An Eco Adventure Trip for four for a 3-day, 2-night stay on the Frying Pan Tower™, a decommissioned US Coast Guard Lighthouse Station located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean.
]]>We want to give a big shout out to Garmin, Wet Sounds, Gemlux, Hullmax, Freedom Marine, Edson, Sea Tow, Ameratrail, Llebroc, Shadow Caster, Connley Fishing, Yacht Armor, and Fell Marine for joining us along our first Qualified Captain boat build. We will show you why we decided to work with all these companies, and what they have to offer.
The Devoted Float and The Qualified Captain Announce Retail Partnership with West MarineThe Devoted Float, an awareness and resource organization focused on flotation, water safety and drowning prevention, has teamed up with The Qualified Captain, the water industry's leading expert on safety, and West Marine, North America's marine supply resource leader, to launch a major national campaign that encourages the installation of waterside lifesaver rings throughout the country.
The collaboration between The Devoted Float, The Qualified Captain and West Marine, all influential and unique in their own space, allows for massive impact in changing the narrative of open water drownings in the United States. While lifesaver rings are often found at pools and on boats, rarely are they spotted on docks, piers and other water access points. Through this effort, the three industry leaders are looking to make sea change - changing the perspective on the need for flotation when near open water.
While federal waters are consistently governed, lakes, rivers and other various waterways regulated by state and local authorities, typically have inconsistent safety guidelines when it comes to flotation installation. Accidental drownings in these types of waters can often be mitigated with the use of a readily accessible flotation device and it is a goal of this trio to help save lives.
. | The Devoted Float was started by 13 year old, Cade Redmond, who witnessed the lake drowning of a young man in late 2022. Recognizing that a float would have likely saved this man's life, Cade decided to reach out to Aaron Stasiak "The Qualified Captain", a national influencer who has over 1 million followers on Instagram, to help him spread the flotation message. |
As Cade recalls in contacting Aaron shortly after the drowning, "I reached out to you, you responded right away and we got to work." The pair have been non-stop with their message since the beginning, and as demand for these lifesaver rings has continued to grow due to their efforts, both recognized the need for a retail partner to help them provide massive and expeditious distribution of these floats to their fellow water safety enthusiasts. West Marine immediately offered its support to facilitate Cade and Aaron's industry changing effort. "We are so excited to be partnering with The Devoted Float and The Qualified Captain. Safety on the water is core to our organization and our expert staff of boaters that are here to help share their expertise to other boaters so they can stay safe and enjoy the water" said Chelsea Roller, Social Media Specialist for West Marine.
West Marine has been coordinating its marketing and distribution channels to ensure the ongoing flotation awareness campaign grows tremendously along with a streamlined fulfillment process. The company plans to feature these livesaving devices through its multitude of website, social media and direct marketing avenues as well as highlight the program in May, National Water Safety Month.
1 out of 7 injury related deaths are due to a drowning. There is very little time to rescue someone that is drowning and often those that jump in to save others quickly find themselves in trouble.
A lifesaver ring is a valuable rescue tool and easy to use.
Cade wants people to think of the installation of a waterside lifesaver ring no different than buckling up when you get into a car - it should be second nature - "when you're near the water, have flotation readily available."
Lifesaver rings can be found on both The Devoted Float and The Qualified Captain's websites and instagram pages, with direct links to West Marine for fulfillment.
]]>Introducing the new "In the Channel" hot sauce collaboration with Hank Sauce! Each box comes with a red and green sauce.
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A Qualified collaboration over a year in the making - The "IN THE CHANNEL" Duo Pack consists of two sauces that are certain to take your favorite foods along for an exciting journey on the high seas...or at least keep you well fed after running aground and waiting for the tide to come in.
For best results, pair with salt air, mild sunburn, and outdoor cooking. Pour it on sandwiches, boat snacks, tacos, at-the-dock sashimi or anything else you can imagine, but whatever you do - KEEP IT IN THE CHANNEL!
Sailor's Delight - Take your taste buds on a relaxing sunset cruise with the savory concoction of red jalapeño, mango, and ginger. No need to take warning...subtle sweetness and mild heat make this delightful blend the perfect everyday sauce to take from port to port. From sushi to soups, steaks and so much more - Sailor's Delight is the perfect companion on land or at sea!
Ingredients - Distilled Vinegar, red jalapeño mash, mango puree, ginger puree, xanthan gum
Heat: Mild/Medium
Fish Whistle - Green serrano peppers and fresh tomatillo join forces for a mild and mellow combo that pairs perfectly with flaky fish tacos, creamy guacamole, braised beef burritos, and frosty tall beverages! Fish Whistle works great on eggs too, simply wake and shake into your scramble, omelette, or sandwich! This one always goes fast, so keep an extra bottle stashed in the cooler.
Ingredients - distilled vinegar, serrano pepper, tomatillo, garlic, red onion, cilantro, salt.
Heat: Mild/Medium
> Check out more products from Hank Sauce !
]]>At Sea Tow, it’s not all about towing; it’s about making your boating experience the best it can be. With an annual membership, members enjoy:
At The Helm Training provides a learning experience for new or experienced boat owners who want to improve their confidence on the water. This one-of-a-kind approach brings a captain to your boat for a personalized lesson. Those who don’t own boats yet are welcome to join one of the training classes, taught in person, on an At the Helm Training boat.
At The Helm Training’s course provides a training curriculum taught from a nationally accredited syllabus developed from over 40 years of professional captain experience on the water. |
The recreational boating industry has experienced record-breaking new boat sales over the past 2 years, a majority of which are new boat owners or boat owners moving up in size. This has led to an increase in boating accidents. At the Helm Training’s one-of-a-kind approach brings a captain to you, leading to more confidence and safety on the water.
Make sure your covered. Contact our marine experts at HH Insurance for a policy review. In addition to finding, you the right coverage in case you end up on Qualified Captain, you will get a $100 gift card to our store if you mention that you found them on our page.
Click here to start saving.
]]>Does liability coverage apply if you are hurt in this accident? We ask our experts at HH Insurance for their opinion, and it depends if this is a passenger or boat owner. If a passenger on a boat is injured for bodily injury and does not own the boat your liability coverage and medical payments coverage on your boat insurance policy would provide coverage. If this is the boat owner falling off the boat, you cannot sue yourself so no liability coverage would apply but medical payments coverage would apply.
Did you know that boat insurance is not mandatory to register a boat in most states? If you bought your boat and forgot to buy boat insurance, you would not have coverage for this type of passenger injury
Make sure your covered. Contact our marine experts at HH Insurance for a policy review. In addition to finding, you the right coverage in case you end up on Qualified Captain, you will get a $100 gift card to our store if you mention that you found them on our page. Click here to start saving.
]]>The Sea Tow Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting boating safety, along with the Sea Tow Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council have announced the winners of their fourth annual National Boating Industry Safety Awards. The awards recognize efforts to promote safety on the water within the for-profit sector of the boating industry.
This year we were awarded the Top Social media Boating Safety Influencer!
Click here to check it out!
We will continue to do our part to remind our followers and fans to educate, and stay safe on the water.
TQC really enjoyed hosting the 2022 Wrightsville Beach Spear Fishing Tournament. We finally scored great weather, shot fish, and all had a great time!
We are looking forward to hosting it again next year! Thank you Rosterfish Media for putting this clip together. check it out here!
Stay tuned to register for 2023!
Scoring
• There are 3 Divisions: Inshore, Bottomfish and Pelagic, each with a unique species list
• Divisional scoring is based upon the total weight of your 2 heaviest fish of different species
• Overall score is based upon the total of your 3 Divisional scores
• Prizes will be awarded for Divisional and Overall placing
Scoring Rules
• You may weigh 2 different species of fish per division per day
• Previous scores may only be replaced by heavier fish within a division
• Competitors must weigh fish the day of harvest and may not trade fish
• Scores will be posted online at the close of weigh-in each day
• Final scores are determined by the best total over 3 days, it is not aggregate scoring
Divisional Species List
Inshore: Black Drum, Sheepshead, Tautog
Bottomfish: Grouper (all legal species), Hogfish, Snapper (all legal species), Black Sea Bass
Pelagic: African Pompano, Mackerel (all), Permit, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna (all, with license), Rainbow Runner, Cobia
Prize Distribution
Divisional
1st: Large Sponsor Package + Trophy + 8% Cash
2nd: Medium Sponsor Package + 5% Cash
3rd: Small Sponsor Package
Top Scuba: Sponsor Package + Trophy + 10% Cash
Top Freediver: Sponsor Package + Trophy + 10% Cash
Overall
1st Place Overall: Trophy + Grand Prize + 15% Cash
2nd Place Overall: Sponsor Package + 10% Cash
3rd Place Overall: Sponsor Package + 5% cash
Top Jr. Spearo: Trophy + Sponsor Package + 10% Cash
• This category is open to all divers under the age of 18. This will be inclusive to both scuba and freedive. All other rules apply.
Bonus Awards
Most Lionfish Per Boat: Trophy
Largest Lobster: Trophy
Best U/W Photo: Trophy
Sportsmanship: Patrick Johnson Perpetual Trophy
Dr. Joe Davis Stone it Award: $100 Cash
• Divers must point out the shot to the tournament officials at weigh-in. If the shot placement doesn't look right video footage may be used as proof.
Tournament Rules
• This is and has always been a Gentleman’s Tournament, meaning that competitors are expected to play by the rules on their honor, and to report any activity that is contrary to the tradition of sportsmanship.
• Legal spearfishing time begins at civil dawn.
• Tournament Boundaries: Cape Lookout Shoals to the South Carolina border. See the below graphic for more detail. If ANY complaint is lodged by a competitor about a vessel leaving boundaries it will be investigated. The tournament directors will reserve the right to inspect the suspected vessels GPS. Refusal to allow the inspection will result in a DQ for all divers on the vessel. This will be a quick inspection unless boat trails leave the boundaries. We would prefer if the boat owner was there to operate the GPS to ensure security of your dive sites.
• All applicable local, state and federal fishing, boating and diving regulations must be observed at all times. You must have a valid NC Fishing License at the time of the Tournament. All NC and Federal size limits must be adhered to. Due to the constant rule changes by fisheries we recommend you double check species and sizes the day before the tournament. All federal and state requirements must be met to hunt and boat Tuna.
• Safety is the first and foremost concern. Please do not blemish our perfect record with negligence, poor decision making or irresponsible/inappropriate behavior.
• Accepted diving disciplines are limited to open circuit scuba and traditional apnea. Rebreathers, staged deco, mixed gas breathe-ups and anything else you can conjure that is not considered a “traditional” method, is likely not acceptable.
• Scuba divers must be certified by an accredited agency and adhere to their training therefore depth will be limited to 130' or shallower. Freedivers are encouraged to take a certification course from an accredited agency prior to the tournament.
• Accepted spearfishing equipment includes any device using a rubber band driven metal shaft or self propelled pointed object deployed from below sea level. This includes pneumatic spearguns. Rod and reels, handlines, harpoons, powerheads, bow fishing rigs and any other device that is non-standard may not be used at any time for the purposes of this tournament.
• It is requested that competitors boat their fish unassisted, however, if the situation dictates, assistance may be provided to ensure diver safety or the secure capture of the fish.
• Commercial boats are allowed for charter, however all hunters must be working from the NCDMF recreational limits. During the tournament the charter boats cannot engage in fishing operations other than the activities of our competitors. In other words, they cannot operate under their commercial license during the tournament.
• All cash and prizes will be distributed according to the above breakdown. However we will also have a raffle at the awards ceremony to put prizes in the hands of more divers.
• It is mandatory that competitors weigh their fish on the day it was harvested and within the set weigh in times and locations without exception. If a fish is suspected of unethical preservation or spoiling the associated competitor can be disqualified.
• Competitors that are not within speaking distance of weigh station at the close of weigh in will not be eligible to weigh their fish for that day. We can not give consideration for boat trouble, traffic or defective timepieces.
• Violation of any tournament rule will be reviewed and may result in disqualification.
• Violation of any law or regulation may result in appropriate action by local authorities.
Failure to report any violation will be considered conspiring and can result in disqualification.
• Any and all questions can be addressed with Aaron Stasiak aaron@thequalifiedcaptain.com
Additional Information:
• Each contestant will receive a tournament t-shirt if they sign up by May 13th. Additional Shirts may be available for purchase after the event.
• North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries will have agents from the research division taking ear bones for research purposes, though not mandatory, we ask you to please participate in their study.
• Participation in the weigh-ins and the awards ceremony is highly encouraged to promote the community atmosphere of the event.
• Lionfish are a venous species, if you decide to hunt them please take proper precautions. If you do not know how to hunt them safely then please do not. They are edible and delicious however.
• Pre-size your fish on the boat and bring only your biggest fish to the scales. Please do not bring multiple fish of nearly the same size to the official scales. Invest in your own hand scales or share one with others on your boat.
• Please be respectful on the dock and do not spread out your catch, it can stain the wood and some may find it offensive.
• Respect other boats, both in the tournament and those that are not. If you are diving make allowances for others trying to work the same area.
Seapath Marina
• Because of personal relationships, Seapath Marina is proud to host this event and kindly asks that you patronize the marina as much as possible for such things as ice, drinks, fuel, etc. Let's support who supports us!
• The Seapath parking lot is for members and their guest only, parking for participants will be allowed using the Tournament Parking Pass that will be emailed after you register. Please display the parking pass on your vehicle dashboard while on the property. If an attendant is present let them know you are in the tournament. Anyone not entered in the tournament must use the public parking across the street.
• Please respect all marina rules. Carts are available for use at the marina entrance and are for equipment only. Fish must be transported in a cooler. Please return the carts to the cart storage location at the marina entrance in a clean working order.
• Fish cleaning stations are available at the dock. Please be respectful of other marina patrons. If non-tournament patrons wish to clean fish please do not monopolize the cleaning stations. Also, please clean the area after you clean your fish.
• Do not park your boat at the fuel dock unless you are getting fuel. The dock staff will try to find us room to dock our boats during weigh-in. Try to bring extra fenders for your boats in case we need to “raft” at the dock. They can likely find an empty slip for you to use while you are there for weigh-in or the awards ceremony. Do not use a slip that the Marina staff has not permitted you to use.
• If you need dockage for your boat for the weekend you can arrange this with the Marina at 910-265-3747
• No spearfishing around the docks or boats in Seapath Marina
]]>Whether you are on or off the water, we want you to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Having the proper equipment on hand, and it be easy accessible is super important when you are far away from help.
But, what good is having these kits if you do not know how to use the components inside? We were lucky enough to sit down with DJ Struntz over at North American Rescue to break down and film a how to properly use a tourniquet.
Kit Contents
Spending a day at the helm of your own boat is one of the most liberating and rewarding things to do.
Cruising with friends, visiting a beautiful sandbar, and enjoying waterfront restaurants are all things we love to do.
However, THESE SIMPLE TASKS AREN'T SO SIMPLE FOR THE NEW BOATER.
Instead of learning incorrectly and jeapordizing your day, IT'S IMPERATIVE THAT YOU LEARN THE PROPER TECHNIQUES AND TURN THE STRESS AND ANXIETY INTO ENJOYMENT.
Upon Completion You'll Earn 40% Off From The Qualified Captain
After you complete the course, it's only fitting that you reward yourself for being "qualified" with major discounts at TheQualifiedCaptain.com. The Qualified Captain is probably the most popular boating channel on Instagram and they also sell awesome merchandise. You'll receive your coupon for 40% off in the final lesson.
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We have partnered with JackRabbit Bikes to build the perfect eBike to rip around your local marina, and that fits like a glove on your boat!
More on JackRabbit:
With a max speed of 20mph and weighing an ultralight 24 lbs, the JackRabbit micro ebike is small, but mighty. Like a chihuahua, but loveable.
Designed to be the most portable ebike in the world, the JackRabbit can fit anywhere from RVs, to camper vans, cars, boats, closets, apartments - even on a plane (we're FAA-compliant!).
We're also 100% electric powered, with no pedals, for all the times you want a sweat-free ride: going to work, the store or a nice seafood dinner.
Oh, and we ship the JackRabbit fully assembled with a charger. Just clip in the handlebars and start cruising!
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Cape May Brewing Company Announces Return of Collaboration Beer with Lifestyle Brand The Qualified Captain
Cape May, NJ -- Cape May Brewing Company is proud to announce that they have renewed their collaboration with The Qualified Captain, an Instagram influencer and lifestyle brand in North Carolina, and have brought back Boat Ramp Champ for distribution this summer. It is available now throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania.
Boat Ramp Champ is a 5.5% ABV Helles Lager crafted alongside The Qualified Captain for a crisp, clean, light beer that makes the perfect complement to a day out on the water.
Made with German hop Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Bohemian Lager yeast, Boat Ramp Champ has a gentle bitterness complimented by a malty sweetness and delicate aroma. It balances the best of malt, yeast, and hops for an easy-drinking, refreshing brew.
Originally from South Jersey, brother and sister team Aaron and Lauren Stasiak grew up in Burlington County before making their way to North Carolina and founding The Qualified Captain together in 2016. They began by chronicling the outrageous and often hilarious mistakes that can occur on ramp and in the water and have since become a major force in the maritime community.
Cape May Brewing Company has long been fans of The Qualified Captain’s Instagram, and CEO Ryan Krill is a boatsman himself, making this collaboration a great match for two shore-based companies focused on passion and quality.
“Not only was this our first major beer collaboration, this was really our first collaboration with anyone,” shares The Qualified Captain founder Aaron Stasiak. “And what a great group of folks to collaborate and work together with. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity.”
The distinctive art style on the can represents the two brands, with Cape May Brewing Company founders Ryan and Bob Krill, and The Qualified Captain founders Aaron and Lauren Stasiak, represented alongside easter eggs of local Cape May scenery.
“The artwork on the can has been a huge hit,” Stasiak says. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me that the refreshing, crisp beer is so easy to enjoy on the hot days of summer. For the fans that have not had access to the beer, they are dying to try it.”
To celebrate this re-release, Cape May Brewing Company is hosting a launch party at Bird & Betty’s, a beloved Qualified Captain favorite, in Beach Haven, NJ on Saturday, June 25th at 6:30PM. Join the Cape May and Qualified Captain crew for an evening of Boat Ramp Champ and other Cape May beer, fun giveaways, and more.
For more information on The Qualified Captain, check out their website at www.thequalifiedcaptain.com or peruse their Instagram page at www.instagram.com/
For more information on Cape May Brewing Company, see their website at capemaybrewery.com, or call (609) 849-9933.
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About The Qualified Captain:
The Qualified Captain started in 2016 based out of the North Carolina coast. During a long workday out on the water, we regularly saw clueless acts from uneducated boaters who would refuse any help or advice. This led us to create an Instagram page that highlighted these incidents. A place where the rest of the world could laugh along with us and hold boaters accountable. With the rapid growth of our fans, and the amazing design work for our merchandise, we decided to expand our business. We are proud to be known worldwide on Instagram and as a clothing brand. As we grow, we look forward to working with others to help educate boaters and continue building a brand that represents why ALL mariners love the water.
About Cape May Brewing Company:
CMBC started in 2011, with three guys making one beer in a 1,500 square-foot space. Now, between their administrative, production, and distribution facilities in Cape May and Egg Harbor Township, they have over 74,000 square feet of space and are still #brewingstrong at the Cape May Airport. They have several hundred flagship, seasonal, and small-batch brews under their umbrella, distributed throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Their original space is now dedicated to experimental brewing and their award-winning Tasting Room, with a separate, industrial brewing facility across the street. Bridging the gap between the two is their new seasonal outdoor Brewtanical Garden, which provides guests with an alternative space to enjoy popular CMBC beers, complete with attached restrooms and its own bar and servers. For more information, see Cape May Brewing Company’s website at www.capemaybrewery.com or call (609) 849-9933.
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We teamed up this year Jetty, an east coast company, who is from the same local Island as us, to create this limited edition collection of apparel just in time for summer. Inspired by various clueless acts from uneducated boaters, this lighthearted collection is a serious reminder of “what not to do” while enjoying a day out on the water. Remember to boat safely, and have fun out there! SHOP HERE
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