The Moments That Matter Most
Fatherhood is often measured in milestones. First words. First steps. First days of school.
But for many dads, some of the most meaningful memories happen out on the water.
From teaching a child to ski for the first time to spending an afternoon with no agenda at all, boating has a way of creating moments that become woven into family history. This Father’s Day, four members of the MasterCraft family reflected on the memories, lessons, and connections that have shaped them as fathers.
Memories That Stay With You
Ask any dad about his favorite day on the water and chances are he won’t point to a trophy or a perfect run. Instead, he’ll remember the smiles, the excitement, and the feeling of being together.
For MasterCraft athlete Harley Clifford, one childhood memory still stands out.
Growing up in Australia, Harley recalls a camping trip to Myall Lakes where his family woke up to glassy water covered in fog. They spent the day wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and laughing together from sunrise until sunset.
“We were all having an amazing time as a family, going doubles with my brothers on the wakeboard, messing around on the kneeboards and smiling from ear to ear all day,” he says. “We have had plenty of days like this, but this one sticks out as a key childhood memory.”
For Travis Moye, the memories are even more specific.
“The days that my girls learned to ski,” he says. “I could tell you every detail about those days…the boats, the skis, their bathing suits, and most importantly the smiles. When they did it, it was something they really wanted to do. And that was the start of a lifetime of boat days.”
Likewise, Josh Palma remembers the first time his daughter Ava joined him behind the boat.
“She was a bit hesitant and said she would just prefer to swim,” Josh recalls. “But once I got out there, she quickly asked if she could join me. We took our first doubles session almost exactly four years ago, and she has been hooked ever since.”
And for Freddy Krueger, it’s difficult to choose just one memory.
“So many of my memories of them from when they were little are wrapped around them being excited to make a first slalom pass or land a jump in a tournament,” he says. “It’s a pretty incredible time stamp of their lives and mine.”
More Than Time Together
Life moves quickly. Schedules fill up. But boating creates something increasingly rare: uninterrupted time.
“Boating with my family has given me so much happiness,” says Moye. “There are a lot of days it’s just the four of us living in a perfect little bubble. No distractions, just time.”
Josh Palma agrees.
“Uninterrupted quality time as a family. No screens, no distractions…the ability to disconnect and focus on what matters most.”
For Harley Clifford, the boat has become something even deeper.
“It has given me an amazing outlet to enjoy real quality family time,” he says. “There is something about being on the boat with your family that just creates the most special moments and brings out the best in all of us.”
And for Freddy Krueger, boating connects generations.
“There is something special about watching my kids through eyes that are very similar to how my dad would have seen myself and my sisters,” he says. “Especially now that my parents are gone, those connections hold a little more importance.”
The Lessons Kids Teach Us
Parents often think they’re the teachers. But sometimes, kids become the greatest reminders.
Harley says watching his children experience boating has renewed his own perspective.
“It’s now more than just me getting out on my wakeboard and pushing the limits,” he explains. “It’s getting on the boat, letting go of all the day-to-day stress and soaking up every amazing second watching my kids grow, learn and have the time of their lives.”
Josh says his children have taught him something many adults struggle to remember.
“Most things can wait,” he says. “Floating in the middle of the lake with no specific schedule is often exactly what we need as a family.”
Travis has learned a similar lesson.
“My kids have taught me, well reminded me, that the only reason we are doing this is to have fun,” he says. “They just go out and have fun, and it’s the best.”
Freddy has found that the advice he gives his sons often applies to himself.
“If I can really sit and think about what I’m saying to them, it really resonates within myself as well.”
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Every dad hopes his children carry something meaningful with them into adulthood.
For Harley, it’s perseverance.
“You are going to get knocked down sometimes whether it be in life or learning a new trick, but nothing beats the ability to overcome and continue getting back up and pushing.”
For Freddy, it’s the importance of family and leaning on the people around you.
“The lessons of dealing with success and failure and learning to depend on the people around you will be there for them to build on for the rest of their lives.”
Josh hopes his children remember that slowing down is okay.
“Being present is always better than being busy.”
And Travis hopes they remember everything.
“The time, the music, the snacks, being silly, the joy of learning and teaching others, but really just being together.”
A Legacy Built One Boat Day at a Time
Fatherhood isn’t defined by grand gestures. More often, it’s found in simple moments—a first ski ride, a doubles surf session, an afternoon with no plans, or a sunset cruise with the people you love most.
Those are the moments children remember.
And years later, they become the stories fathers tell.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the dads who have discovered what generations of boaters already know: some of life’s best memories are made together, on the water.
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