There will be lots more boats, a greater variety of workshops and, for the first time, an AquaZone pool for watersports when the Palm Beach International Boat Show kicks off Thursday in West Palm Beach..

More than 1,000 boats will be displayed in the water and on land at the 30th annual show, which runs through Sunday. Those include some 80 super-yachts, each 100 feet or longer, as well as about 60 in the 80- to 90-foot range, according to organizers from Show Management of Fort Lauderdale.

The estimated value of the boats, water toys and marine accessories on display: More than $1.2 billion, organizers said. That includes at least one mega-yacht for sale for roughly $52 million.

Smaller than its Miami and Fort Lauderdale counterparts, the Palm Beach show on the downtown waterfront in West Palm Beach is known as user-friendly, offering ample parking within walking distance and even docks for participants to arrive by boat, organizers said.

Here are some highlights of this year's show, considered one of the world's five largest:

AquaZone pool for watersports: For the first time, participants can check out kayaks, hovercraft, paddleboards and other water toys at a demonstration pool dubbed AquaZone, which measures 60 by 30 feet and contains 40,000 gallons of water. Seminars at the pool will touch on such topics as as yoga on paddleboards and fishing from kayaks.

The AquaZone is organized by Nautical Ventures Group of Dania Beach, which sells the watertoys as well as boats and other equipment.

On-the-Water training for boaters: For the first time ever, on-the-water training workshops will be available. They'll be offered by captains licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, who are certified instructors at the Powerboat Academy of Florida. Workshops of either one hour and three hours will focus on boating skills such as close-quarters maneuvering, anchoring, first-mate skills and more. Advance registration is required. Fees apply. go to ShowManagement.com.

Sportfishing seminars: Captains and professional anglers from the International Game Fish Association's School of Sportfishing will share advice and tips in 14 free seminars. Topics include dolphin trolling and sailfish strategies, among others.

Fishing clinics for children: Presented by the non-profit Hook the Future, talks aimed at children 4 to 16 are offered at noon and 2 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheater field inside the show grounds between Datura and Evernia streets. Each free session runs about 45 minutes, beginning with a 30-minute, classroom-style discussion of basic fishing techniques, tackle and safety. Prizes will be offered too.

Smartphone app: To better navigate the show, download the free app, MyBoatShow, for iPhone or Android phones.

The Palm Beach show is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County. For more on parking and transportation maps, check ShowManagement.com.

If you go

When: Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Downtown West Palm Beach, entrances at Evernia Street and Flagler Drive on the waterfront and at North Clematis Street and Flagler Drive on the waterfront. No backpacks allowed.

Cost: Adults: $20 at gate, $18 online. Children ages 6 to 15: $10 at gate, $8 online.

Information: ShowManagement.com or 954-764-7642

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