When Dr. Jordan Brewer isn’t helping patients at Axis Physiotherapy Institute (with locations in Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, and their newest in Destin), you’ll find him out on the water with his family.
- Meet the Brewers in our latest “Boat Days” feature: Jordan, his wife Justine, kids Jackson and Jensen, and their chocolate lab Luke.
Who are you bringing along on a typical boat day?
We load up my wife and I, our 2 kids (Jackson and Jensen), and depending on where we go, our chocolate lab Luke.
How long have you been boating locally?
We’ve been boating locally for the last 7-8 years.
What do boat days mean to your family — relaxing, adventure, a little bit of both?
Both! The water is our medicine. After a long work week, our favorite thing is to get the family on the water. We typically meet friends out and let the kids play but we always end with a relaxing slow harbor ride or sunset cruise. Now that our son is getting older, he’s now ready to start fishing and tubing more, so that will be happening more often.
Do you have a slip, or do you launch from a specific ramp?
We trailer and launch from Joe’s Bayou. If anyone local has an open boat slip to use though let us know!
Where’s your favorite spot to anchor and spend the day?
We usually go to Redneck Beach, one of the islands towards Mary Esther, or a couple other places we don’t tell so they don’t get too busy!
What kind of boat do you have?
We have a 23′ pontoon. Wifey won that argument (as usual) but now that Jackson is loving to fish I think soon enough we’ll be able to convince her to let us switch to a center console.
What’s your typical timeline — quick morning ride or full-day outing?
We typically try to get on the water by 9-9:30 to beat the crowd and will either get back to the ramp by 4pm to grill out or stay and watch the sunset.
What’s packed in your cooler or boat bag every time?
Our kids kill us if we forget the uncrustables…lots of uncrustables! Pub subs for Justine and me. Then water, gatorades, and of course a “few” adult beverages. We also always have to get boiled peanuts and kids ice cream while we’re out there.
What’s your go-to playlist or favorite boat-day song?
I’m definitely a young parrot head so we always start with Jimmy Buffet radio then mixing in some reggae and Luke Combs/upbeat country radio.
What’s the best part about being on the water?
Again, the water is like medicine to us. Whether we’re cruising, fishing, pulling up with friends, all our stresses go away.
Do you still stop and stare when you see dolphins?
Never gets old for Justine and the kids! So you best believe we’re always yelling “dolphin!” everytime we see any!
Do you prefer exploring new areas or sticking to the same spot?
So far we’ve typically stayed to the same spots, although Justine and I love exploring. Now that both kids are ready we finally have trips planned for scalloping and over to Perdido Key for some different scenery. We also try to do a boat camping trip in the Fall or early Spring before it gets too hot.
Are you the captain, the snack person, the DJ… or all three?
Pretty much all 3. Justine takes care of parking the boat trailer like a boss when we put in, as well as most of the kid and baby issues while we’re out. I get the easy part of driving the boat and making sure the kids eat, although they don’t let me forget.
Do you ever do sunset cruises?
We love sunset cruises! One of our family goals is to do more of them!
What makes a boat day better than a beach day for your crew?
We have so much more room to ourselves on a boat day compared to a beach day. It’s also a lot easier loading the boat vs having to carry/cart beach equipment/toys to the beach. There are so many different spots we can cruise to while on the boat as well.
Any advice for people looking to do their first boat day around here?
Relax, enjoy, and soak it all in! It doesn’t get much better than being on a boat!
Want to be featured in our “Boat Days” or “Beach Days” series? Email us at laiken@getthecoast.com or ashley@getthecoast.com – we’d love to hear about your local adventures!
