Boarding and Beyond: How to Entertain on Your Vortex Boat

There’s nothing more thrilling than riding the wake—feeling the spray all around you, the rhythm of the water at your feet as you fight to hold on.

Whether you’re on a board or pair of skis, riding behind a Vortex is always an exciting place to be. But as it turns out, life on deck can be just as exciting!

Your boat is built to be versatile—and with a few helpful tips, you can make the most of that versatility, helping the crew on board enjoy the experience as much as those riding behind. Just read on to see some of our top suggestions.

Create stations

One of the best ways to achieve a comfortable entertaining space on board? Take advantage of the unique layout of your boat! Depending on your activities for the day, the bow, for example, can serve as a sort of chill-out spot—a place where people can sunbathe, or where the kiddos can play (a bow filler cushion is especially helpful here, since it provides a comfy foundation for it all).

The cockpit can be a “proper” entertaining spot, the perfect place for an impromptu dinner party or casual conversation and relaxation over food and refreshments. It’s the go-to for people who are ready to stretch their legs, unwind and enjoy the ride.

Then we have the transom, where aft-facing seats are the perfect place to host passengers as they wait for their turn on the board or skis. Keep this area stocked with dry towels and small snacks and drinks (think granola bars, sandwiches and juice or water bottles, etc.) so that riders can fuel up as they wait. By keeping the “sport” station toward the heart of on-the-water action, you can keep the rest of your entertaining space dry, comfy and functional for all passengers.

Keep the menu simple (yet satisfying)

Don’t feel the need to craft an elegant, complicated menu for on-board entertainment. The night is already a lux affair by virtue of your al fresco setting, so you can serve up simple meals made at home or prepped quickly on board—think pressed sandwiches, iced tea or punch served up in tumble-friendly mason jars, fruit salad or charcuterie that the whole crew can share.

Blast some music

Music always sets the tone for on-board adventures, so opt for a playlist of songs that both boarder and passenger can enjoy!

Prepare for long outings

You know those never-ending conversations at home, or your favorite restaurant, where no one’s in a rush to leave the table even though all the food has been cleared? You want your on-board entertaining to feel just like that! Ensure that you’re ready for long outings by fueling up, storing blankets and dry clothes for potentially chilly nights.

Provide fun, simple activities

Even though you’re “entertaining” friends on board, you don’t need to do much to actually entertain—the ever-changing backdrop of the water will do that for you! While the boating landscape is conducive to conversation and lots of laughs, you can always help the fun along by providing simple activities to share: card games, charades, photo scavenger hunts and just about anything else you might think of.

Ready to go? We hope these tips help you entertain with ease on your next aquatic adventure.