How to Lock on the Great Loop

You can’t travel on America’s Great Loop without taking your boat through locks. But it can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. There are so many types and techniques to use and we show you all of them!

This 4-part course covers lock systems, captain’s training, first mate training and then video examples of 12 different types and techniques of locking.

With 43 lessons and over 5 hours of video instruction this is a must-have course when planning your Great Loop!

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  • “Thank You, Rev and Sam!”

    I found the course “How to Lock on the Great Loop”, available from the Great Loop Academy, to be a very valuable aid in preparing for this aspect of the journey.  From information about the basic items needed and how to use them, to the videos showing the differences between the types of locks, this course answered all of my questions as well as the ones I didn’t know enough to ask!

    As we were traveling on the Loop, I could refer to specific videos about upcoming locks. Having this knowledge gave us a greater sense of confidence in our ability to manage them.  I highly recommend this course to everyone who is planning to travel America’s Great Loop.  Thank you, Rev and Sam!
    Paula and Nevin on Annie B
    Gold Loopers 2023-2024

  • BIG “Thank You!”

    This note is a big “thank you” for the effort you put into the locking videos.  The apprehension of passing through as many as 100 different locks was the most significant fear my wife and I held in considering the loop.  Being able to see examples in real time of how to secure a boat in all of the different types of locks eliminated our apprehensions.  We realize that we still have much to learn, but getting a firsthand look at how you managed the variations in the types of locks encountered on the loop took us one giant step toward our hopeful loop journey.
     
    Diane and I would recommend the locking video series to anyone considering the loop…even if they have been through a few locks.  I feel more confident in how to communicate with the locks and Diane is confident she can fulfill her first mate duties when the time comes.  
    Jeff and Diane

  • Don’t “Sweat the Small Stuff!”

    We enjoyed the Locking Course very much. Having watched all of your videos, it was definitely a wonderful extension of the other locking video with much more emphasis on how to manage each type of lock without “sweating the small stuff” You both are amazing and we enjoy you very much, especially with your special humor thrown in. God bless you both!
    Bob and Rena T.