A skiff is a small, light boat designed to be rowed, paddled, or sailed by just one or two people. Picture a simple boat that's easy to push off from shore, narrow enough to slip through shallow water, and light enough that a strong person could drag it up onto a beach.

Fishermen often use skiffs to reach good fishing spots in calm waters like rivers, lakes, or protected bays. The boat's small size makes it perfect for quick trips: you can load your gear, row out to where the fish are biting, and return before lunch. Some skiffs have small sails, while others rely entirely on oars or a small motor.

Throughout history, larger ships often carried skiffs aboard to ferry people and supplies to shore when anchored offshore. Pirates might row to shore in a skiff to bury treasure, and sailors might use one to collect fresh water from a nearby island.

Today, you might see skiffs at summer camps, in quiet coves, or tied up at docks in coastal villages. Their simplicity is their strength: no complicated equipment, no special training needed, just you and the water.