Drifter’s

Virginia sets no minimum age to operate a motorboat, but Code of Virginia § 29.1-748 requires a personal watercraft operator to be at least 16; a 14- or 15-year-old may operate one only after completing an approved boating safety course and carrying proof. DWR says all personal watercraft operators age 14 and older and all operators, regardless of age, of motorboats with engines of 10 horsepower or more must meet boating safety education requirements. Onboard direct supervision requires a qualified person to maintain close visual and verbal contact, provide adequate direction, and be able to immediately assume control. Each rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (law.lis.virginia.gov)

Virginia requires boating safety education and proof of compliance rather than a separately named boating license. All personal watercraft operators age 14 or older and every operator, regardless of age, of a motorboat with a 10 horsepower or larger engine must comply and carry proof; the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources administers the program.

A PWC operator must be at least 16, except a 14 or 15 year old may operate after completing an approved course and carrying proof. Compliance can also come from a rental or lease agreement naming the authorized operator, a nonrenewable 90 day temporary operator’s certificate issued with a newly acquired boat’s registration, direct onboard supervision by a compliant operator, or certain qualifying maritime, military, nonresident, and commercial fishing credentials.

Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (dwr.virginia.gov)

From Moneta, you can spend the day exploring Smith Mountain Lake, beginning around Hales Ford Bridge on the Roanoke River arm. Follow the marked Roanoke River channel for the main open-water route, or cruise the marked Blackwater River arm for another long lake passage. Craddock Creek provides a more enclosed, winding side route, while the secluded coves along Smith Mountain Lake State Park suit slower exploring.

Trailer boaters can put in at Scruggs boat ramp or the state park’s public launch. Follow the lake’s channel markers and give marked shoals and rocks plenty of room.

Source: Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (tricountylakes.org)

From Moneta, good Smith Mountain Lake day trips include Bridgewater Plaza, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Lucky Island and Mitchell’s Point. Bridgewater Plaza is a convenient stop for dining, shops, mini golf and the visitor center. The state park offers a swimming beach, fishing pier and picnic facilities for a shoreside break. Appalachian Power permits public recreation on Lucky Island, making it an inviting stop for lounging or swimming. Mitchell’s Point draws boaters for a dockside meal, live music and a view of the lighthouse.

Source: Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (visitsmithmountainlake.com)