take advantage of across upstate New York."

"Drew, what makes for a unique late summer/fall boating opportunity in New York's Great Lakes regions?," asked White.

"It's usually quieter, calm waters, there's a lot of beautiful foliage and you might even see a flock of migrating birds," said Wickham.

"What are some great areas to be boating in late summer/early fall?," asked White.

"We have great areas all over," said Wickham. "You start off in the Thousand Islands region and come down into Lake Ontario, you end up in the Erie Canal or maybe even into the Finger Lakes," said Wickham. "There's just so many great areas to boat in New York.

White adds in some specifics, suggesting near shore fishing along the Great Lakes and rivers; a scenic trip along the Erie Canal; or a cruise along the finger lakes with the changing colors all around. It's also a great time to enjoy paddle sports.

"Many areas have Fall boat shows. Is this a good time to get into boating," asked White.

"It's a great time to get into boating," said Wickham. "Most of your local dealers have bargains on used and demo boats that had out for the season, or left-over new boats. So, it's a great time to buy a boat."

"Thanks Drew! And to all boating enthusiasts, I encourage you to enjoy these late summer/early fall opportunities," said White.

"Join us next month on Discover Better Boating when we are going to be talking about putting your boat away at the end of the summer. And, like I always say,  make sure you are protected and that you wear a life jacket."

New York Sea Grant and the Boating Industries Association are partners in the Discover Better Boating series, from which segments will run on YNN stations every third Saturday through October. The YNN channel, based in Syracuse, telecasts two separate program feeds, one to Central/Northern New York; one to the Southern Tier. YNN is available to nearly 600,000 cable subscribers across a 25-county, 15,000 square mile area.

For more on better boating, check out the "news" section of NYSG's related Web site, www.nyseagrant.org/marina.