Boating is probably one of the most relaxing things you can do in the summer. There are so many activities you can enjoy while on the boat. It is also something the entire family can enjoy, whether you anchor down and just float, or like to try your hand at some watersports there is something for everyone. Do you know how easy it is to forget things? This is why I made a list of all the things to pack for a great day on the boat.
Some of the most important things first ofcourse.
1. Cooler/Coolers full of drinks and snacks:
Depending on how long you are going to spend on the water, I would always recommend a cooler with drinks and snacks. If you are doing any activities on the water such as tubing, wake surfing, or even swimming you are going to need water at the very least and probably some type of food. You don’t realize how much energy you burn being out on the water in the sun. We usually pack all kinds of food with us ranging from chips and dips, fruits and veggies, to sandwiches and chicken tenders. If you are anything like my family your also going to make sure you pack plenty of alcohol and Gatorade. We usually roll to the boat with 3-4 coolers. Snacks and drinks are something I will not forget to pack for a great boat day.
2. Insulated Cups/Coozies:
You are going to want to pack drink cups for the boat is an absolute must. Insulated Cups and Coozies are also great to keep your drinks nice and cold all day. I always bring my yeti cup with me and fill it with lemon water for all-day hydration. The best thing about a well-insulated cup is that you typically get away with only putting ice in it once, that way you don’t have to worry about any of the dirty cooler ice to your cup.
3. Sun Protection:
You name it you’re going to need it, and you will be mad if you forget it. I always recommend packing at least 2 different types of sunscreen. We always pack spray sunscreen for a quick reapply and lotion for all other times. Personally, I pack multiple different SPF as well. I will pack a high SPF for my face and any areas that may have recently got sun and lower SPF for places I want to get a little more sun.
4. Sunglasses/Hats:
Sunglasses and hats are other great things to pack with you to keep that bright sun out of your face and keep from spending the whole day squinting.
5. Life Vests/Floaties:
While boating you have to make sure you have enough life vests for each individual person that will be on the boat. Plus you will want to make sure you have the right life vest for small kids especially. I also really like bringing floaties and blow-up rafts with me for floating in the river. The small blow-up ones are the best in my opinion because they don’t take much to blow up and they don’t take up too much space either.
6. Towels:
Don’t forget a towel. Seems pretty obvious, but everyone forgets them all the time.
And then a few fun and helpful things that really help make a boat day better.
7. Music/Chargers:
Not necessarily a complete must for all people, but it really is important to us. Anytime one of us forgets to bring the Bluetooth speakers we end up kicking ourselves. Luckily, we do have a radio on the boat for backup, but it just isn’t the same sometimes. I also recommend bringing a phone charging cord and maybe even a portable charger just in case you can’t charge on the boat. We typically spend all day on the water, so it’s very typical for us to have at least one person’s phone die while we’re out.
8. Dry Bag/Zip block Bags:
I always try to remember to put my life-proof case on my phone and bring a dry bag for anything like clothes or my camera that I want to avoid getting wet at all costs. You really don’t want to lose a phone or camera because it got wet ya know? So even if you bring a baggie for your little stuff to keep dry. They even sell little pouches for like $10 on Amazon that you can put your phone in and still be able to take pictures. I have a little of everything that I carry with me just in case. When you spend a lot of time in or near the water it’s good to be prepared.
9. Paper Products:
You should always have toilet paper just in case there is a time when someone has to go, and there isn’t anywhere to go if you know what I mean. You may have to swim to shore. Also, napkins and paper plates are always good to have especially if you are bringing food and drinks.
10. Waterproof shoes:
You never know when you’re going to need to swim to shore for an emergency potty break or walk on some rocks onshore. I always pack my crocs, or a small pair of swim shoes for the boat just in case. We usually take dogs with us so it’s always nice to have shoes when you have to take them onshore.
11. Spare Clothes:
You can never go wrong packing a spare outfit with you just in case you end up getting yours wet or end up having something to do after getting off the boat. You might want to go get dinner and may not want to be in your swimmmies.
12. A Good Bag to Put it all in:
It’s always good to pack your sunscreens in their own bag that way if they do explode they don’t explode on all your other stuff. I like to pack mine in a travel bag that is nice and secure. The below bags are what I have been using recently and I love them. All my little stuff and sunscreen fit in the travel bag and my towels and clothes along with the travel bag fit in the mint green bag. Everything in one place is perfect. It’s a pain in the butt to carry multiple bags onto the boat so find something that works perfectly for you.
Well, that’s it. All the things to pack for a great day on the boat.Check out the 10 Essentials for Summer post for links to some of my other favorite things. Enjoy what’s left of the summer yall because fall is coming and it’s coming quick!!
