WHO WE ARE...
SOBA is the collective voice of public boating access in the United States.
Established in 1986, SOBA is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to waterways by promoting the public acquisition, development and maintenance of recreational boating facilities.
OUR MISSION...
To encourage, promote and support federal and state programs that provide safe, high-quality and environmentally sound public recreational boating access to the waterways of the United States and its territories.
OUR MEMBERS...
SOBA members are state boating officials from all 50 states and five territories, as well as a wide range of other boating organizations, engineering firms, consultants, manufacturers and suppliers interested in public boating access.
WHAT WE DO...
SOBA offers a forum where diverse interests can exchange ideas, share information, and find solutions to common problems facing boating access.
SOBA provides leadership and support to our members. Membership also offers access to resources and services, including:
• Annual conference and trade show
• Publications
• Instructional videos
• Boating Access Promotion media package
• Website: sobaus.org
COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES...
SOBA operates under a committee and task force concept, involving the board, SOBA members and boating experts to accomplish its goals and objectives.CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP
VOTING MEMBERSHIP: $600.00 ANNUALLY
Officials responsible for boating facility administration, design, and/or construction in states, commonwealths or territories. Two Affiliated Professional Memberships are also included (alternate and affiliate).
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: $500.00 ANNUALLY
Open to firms, corporations, businesses or associations that want to assist SOBA in its objectives. Two affiliated professional memberships are also included.
ADVISORY MEMBERSHIP: $300.00 ANNUALLY
Open to federal agencies, local government units, non-profit organizations, and similar groups in other countries with an interest in SOBA’s mission. Two affiliated professional memberships are also included.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP: $125.00 ANNUALLY
Open to persons wishing to support SOBA but not affiliated with an agency association or business involved in recreational boating programs.
WHEN YOU JOIN SOBA
Members enjoy access to national experts, state-of-the-art information, and a host of other valuable services, including:
ANNUAL SOBA CONFERENCE
The Premier Event for Boating Access -- SOBA’s Annual Conference -- is hosted by a different member state each year. It is a one-of-a-kind event which covers issues that directly affect members working to design, build and maintain public boating access and related support facilities. Attendees can network with boating access leaders, participate in exhibits and demonstrations, and take field trips to local boating facilities.
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH
Members receive a complimentary copy of publications, receive bulk purchase discounts, and can download materials from the member-only website.
• Design Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities (2nd Edition)
• Operations & Maintenance Program Guidelines for Recreational Boating Facilities
• CVA Performance Testing of Marine-Use Waste Pump-Out Stations
• Building a Better Boat Ramp Video
SOBA ONLINE RESOURCES
SOBA keeps its members connected through an active website. The SOBA membership network allows members to share information and promotes cooperation that can save significant time and money. Reports and publications are also available online.
SOBA ANNUAL AWARDS
SOBA Awards are presented each year at the Annual Conference to members whose work is worthy of national recognition. Categories include Outstanding Service, Outstanding Projects and Program Excellence.
SOBA NEWSLETTER
Published monthly; the newsletter covers current issues and organizational news.