TWIN SISTERS, A CRAIGSLIST BOSTON WHALER, AND A VIRAL INLET RUN.
By Ava Bourbeau
Their dad had one rule: don’t go out into the ocean.
So, in the spirit of twin antics, 16-year-olds Sofia and Ariana Jewelewicz pointed their self-restored 1988 Boston Whaler at the Boca Raton Inlet and pinned the throttle.
“We had never been in the Inlet before,” Ariana recalled, “so we had no idea what to expect.”
Wake from another boat came toward them, but Sofia took it in stride, going full throttle through it. A camera from Wavy Boats, a local boating media outlet, caught the action — including the wide smiles across both girls’ faces. A dockhand showed them the video when they tied up at Marina One later that same day. It was already generating buzz online.
That was five years ago.
“Looking back, it really feels like something God allowed to happen to give us a platform. Now we’re able to use that attention to share more than just boating — we can share our faith, our lifestyle, and connect with people in a deeper way,” shared Sofia.
The platform has been built and evolved over time as the sisters mark chapters in their lives. “It wasn’t an instant switch — it was a natural progression as we grew up, matured, and got clearer on who we are and what we stand for,” said Ariana.
The Jewelewicz sisters grew up in South Florida and were no strangers to the water. Their weekends as kids were spent tubing, boating, swimming, and staying overnight at Lake Boca with their dad. It was the kind of sunburned and salty upbringing that you grow up wanting to chase down. Something many of us are familiar with.
Based on the stories of their dad sending them flying halfway across the Lake while tubing behind their family boat, they also developed their love of thrills early on.
In high school, after struggling to fit in with the status quo and not wanting to participate in clique culture, the desire to chase that feeling intensified. The sisters switched to virtual school, which provided more free time than in-person school. They loved being on the water and knew that a change was necessary.
Then, they asked their dad if they could get a boat.
“It felt like God was pulling us back to the water,” Sofia said.
Their dad found an old Boston Whaler, complete with its “blue top” cover, on Craigslist, and the three of them dove into fixing it. They repaired, rewired, and recaulked — figuring things out as they went and constantly finding something new to improve. The nicks to be fixed were persistent and constantly increasing by the way they drove, but it was a labor of love.
Those hours turned out to be just as important as anything that happened on the water. “Those were some of the best memories,” Ariana said, “learning hands-on, bringing that little boat back to life together.”
And then, they took it out through Boca Inlet.
Sofia’s composure that day caught people’s attention just as much as the speed did. Ariana, who’s logged the most hours beside her twin at the helm, described why:
“She understands the waves in a way that’s hard to explain — it’s like she already knows what the water is about to do before it happens.” Even in rough conditions, Sofia reads the inlet like a pro.
“That level of confidence and awareness is rare, and I think people notice that,” Ariana said. It doesn’t hurt that they also look like they’re having the time of their lives, crashing through the waves and turning every head on the Boca Inlet jetty. Good thing their dad insisted on Boston Whalers, which are known for their durability.
Blue Top Legend Tips:
- ALWAYS check tides and wave conditions before leaving the dock
This is a non-negotiable for us. We always check tides, swell, and wind before heading out—especially running through Boca Raton Inlet. The inlet can change fast depending on tide direction and wind against current. Knowing if it’s incoming or outgoing, how strong the current is, and what the wave height looks like can completely shift your plan for the day—and keep you out of trouble before it even starts.
- Respect the Inlet and read the water
Even if the forecast says it’s “good,” you still have to read what’s in front of you. Watch the sets, look for breaking waves, and don’t force it. Some days you go, some days you don’t—and that decision-making is what keeps you safe long-term. Confidence on the water comes from awareness and patience, not pushing limits.
- Stay prepared—and have fun
Keep your boat simple, maintained, and ready. Know your systems, have your safety gear (wear your kill switch), and stay consistent. But also— don’t forget why you’re out there. For us, boating is about joy, freedom, and being fully present. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). That perspective keeps everything in check and reminds us to make the most out of every day, because every day is a gift from God!
