Rule #1 for boaters… don’t run aground. Unless of course you do it on purpose. Such was the case for the First Annual Sandbar Bash, hosted by Show Management and sponsored by Nautical Ventures to promote the 57th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

About 100 boats anchored at the Laudy Sandbar at the mouth of the New River to be a part of this event. Music was provided by country radio station WKIS 99.9 FM aboard a 40’ Starcraft Pontoon Boat manned by Show Management. 

But the party really got started when title sponsor Nautical Ventures showed up in 24-foot and 28-foot Axopar Boats towing a load of water toys for everyone to try out. Nautical Ventures staff went to work setting up a flotilla of nautical goodie centered around a resort styled floating platform from NautiBuoy Marine which featured two chaise lounges and served as an anchor point for the other toys. First on the scene was the Schiller Water Bike that circled the sandbar and handing out koozies. Boaters marveled at this never seen before water bike, waiting for their turn to try it out, and were amazed at the handling characteristics. 

Next up were our two Hobie Mirage Drive Eclipse standup pedal boards. Nautical Ventures brought both the 10’6’ and 12’ models and boaters clamored to get their turn on this unique board. Even passerby by paddle boarders made their way to our camp to get a closer glimpse of this innovative Hobie board.

Then came the SeaBobs. These hi-tech, German engineered water sleds propelled people in and around the boats at an impressive speed. Quiet, stylish, and fast they caught the attention of many of the divers in attendance since a SeaBob can take scuba divers to a depth of 60 meters. 

Another hit at the Sandbar was our favorite Fly Boarder Kristen Smoyers. Ranked number one in the world, Kristen performed amazing aerial aquabatics for the crowd. Reaching heights of 60 feet and doing double backflips she earned a front page photo in the local section of the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel in their article covering this event.

Last, but not least, two Nautical Venture staffers sailed our Hobie Tandem Island to the bash. This popular trimaran, Mirage powered kayak is a popular item seen along Fort Lauderdale Beach. It combines a Hobie Mirage Drive with a Hobie Sail with a trimaran sponsons for the best of all worlds… control, speed and stability. 

All these great products can be seen during the 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at any of our 27 Nautical Ventures booths throughout including the AquaZoneTM, Convention Center, and Bahia Mar. Nautical Ventures has been serving boaters and water people in Miami, Dade, Fort Lauderdale, Broward and Palm Beach for over 30 years.