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There are only a few positions from which one can safely pilot a boat. Slower cruising style vessels that are design to operate in the backbay, lakes or rivers waters can generally be operated safely and comfortably while seated. Seating which offers good back support and couches the pilot in a stable position, helping to maintain steerage.

With dead rise, or the angle from the keel to the waterline, generally the sharper the entry into the water, the smoother the ride will be on rough seas.

That said, there are vessels that can best be safely and more comfortably operated in a standing or leaning posture. Flats and bay boats are particularly prone to bucking and bouncing since they are operated at higher speeds, often in choppy conditions. These hulls tend to have a much modified V-shaped hull. The flatter the hulls entry or the less dead rise, the more likely a boat is to bounce, jump or skip over the waves. The flatter the hull the more shock to the riders and operator, thus seated operation is more often than not uncomfortable.

Piloting while standing or in a leaning position will greatly reduce the effects of high speed, rough riding. Some simple steps can reduce the effects of fast, rough rides.

Start off by wearing shoes designed for good support and fitted with shock absorbing insoles. This will reduce the stress on your knee, hips and back. Qualities cross-training or walking shoes are an inexpensive and readily available option. There are of course specialty boating shoes that absorb shock, are water resistant, ventilated and are hull-friendly. Black soled running shoes will tend to leave unsightly marks on the deck, requiring vigorous scrubbing to remove the blemishes.

Another option is stress-reducing floor mats. These products are available in boating supply and even culinary supply stores. I first bought a mat to place at the console of my flats and bay boat at Sam’s club. I’ve since transferred it from boat to boat — it refuses to die and has remained serviceable for 10 years. It ain’t pretty, a faded rusty red, but it works for an old -schooler like me. There are white one at culinary supply shops. They’re designed to be used in commercial kitchens but are a cheap and functional option for boaters.

Some boating specialty shops carry high end mats that are specifically design for use on the water. These items are a bit pricey but they look good, have a long duty life and do the job well. These mats cleanup easy and don’t leach out any color like my cheapy butcher’s mat. If you’re running a $60,000 flats and bay boat, a $70 anti-fatigue mat for your console probably won’t break the bank, especially if it saves your back, knees and hips.