How to Navigate the ICW: Channel Markers, Bridges and Wake Zones

[@Edward-yw4dt]

I retired from the US Coast Guard after 27 years and I thought you girls did a wonderful job in this video. Please keep up the good job.

[@GaleForceTwins]

Thank you so very much!! We appreciate it 😊🐟

[@MarcusAurelius33036]

@@GaleForceTwins Can’t get a better endorsement than that!!!!

[@nycityslicker2024]

I agree with you I’m 51 I just leaned a few things from these girls they are amazing ahead of their time they gonna be on tv or something or instructors for boat license . Love from the big 🍎N.Y. Getting my first boat at 51 Jesus lol 😂. Ernest/SHAZZAM

[@douglasantonetz2174]

Agree with Edward, me being a USCG Veteran. EZ for an inexperienced boater to understand.

[@jimmyfumbanks6081]

In DC or Where? . I pray it wasnt on a USCG Vessell.

[@3007Doug]

These young ladies are absolutely awesome! I'm a 58 year old man and have owned three boats yet every time I watch these girls, I learn something I didn't know before. Kepp up the great work ladies!

[@tommyfelix2748]

My teenage twin daughters do not like it when dad tries to teach them something but I showed them this video and they love these girls so much and they paid attention and learned so much. I actually learned something and I’ve been boating for over 25 years.

[@GaleForceTwins]

We are so glad this video was helpful!!

[@rosssmith7782]

Everyone with a boat in Florida should watch this or anywhere really. I even learned something today waiting on TS or Hurricane !

[@davidncw4613]

Outstanding, TY!! Im an old guy that finds it hard to relate to young folks. You two young ladies are a breath of fresh air for me, thank you soooo much.

[@CarlBart-h6i]

Getting back to boating after 45 years. These two wonderful young ladies are just loaded with information. Thank you for your very professional video; I learned a LOT. Looking forward to watching another video of yours. Also having a hearing problem I was able to understand everything that you both said; you speak very clearly and annunciate very well. Thanks for your time

[@GaleForceTwins]

Our pleasure! That is a great compliment. Thank you 😊

[@ryukiddin]

Knowledge is safety. Get ready for some major changes out there. Lots of inexperienced boaters. Don't forget the Coast guard also offers many inexpensive or free classes

[@jimrich6887]

Great job. Every boater needs to see this (even passengers).

[@glennlepien473]

That looks like 10½ ft or 11ft marker .. the 9ft mark is above the "10" because it shows the Verticle Clearance from Waterline to bottom of the bridge .. Thanks for the Video .. very informative and helpful .. (I'd bet that many of the boaters watching this are seeing this for the first time based on some of the videos I've seen). In addition to "Red, Right, Returning" you can use "R.E.N.T." and "C.O.G.S." as memory keys. BZ GFTs .. Press On!

[@MVCompassRose]

I caught that too. Had to rewatch it to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me! Video is very well done as they all are from the Gale Force Twins!

[@salvatoresalamone3804]

I got my boating license a long time ago and I just got a boat last week and I love watching your videos to refresh my memory , they are very helpful

[@caseya2151]

Great Job Ladies! :) I Love FLA! In fact... it's my home state! If any of you have never been... I highly recommend it. Okay... onto business at hand... your first signage on wake zones... is only conclusive on how information is passed onto "Joe Public". In all honesty... I can't help but laugh... even though the signs are very informative on what "not" to do... but I live for this stuff... So far in my travels... the funniest sign I came across was a warning sign when driving near an Major Airport. I don't know if anyone has really noticed, but the warning sign read... "Low Flying Aircraft". Okay... moving on. This one, I'll have to say, really rates up there in my books! Maybe some people are pretty clueless about "wake", understandably well... first off... wake causes damage... a lot of wake even causes more... but 15"? You can surf on that! Anyone know what wake surfing is? Secondly... understandably, about the Manatee thing... them poor critters, they are incredibly slow and if you're tooling along at about 15-20 knots... those guys really don't have much time to get out of the way. It's like swinging swords at a pedestrian cross walk... so yeah... give'm a break. Here's the funny part... I can't help but visualize a Manatee checking their watch and calendar. Then the 50' from shoreline gets me too... Yo! People... the ICW in Miami area is like 250' wide... which means... you have 150' area in the middle... open for high speed traffic with a maximum of 15" wake! Trust me on this one... I've been on the ICW on numerous occasions... It's like playing Dodge Ball with idiots that haven't a clue... There only out there cause they have a boat and maybe want to impress their friends. My advice to everyone... as inviting as it may seem to be... stay clear of the sandbars where there's a bunch of boats... psst... They all have been drinking and there's no port-a-potty. Just sayin'... there's no signs for that.... "Warning... Pisser Zone"... I don't think even the Manatee's go there. Simple advice... if the water looks brown, yucky and has a strange order... your first thought will more than likely be correct. Trust your senses, it's why we have them.

[@paulb4276]

Good for you two. It's nice to see young people understanding the rules and following them. Having grown up in FL, I know how crazy it can get. I am guessing your parents trained you both. They trained you well. If you did this on your own, a big congratulations!! Nice job ladies!!

[@oscarconi3303]

Girls, or should I say ladies, I take my hat off for you. You are teaching A LOT! And you make it interesting and fun. Please, don’t forget to emphasize “courtesy” and “common sense”. That’s something that you don’t always see in South Florida, especially in Miami area. And, as a flight instructor taught me many years ago, assume that whoever is driving the boat nearby HAS NOT SEEN YOU AND IS NOT VERY SMART...that way you’ll have better chances of avoiding a lot of troubles... Thank you, Emily and Amanda.

[@GaleForceTwins]

Those are some very good points!! Especially be courteous to kayakers fishing off the beach!

[@craigallan8667]

My wife learns better from you two about navigation and I learn a bunch from the fishing videos. Thanks for the hard work.

[@woodyhuband9248]

I just found your channel, and this video. Coming from a boater for 60 years, I think did a fine job on explaining the essentials of coastal navigating. I will be sure to recommend this video to any new boaters that I meet (including my daughter and son in law). 👍

[@GaleForceTwins]

That’s so kind 😊 thank you!!

[@burlosurviorhills7321]

I agree well done and No captain brags about learning the hard way myself included Miss Behaving.

[@floridagirl9064]

a boater for 60 years & your babygirl is a new boater? somethings not adding up here sir!

[@longgone9869]

question about etiquette. You’ve called the bridge and it’s going up. Can you make the pass a soon a you have safe clearance or should the bridge go up all the way first?

[@Murge816]

I just got my boating licenses and I’m trying to pack as much knowledge as possible to keep safe for me and others I will be sharing the water with. This video explained a lot. Thank you!

[@GaleForceTwins]

That is awesome! Thank you for watching!!

[@srmonty120690]

Been a Lake boater (Lake George) and just moved to the Jersey Shore and buying a boat. New to Salt Water on open waters and the ICW. THIS WAS Super helpful!!!!

[@lindacares2215]

I use to vacation in Lake George and Seaside Heights!!! I am currently living in Myrtle Beach South Carolina and we just bought a boat and this a whole new way of having fun!! ⚓⚓⚓⚓Best of luck to you!!

[@larrymayberry2312]

The first thing my dad taught me was green right going, red right returning. Thanks for the info ladies !

[@hookednrolling2009]

Larry here here red right return its never failed me here in Miami Florida 47 yrs since I hit the water as a green horn started at ten 1973 and now I taught my son and starting to now teach my 13 yr old grand son JT Hooked N Rolling Offshore 🐠🐟🎣🛥🌴⛱😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@darjohnson]

@The Southern Cross pcr

[@stevenhickey6655]

Love the educational videos. These videos helped me obtain my NC boaters license. Looking forward to learning more and gaining more confidence in my skills. Thank you and please keep them coming!

[@richardsherman5143]

GREAT VIDEO, I wish all inexperience boaters could see this.

[@linuxman0]

I'm soooooo glad to see that someone actually made a video about navigating the ICW and encountering other vessels. The wild west it was!! I grew up in Boynton Beach and we'd go out on the ICW on the weekends. It was obvious how many people didn't know what they were doing (or didn't follow the rules). A word of warning to all of you who go out on the ICW on the weekends in S. Fl, be careful!!

[@devondriscoll1703]

Great information, well presented. The thing that scares me is charts, GPS, radar, communications and at sea navigation. Some videos on that stuff would be awesome.

[@KyphoJoe]

Agreed! Please include this in a future video. 🙏🏼

[@jeffreyclark3947]

Good job ladies.

[@danielhill5979]

I grew up on fresh water lakes - just now learning how to navigate the ICW and all the crazy boaters in Miami and S Florida. I’ve watched SO MANY vids from rec boaters to the associations - yours are the best. I really appreciate how you give enough detail to be thorough while keeping it understandable. NICE JOB (from a communicator and filmmaker). Would love to charter . . . Not to fish but to learn more (hard to find people to do that). Regardless, keep up the great work.

[@jimmyduramax8296]

Totally agree with Devon D. Can’t say enough about your excellent teaching presentations! Just sent this video to my 12 year old grandson who’s taking his boater’s license lessons, and soon, test.

[@elliottcarey6961]

ladies....fantastic video. you have the unique talent of being informative and at the same time not being overbearing . talking to people instead of down to them will always yield better results keep it up!!!

[@johnmrbartlett]

Thank you ladies. My family and I are thinking about traveling south on the ICW from Norfolk, Va on a Saturday, stay overnight somewhere and return on a Sunday and this video helped me tremendously. Thanks again.

[@rockydubois1052]

You might make it to Elizabeth City lol

[@davidstewart5014]

You, ladies are great and fun to watch. I retired from the United States Navy after 32 years and you do a great job and you’re fun to watch. Thank you and have a great one. Maybe will see you on the water.

[@gravl1]

One exception: when entering the Caloosahatchee waterway (in Lee County, FL), the markers in the river will be reversed. This is because the intracoastal cuts through Florida from the Atlantic, across Okeechobee, then out to the Gulf. The red markers are on the right, or northward side based on the perspective of “returning” from the Atlantic. For boaters “returning” from the Gulf, the red markers will be on your left while in the Intracoastal. There is a point near Sanibel Island where the markers “cross.”

[@shanemcgonnell2689]

The description of the red on land side is what I’ve been missing my whole life boating in Fl on both coasts! Thank you!

[@willbraswell4906]

Have boated in Florida for many years and really appreciate the well done refresher. Thank you!

[@rodrodgers1241]

I have been on the water my whole life. (I'm 53) and still picked up a couple of things from this video. Thanks girls keep up the great work!

[@snakecat586]

Got my boaters license when I was 15 im 28 now. Since I moved and started my company it’s been about 2 years since I’ve been fluent driving the boat. Going to the keys next week and rented a boat. I appreciate the recap very helpful. Just want to make sure I still remember everything. My last name is gayle. So that’s cool

[@jeffreymancauskas4285]

fantastic job on navigational skills im going to have my daughter watch this since she ALWAYS wants to drive the boat. just always watch for local waterways as well. PVC pipe.

[@GaleForceTwins]

We are glad this was helpful 😊

[@1WEBBERBOY]

Getting close to buying my very 1st boat and these videos are much needed... Thanks ladies...

[@GaleForceTwins]

Our pleasure!

[@paulbalzano381]

Excellent information - I'm a sit-on-top kayaker out of Venice, FL - Amazing how many young ladies are becoming Captains. I have a 29 year old lady Captain across the street that teaches and takes clients out Fly fishing. Keep up the great KZbins.

[@vyctorialuong9727]

I love how you guys educate and inform the public as women.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH IT??????

[@Icutmetal]

How else would they do it?

[@antoniocampbell463]

This is the best video that I found explaining the ICW Channel Markers. Thanks for posting.

[@patrickbennett2737]

Best, most clearly explained essential informational video on navigational signage, and the ICW that I have ever seen. Even explains how to contact bridge tenders and give them pertinent information to line up your vessel to proceed thru. Wow! Fantastic video Ladies. I learned a lot. Thank you so much.

[@johnfaison3686]

I would like to commend you ladies for teaching the boat handling as well as the fishing skills. As a life long boater and fellow Hurricane (Class of '85) it is a pleasure to watch your enthusiasm and excitement in these fields. Keep up the great work........you make the "U" very proud!

[@ronwilcom5819]

Great video as usual -- you mentioned that the numbers on the makers are just counting up or down ... but as a color blind boater not only the shape of the markers but also the fact that red/nun buoys are marked with EVEN numbers and that green/can markers are marked with ODD numbers is also helpful.

[@harald53er]

Mentioned at 14:57.

[@Funexpected]

You're both great communicators, informative and easy to understand. I like your style of teaching.

[@frankwern8784]

Another nicely done and informative video. Sadly, I can say is that far too many of our fellow boaters have never watched a video of this type or opened a safe boating manual.

[@anthonyholmes71]

Very informative. As a new boater I will be watching and studying many of your videos. I just subscribed.

[@nassaumikes9415]

Hello and thanks for the informative video. I'm 62 and have lived and have been boating here in Miami all my life. I was told red right return meant if you're heading towards key west it work's.. Red on the mainland side makes sense. Learned other things as well. Thanks and BTW heard about you fronn Boat US. Glad I did. You gals make me want to get out and go fishing :)

[@theavail2138]

I've learned so much about boating from you ladies thank you for the great information😊

[@robertbyrd5219]

Just a small comment, it's really easy to remember 'left-port-red' and 'right-starboard-green'...Short words on one side, long words on the other. And the buoy numbers, colors and shapes ... 'even red nuns carry odd green cans'...I know you've heard both of these, but you're talking to people that are just starting out that need all the help they can get...those helped me a lot when I was starting out..good video...thanks.

[@burlosurviorhills7321]

Great advice being Captain for a few years in Crystal River and Homosassa boaters be warned shallow and slow and No wake is for miles and enforcement is watching you. Girls keep up the good work.

[@etc-and-more]

In all seriousness this little video should be part of any state boating course, especially for states that the ICW runs through. You went over pretty much everything that took me the whole NY to Fort Lauderdale ICW trip to learn (plus a bit more). Excellent presentation.

[@jonathancintron1547]

Wow wow wow !!! 🤩 you girls are super smart I’m a new subscriber and let me tell you I don’t subscribe to any channel just because or comment I’m super happy to know the this generation it still make in the difference keep it up with the good work you girls amazing I’m telling my daughter about you girls she just had her first experience fishing thank you for the good work 👍🏽

[@teddyrivas1082]

This is the first time seeing yous on u tube, what your showing is great information, for first time boaters, and I've seen a lot of these boaters on u tube, but they never ever show you what you just shown, i think there should be more information like yours shown, because it will make a better boater for people that are not familiar with these markers, really like it. And hope a pray that these boaters appreciate everything yous are doing for boaters! Good Job! Keep on boating!

[@jeffb9939]

You girls are amazing.... Clearly explained rules of the ICW....

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Great videos Ladies, I grew up on Lower Chesapeake in Chesapeake, VA. Spent a lot of time on both ditches. I saw so many uneducated boaters on the water. Then I moved to North Texas even worse on the lakes lots of people with no brains but had lots of money. Zero boating knowledge or skills. It was all ways a boat show at the ramps. Sort of the 79 street ramp MIA great work 😀🛫

[@lizgawelek2259]

Your channel is so helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@troylink9118]

Very good video for the Rules of the road, young ladies. I hope that many people see and learn from the two of you. Thank you. Captain Troy A. Link Sr.

[@stevenaugust8819]

Thx y'all sweetie I'm a new boater trying to get all the tips possible 👍👍👍

[@hectormartinhinojosa894]

I learn something new everytime I watch your videos, thank you for your help

[@tuckerclagett2196]

Stumbled on you today and really enjoyed your videos! Very informative and you explain things in a nice, easy to understand manner. There are a ton of people on KZbin who know stuff, but are bad at teaching. You both are great at it. Thanks!

[@AmerQuin]

Outstanding video, Ladies! Thank you. I love how you use the word “Respectfully” so often here. Respectfully... is my guiding principle for everything I do in life. Thanks again.

[@kazielthomson3953]

Hi ladies I found your video and it’s very detailed. thanks!. I am a new boater that just join a boat club in Georgia. I am so excited to see your as captain’s, I normally go to Panama City Florida to deep sea fishing on charters. Please keep me posted when you’ll charter start back up.

[@alaiello1799]

Wow ladies, awesome video. We are spending our first winter in Florida and want to rent a boat often while we are here and are a bit worried about ICW regulations but not anymore thanks to your clear and informative video! I am ready to go boating!!

[@castejb]

Thank you, I am a relatively new boater with about 1-2 years of ownership and still found all the information here amazing and explained in such a simple manner. I hope nothing but success to you gals.

[@rbilardo47]

Great information all boaters should know, and I'm sure a lot don't know. You really go into detail. So precious to see two sisters, twins no less, enjoying the same enjoyments. God Bless you both. I had a 32' Carver Mariner up north in NJ, and now living in Florida without a boat, hoping someday to own another.

[@davidcox389]

I don’t own a boat but I have learned so much off of your videos 2 intelligent young ladies keep up the good work you look like you’re having so much fun.God bless you both

[@GaleForceTwins]

So glad you enjoy our videos! Even without a boat ☺️

[@keithtrump2122]

Excellent video! Cool to see the waterway near our place in Ft.Lauderdale. Shopping for new furniture with my wife while watching it. She just said, “Stop watching GaleForce Twins and help me pick out a sofa!” 😊

[@one4uf]

Great video that serves as a great and easy educational tool for those less experienced and an awesome reminder for those of us that have been on the water our whole lives. Keep up the great content!

[@mikegraham5336]

Thank you for your video, great quality and very informative.

[@GaleForceTwins]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnmorano6095]

I just discovered your channel. I will be moving to Florida shortly (along with my 20ft center console) Your video on the Intercostal was very informative and very well done, I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to trying out the intercostal. Thanks again and a job well done!

[@plantboy2221]

I'm green and not exactly sure what questions to ask. Your channel is very helpful.

[@gsxrguy8125]

Ok, I’m not a boater but would like to know. How do you find gas, and what’s the process for fueling up? Thanks for the videos, learned something new. Not only that out of about 5 videos, your is the first that really made it clear.

[@muskietime]

Most boaters have Charts, either electronic or, if they are “real boater” paper and electronic Charts. The Charts identity Marinas that carry fuel (gas and diesel) but it is always prudent to check availability and hours of operation. Most times, you can just pull up to the usually well marked fuel dock (usually at the end of the pier and has “gas station” looking pumps). You will have decided to set your dock fenders/bumpers and dock lines on the side closest to your fuel fill up cap is located on the boat. Getting fuel is not very difficult once you have done it a few times. With everything boating, plan before you have to act and have things set up for how you want things to go but always be ready for when things do not go as planned. This is easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it. Be well.

[@tluns810]

Good job ladies, sometimes I may go a few months or years off a boat, so it's great to get a refresher as well as any updates or revisions that have been made since my last outing.

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks, so simple to understand after many other videos.

[@gilesfisher5277]

I have just purchased a boat in Thailand where I will use what I have learned from you both.

[@Frostytravels]

Great job little miss....being from Ky, and moving to Florida I am really learning saltwater fishing from you both. Excellent job and wonderful videos.

[@jfllc.florida1331]

This explanation of the red and green markers are fantastic very educational.

[@deanrobinson7956]

I just moved to Florida just purchased a boat and taking to the water as a complete amateur. Although being on Minnesota waterways all my life starting fresh here and following your lessons and advice is well worth the time invested. Thanks for all the tips so far

[@yakisakisumo]

Learning a lot. THANK YOU! Me and my family are going down to stay in Cape Coral in April 2022 (it's end of Jan 2022 now). Our place will have a boat and I want to be prepared on how to operate it safely. These videos are awesome for me!!! THANK YOU and GREAT JOB!

[@dannyboyspace]

Great video!! Excellent explanation of the topics! I'm a UCSG Master 50-ton license holder and Sailing Instructor.

[@shaggyfries]

great video and nice job stating the red notates the US land side and green cans the offshore side, this simplifies things tremendously:)

[@thercattrainer]

TY for educating people about Nav Aids! Bridge clearance also depends on High/Low tides too.

[@jumper2079]

I see others have said it already, but I'm going to add mine in too. Thank you too ladies for doing these videos.

[@BenGrilling]

1st thing i learned about Starboard side and remembering..., if your a star, raise your hand. Most people are right handed, and it’s the right side of your boat/Starboard..lol, keep up the good teaching/work, i love your channel. Ben from Michigan (Walleye fishing:o)

[@disabledcamperhardnocks8068]

You guys are great. Thanks for explaining it so well.

[@bdphourde]

First time here. Very nicely done! Your instructional method is clear, concise, and easy to understand and remember! It is invaluable to others. If you haven't already, could you also include some instruction on the larger waterways and their centerline markers with their sometimes confusing shapes and color coding anfd numbering.

[@patrickhampton6248]

Thanks for teaching me more about boating

[@GaleForceTwins]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@devinlocay3621]

Awesome video. Most info videos just tell you while they showed us in real life in real time as it happened. def learned from this. 💯

[@wayneoosterhoff2459]

So glad I found this channel. You ladies rock!! Thanks for all you do for the boating community, especially for those of us just learning the ICW and the rules of the water other than inland lakes.

[@quill6211]

You girls are awesome. Great boating educational video. Two thumbs up

[@WonderfulWeekenders]

VERY informative and interesting video for someone (like me) who has no clue about boating. I enjoyed it!!

[@2020matrix8]

I have no idea how I landed on this video but, I’m glad I did! My Grandparents (RIP Nene & Papa) built their home that I grew up visiting, this was so heartwarming, love it!!

[@rdtaguestudios]

Wow! LOTs of good information. Coming from, unfortunately, Illinois (Southern...NOT Chicago!!!) I typically boat on small fresh water lake and rivers. However, we vacation in Destin, Fl. and will travel on the coast line in rentals. I'm sure growing up on the Big Water, like I assume you ladies did, these signs, are 2nd nature. But, to a land locked person, like myself, there is a LOT to retain. Thank you for your videos and your service to the community.

[@terrystringer5652]

Please produce a lesson on wake. Most boaters are clueless as to how much wake their own boat is producing. Why? Because from the skippers viewpoint, as they're looking aft, see no wake. Looks calm to them. But they are running around 2,500 +/- RPMs, bow straight up, unknowingly putting their boat in a "maximum wake" position. It puts others, especially in smaller vessels, in danger. And for no good reason. It creates chaos in the channels. Signal for them to slow down and they look at you like you have two heads. Larger boats are the biggest offenders. You girls are adorable and addictive. Keep up the good work!

[@JVazzy1]

New to the channel but before i even watched it i was like dude their channel name is bad to the bonefish! Awesome stuff!

[@GaleForceTwins]

Welcome to our channel!! 😊

[@sunburnedbeachfeet1128]

You two young ladies are awesome , experienced , and articulate well.

[@Zues434]

Hello from Australia. Really enjoy you channel, great advice. Safe boating girls. Thanks.

[@greggmartin5267]

Ladies that was a very fine video straight to the point better than most thank you and keep it up 🙋

[@yoelrodriguez5240]

Awesome video. Videos like these should be mandatory for boaters. South Florida is full of boat owners that have ZERO experience navigating.

[@Shopweasel]

Well now we watched it would it still be mandatory?

[@michellet2890]

thanks this was very helpful!! I am taking my boat licence exam next month in Australia, would love to see more videos like this.

[@BillSaltbush]

It's a little late now, but I hope you learned that the lateral markers in this (USA) part of the world are the opposite of those in Australia.

[@sledzep01]

How do you determine the working height of your boat? Does fuel and other loads matter much? How much extra is good to leave for wave height? Great stuff as usual

[@AN-kg4ei]

I was wondering also about high and low water impacts. I know there's often a depth marker but was curious if within a foot or two is usually a recommended no-go for example. Tricky with a hard top I'm sure.

[@douglaskeppel7517]

Awesome video, I’ve had boats all my life for lakes just bought another boat for going out in the inlets and offshore in Florida, it’s nice to have some people like u two to give pointers to other’s that are new to the saltwater boating. Awesome name to.

[@know_wake]

Oh WOW - we're so glad we found you! Your videos are AWESOME!!!

[@GaleForceTwins]

Welcome to the channel 😄🐟