In Minnesota, summer is measured in lake days.
It sounds like docks creaking in the morning sun, kids jumping off the back of a pontoon, and boats gliding across the water on a warm Friday evening. For many locals, getting out on the lake is more than recreation. It is the rhythm of the season.
According to TJ Ortmann, General Manager of MarineMax Excelsior and MarineMax Rogers, boating offers something increasingly valuable in today’s fast-moving world: a chance to disconnect.
“Getting out on the water means leaving your obligations on land and escaping the chaos of everyday life,” TJ says. “Once you’re out there, everybody’s there for the same reason. To relax, connect, and enjoy the lake.”
That shared freedom is part of what makes Minnesota boating culture so special. On Lake Minnetonka and beyond, boaters gather in the same bays, restaurants, and marinas throughout the summer. The water has a way of making strangers feel approachable and familiar.
“You meet so many amazing people out on the water,” TJ says. “Everyone’s approachable because they’re out there for the same reason.”
Still, for families who are new to boating, lake life can feel intimidating from the outside. What boat is right? How do you dock? What safety equipment do you need? Where do you even begin?
That is where the MarineMax team focuses much of its work: helping people move from curiosity to confidence. With locations throughout Minnesota, including the Minneapolis suburbs and up north, the company helps customers ease naturally into ownership and everything that comes with it.
“We really make it seamless,” TJ says. “We want people to feel comfortable and confident from day one.”
That support begins long before a customer leaves the dock. Buyers are guided through each stage, from selecting the right model to understanding safety procedures and learning how to navigate the water. Boats are fully detailed before delivery, and the team assists with launch-day instruction, docking guidance, and on-the-water walkthroughs.
“We don’t just hand someone the keys and send them off,” TJ says. “We take the time to teach people and make sure they’re excited to get out there.”
Education remains central to that approach. Throughout the season, boating safety courses and instructional events help make lake life feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
One popular offering is the “Women on Water” class, hosted on Lake Minnetonka, where women can build confidence behind the wheel in a relaxed, supportive setting. Demo Days, customer appreciation gatherings, and on-the-water showcases also bring boaters together across Minnesota.
“The more comfortable people feel, the more fun boating becomes,” TJ says.
For those still exploring ownership, no-hassle sea trials give customers the chance to experience different boats before making a decision. Instead of simply viewing boats from shore, guests can picture a summer weekend in motion, whether cruising with family, entertaining friends, or finding quieter stretches of shoreline.
“Once people get out on the water, it clicks,” TJ says. “They can picture the memories they’re going to make.”
Those memories are shaping today’s boating trends. TJ says families are looking for more intentional time outdoors together, and brands like Sea Ray and Nautique continue to fit that lifestyle. Nautique surf boats remain popular for watersports, while larger Sea Ray day boats, with room for entertaining, bathrooms, and shaded lounge areas, are favorites for full days on Minnesota lakes.
This summer, those opportunities continue through events like Sea Ray Surf Camp on Lake Minnetonka, where professional instructors help riders of all skill levels learn to surf and wakeboard confidently. Additional gatherings, including the On-Water Boat Show at Charlie’s on Prior and the Lake Minnetonka Wakesurf Open at Surfside Park in Mound, also bring boating enthusiasts together.
“There’s this sense of community that naturally happens on the water,” TJ says. “People wave to each other, help each other dock, meet up at restaurants, or tie up in the bays. It’s one of the few places where everybody slows down.”
And while Lake Minnetonka remains one of the state’s iconic boating destinations, TJ encourages people to explore beyond their usual shoreline. From the Brainerd lakes area to Crosslake and Nisswa, Minnesota offers endless opportunities for summer adventure by water.
Ultimately, boating is about far more than ownership. It is about unplugging from daily routines, reconnecting with loved ones, and embracing Minnesota summers from a setting that naturally invites people to slow down.
“Some of the best memories happen out on the lake,” TJ says. “That’s what people really hold onto.”
Visit marinemax.com to learn more.
This is the best version so far in my opinion. It still supports MarineMax, but the reader experiences it more as a story about Minnesota lake life. I’d put this at 9.2-ish for an advertorial feature.
There’s this sense of community that naturally happens on the water. It’s one of the few places where everybody slows down.