Reclaim Recess on the ICW: 5 Pro Tips for Southern Florida Waters 🌊🍹

Hey Crew,

Time to hit pause on adulting and reclaim a little recess — the Florida way.

Here along the Treasure Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is our backyard playground. Protected waters, scenic views, easy access to marinas and hidden coves — it’s perfect for turning any afternoon into an adventure. Whether you’re rafting up with friends, fishing the flats, or just cruising for that perfect sandbar (yes, please), these waters reward those who know a few local secrets.

Here are 5 practical tips to help you stay safe, have more fun, and grow young on the water this season:

1. Master the Markers & Stay in the Channel
   Keep red markers on your right when heading south, green on your right heading north. Look for the yellow triangles and squares that mark the ICW specifically — keep triangles to starboard (right side when you're on the boat facing the bow) and squares to port when heading north. Shoaling happens fast here, so trust the buoys and use your depth finder. Pro move: Wear polarized sunglasses to spot shallow water by color changes.
2. Respect No-Wake & Manatee Zones
   Slow down in posted no-wake or minimum-wake areas (often 5–9 mph). It keeps your wake from rocking docks or smaller boats and protects our gentle manatee neighbors. In spring, many zones overlap with manatee protection — idle speed keeps everyone happy and collision-free.
3. Time Your Trip with Tides & Currents
   Check the tide tables before you leave! Strong currents near inlets and bridges can make docking tricky. Plan around high tide if you’re heading into shallower spots. Apps and local marina updates are your best friends. Our favorite boating apps are Wavve boating (navigation, current, tides, weather, and more), and BoatUS). US Harbors website (https://www.usharbors.com) is also a great boating friend for tide info.
4. Bridge Etiquette Saves the Day
   Approach bridges slowly, know their opening schedules (or vertical clearance if fixed), and be patient. Crowded weekends mean extra traffic — a little courtesy goes a long way when everyone’s trying to enjoy the same beautiful stretch from Tequesta sandbar to Peanut Island and beyond.
5. Pack for Comfort & Spontaneity
   Florida sun is no joke even on overcast days. Layer up with sun protection, bring plenty of cold drinks, and throw in a game or two for those perfect raft-up moments. And always have a backup plan — the ICW is full of great dock-and-dine spots like those waterfront gems in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.

Speaking of staying protected while you play…

This Week’s Spotlight: Have Fun Grow Young UPF 50 Sun Hoodies & Shirts
Our UPF 50+ sun hoodies and performance shirts are built exactly for days like these on the ICW. They block 98% of harmful UV rays without the constant reapplication of sunscreen, they dry fast, and look sharp whether you’re at the helm or kicking back with a drink in hand. Lightweight, breathable, and ready for all-day adventures — so you can focus on the fun instead of worrying about the burn.

Perfect for long cruises, fishing trips, or just soaking up that southern Florida sunshine while you Grow Young.

[Shop UPF Sun Hoodies & Shirts Now →](Sun / Fishing Shirts (Docktails) – MorselMunk). Look for UPF 50 in the title.

What’s your favorite ICW spot or boating hack in South Florida?
Tag us on Instagram or Meta with #HaveFunGrowYoung and #ICWRecess. Here’s to more sunsets, fewer worries, and plenty of adult recess on the water.

Stay playful,
The HFGY Crew (from the docks in South Florida)
Morsel Munk | Docktails & Have Fun Grow Young

Fly our Docktails boat flag for a constant reminder to take adult recess - regress, destress, and grow young. If you see us on the ICW, feel free to "flag" us down. See what we did there?

P.S. Sign up for our Rewards program (look for the Rewards icon on our website). Then share your referral link with a boating mate who needs more recess in their life — both of you get 15% off your next order when they order using your referral (you receive your discount code after they place their order). Let’s grow the crew!