A fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors during the summer is to spend a day at the lake. Lake days are a wonderful way to relax, unwind, or even participate in various water sports. However, it can be stressful to figure out what to bring to make sure you’re properly prepared.
Here is our packing list of top lake day essentials to guarantee you have everything you need to enjoy a day on the water!
1. Snacks
Between setting up the boat, swimming, and possibly even wakeboarding, lake days involve plenty of activity. You’re bound to work up an appetite! Plus, many lakes don’t have shoreside restaurants or convenience stores. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks before heading out on the water.
2. Towel
“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have,” says author Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
While you’re probably not going to become an interstellar hitchhiker on the lake, a towel will still come in handy to dry off after swimming!
3. Sunscreen
When you’re out on the lake, you’ll likely be spending most of the day in direct sunlight. Even worse, did you know that the sun’s rays can reflect off of water, making it more likely that you’ll get a sunburn?
In order to protect your skin from sun damage and decrease your chance of developing skin cancer, sunscreen is a necessity.
4. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential part of a lake day wardrobe. They also protect your eyes from the sun and the elements. Plus, they look awesome!
5. Water
When spending hours in the sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Not to mention, if you’re visiting the lake during summer, high temperatures can dramatically increase your risk of dehydration or even heat exhaustion.
Make sure to bring lots of water when you head out on the lake-you’ll need it!
6. Life Jackets
Increase your water safety by wearing life jackets while wakeboarding, wake surfing, or participating in other sports at the lake.
Life jackets are also beneficial for new swimmers or people who don’t feel confident in the water. In certain states, life jackets may even be required while boating. Check your local laws and regulations for more details.
7. Cover Up
Cover ups come in handy on the lake for a few reasons. First, they allow you to transition your swimsuit into a more street-appropriate look if you plan on leaving the lake and participating in other activities. Second, cover ups give you more coverage and protection against sunburns.
Finally, it can get chilly towards the end of a day on the lake. Cover ups can help you stay warm once the weather starts to cool down.
8. Flip-flops
Is it truly a day on the lake without a comfortable pair of flip-flops? While you might not want to wear shoes while swimming or lounging on the boat, you’ll need them while launching the boat or while exploring the lake shore. Flip-flops are easy to take on or off, making them the perfect lake shoe.
9. Hat
Scalps can get sunburnt too! Make sure to pack a hat to protect your head and face from sun damage. However, don’t forget to take it off while your boat is in motion- it’s pretty common to lose a hat to the wind!
10. Cooler
Temperatures on the lake can climb quickly- especially in the sun! Keep your drinks and food chilled by storing them in a portable cooler.
11. Paper Towels
You’d be surprised how useful paper towels are while on the lake! Paper towels are handy while eating snacks or cleaning up accidental spills on the boat.
12. Brush and Hair Ties
Boating comes hand in hand with high wind speeds. Exposure to wind can create knots and tangles in your hair, leading to damage over time. If you have long hair, a brush and hair ties are a necessity in order to prevent your hair from tangling in the wind.
13. Trash Bag
It’s not glamorous or fun, but don’t forget to bring a trash bag before boarding your boat. This will help ensure you have an easier clean-up at the end of the day!
Don’t forget to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your day at the lake!