Boating Fails That Will Make You Think Twice Before Heading Out on the Water

Whether you live by the coast, near the Great Lakes, or along one of the country’s winding rivers, spending time on the water is a favorite pastime for millions. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a beautiful summer day on a boat, canoe, or even a cruise ship. Or, if you’re a fan of winter adventures, ice fishing on a frozen lake might be your go-to activity.

However, as relaxing and fun as these activities can be, it only takes one careless mistake to completely sink the day’s enjoyment—sometimes quite literally! Wherever there’s water, there’s also the potential for hilarious boating mishaps, and we’ve gathered some of the funniest and most outrageous ones for you right here.

Take a scroll through our collection of shocking and side-splitting boating fails, and when you’re done, don’t forget to SHARE with friends who could use a good laugh

Downside Up

This boat must have been going pretty fast to flip itself up like that. And they captured this moment at the perfect time. Luckily, they take extra precautions when it comes to boat racing, so we’re sure everyone was fine.

Slow Down!

This guy is lucky that this pole didn’t completely mangle him. He looks a little dazed, but OK. Maybe he needs another tutorial on driving a boat? We think this is one boat that won’t be back out on the water for a while…

Bottoms Up

Banana boats and summertime go together almost as well as banana boats and people failing to stay on them. Great job by the camera person to capture this shot mid backflip. Yippee-ki-yay!

Going Against the Tide

This boater got completely overtaken by the massive waves. We are pretty sure that in choppy conditions like this, your boat should be facing the waves straight on so this doesn’t happen. Hopefully they avoided those rocks out there!

Air Flip

If a boat weighs very little and is going very fast, it makes sense that it might do an air flip like this. We thought for a moment they might stick the landing, but no, no they did not…

Stuck in the Middle

“And for my next trick, I will completely destroy my own groin.” This guy really should have kept line tied to the dock while he was trying to load the beer cooler into the boat. Drinking and boating don’t mix, people. Unless you’re going for a boating fail that is!

Low Bridge!

To be fair, fishing is incredibly relaxing and it’s understandable to get lost in one’s thoughts while out on the water. He feel that had to leave a mark though…

How Did It Get up There?

Now, we can forgive the captain of a boat if he gets stuck in some shallow water at times, but c’mon man! These giant rocks are clearly visible. How does a boat end up like this!?