There are (at Least) 28 Uses for a Hockey Stick on a Boat
Half way through the Trent- Severn, my mom had a genius idea. Instead of using an expensive, heavy dock pole to fend off of grimy lock walls, she figured an old hockey stick would be way better. If it breaks, no one cares; if it goes overboard, no one cares; if someone steals it, I would care a little bit; and being in Canada, it only seemed appropriate. Cousin Ellen was visiting next, and she brought an old hockey stick destined for a new purpose in life. Not only was it extremely effective for lock walls, every lock master was delighted to see a hockey stick being so creatively put to work. I never ended up sending it home, and since then, I have found it invaluable in a wide range of scenarios. Conveniently and securely stored in a rod holder, I’ve determined I will not leave for another cruise without one, and here’s why:
1. Fending off of lock walls
2. Cleaning seaweed off the prop from the dinghy- no swimming required
3. Depth sounder from the dinghy- the shaft up to the blade is exactly the draft of Elpis
4. Clearing away spider webs
5. Snagging the boat from the dinghy when I’ve turned off the engine and start drifting away before I can grab on
6. Opening the plug in the back of the dinghy from the cockpit (mine opens by sliding a lever like a windshield wiper), so that the dinghy drains while under tow- extremely effective while underway
7. Conversation starter
8. Wind vane in a gale
9. Snagging the stern line of the dinghy without having to leave the cockpit
10. Prop for fun photos
11. Bringing a smile to people’s faces
12. Pushing clumps of seaweed off the rudder- backing down not required!
13. When dropping the mast, it’s long enough to nudge the loop for the crane up and around the ring at the top of the mast track
The following uses have not yet been employed on Elpis, but are definite possibilities:
14. Self- defense
15. Hiking/ walking stick
16. Playing hockey
17. Freeing up a stuck tell tale on a jib, shroud, etc.
18. Emergency oar
19. Glorified fly swatter
20. Kindling for a bonfire in an emergency (not recommended with a fiberglass stick)
21. Bucket retrieval
22 Picking up a mooring ball pennant
23. Emergency rudder (most effective with a goalie stick)
24. Relocating damp stinky shoes, sailing gloves, etc.
25. Emergency fishing pole
26. Support for a shade awning
27. Pushing the buttons on the autohelm from across the cockpit
28. An extra place to dry laundry when there is no more space on the lifelines
Remember, keep your stick on the ice and in a rod holder!
Welcome aboard cousin Ellen and hockey stick!
An excellent example of lock wall fending
Hockey stick traveling to lovely places and conveniently stored near the helm
Hockey stick bidding farewell to Mackinac Island
It's all sunshine and rainbows when there is a hockey stick on board
