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• Do a Screamin' 180 on a Waterbike No other craft is as maneuverable. Top 25 mph, throw your weight to one side as you haul the bars over in the same direction, and hold on so you don't get thrown off. You'll be accompanied by a beautiful wall of spray.
• Learn to Scuba Dive Even if you're a bit porky, once under, you're weightless. This thrilling sport has its dangers, so play it smart and get certified. NAUI, PADI, and YMCA are the big three accrediting groups. Call your local chapter for schedules.
• Go Away for a Long Weekend by Yourself Take the boat, a book, a case of suds, and veg out for a couple of days to recharge your batteries. Make sure someone can find you by giving him or her a float plan-the who, what, where, and when of your cruise. Do it online at www.boatclix.com.
• Take a Factory Tour The best way to know how a boat is built is to watch. Boatbuilders are proud of what they do and love to show it off. If you're buying a boat, this is a "must do."
• Ski Barefoot World champion Mike Seipel says anyone can do it. Attend his school or he will come to your boat (800/932-0685). Remember to keep your toes pointed up. Get good and you could break the barefoot jump record of 86'.
• Cross the Gulf Stream It's a different world out there. The water turns indigo with gold sargasso weed, and it's nice and warm. Has its own weather, too. The hard part is finding the Stream. Get daily position updates at www.weatherimages.org.
• Learn CPR and Never Have to Use It Save a drowning victim and feel like a hero from that free CPR class you took at the local library. Even if you never use this skill, it's good to know-just in case.
• Read the Heavens Find the North Star, distinguish a planet (doesn't twinkle) from a star, and point out at least one constellation. The Starry Night Backyard Edition software ($80 at Best Buy, Circuit City, and other stores) is a cheat sheet for your computer, showing the sky at any time from your position.
• Keep Your Boat in the Water All Winter And use it. Have the waterways to yourself for the January thaw. The big problem is ice in the engine's cooling system. Install a T-fitting with a valve in the raw-water intake hose. When you're through for the day, turn the valve so the engine sucks from a hose on the T that leads to a bucket of antifreeze. Stop when it comes out the exhaust.
• See a Double Rainbow Without eating Lucky Charms. It happens when light bounces off the back of raindrops not once, but twice. The secondary rays leave at a different angle than the primaries and form a rainbow about 9 degrees above the first. Best seen in a tropical setting with a chilled rum punch.
