Ten Steps To The Ideal Day on the Lake
There’s nothing like a day on the lake. Whether you’re planning something active like kayaking or taking a spin on your SUP, something high-speed like tubing or water skiing, or slow-paced like a picnic, it feels good to let everything fall away.
Whether you call it lazy or chill, all those signs at the gift shop aren’t wrong: there are no bad days on the lake. With a little planning, though, you can take a lake day from great to perfect.
How To Plan the Perfect Lake Day:
Prep Your Gear Ahead of Time
Even if that means gassing up the boat late on a Friday and loading it onto your boat trailer, running out to the store in the middle of a week to grab a patch for the inflatable SUP, or hosing down your PFD’s. That way you can start your lake day stress free knowing everything is ready to go.
Pack Epic Snacks
Nothing throws a wrench in your weekend like getting hangry, and as any good fisherman knows, you can’t always count on catching your lunch or dinner. One of the great things about having a CreekKooler in tow is that you have extra space for provisions as well as ice, meaning you can keep treats like seven layer dip or fried chicken cool.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
If you imbibe and it will be legal on the state or federal land where you’re living the lake life, leave some room in that CreekKooler for your favorite beverage. You can’t go wrong with your favorite local beers, but if you want to get really fancy you can prep a big batch of a cocktail like sangria or bourbon lemonade. Need a SUP drink holder? No problem. Every CreekKooler has built-in cupholders.
Get Comfy
You’ve got a long day of fun ahead of you! Bring along your best camp chairs and some extra cushions. A blanket is ideal for laying out a picnic spread, taking a nap, or covering your belongings.
Remember Sun Protection
You want to take great memories away from your lake day, not a painful sunburn. It’s easier than ever to find good-looking, quality rash guards and surf suits to keep you covered. For everything else, there’s classic SPF and hats. Dress for comfort. Think light layers, a change of clothes if you don’t like being wet, towels, water shoes, walking shoes, etc. If you’re going to be on a boat, wear something grippy so you don’t slip.
Leave Your Cellphone On Land
A waterproof or disposable camera is perfect for taking out on the water with you. It’s a good excuse to unplug, too, and stay in the moment. Yes, we just mentioned unplugging. But a sound system and a great playlist can really take your lake day to the next level.
There’s nothing like floating along on a pontoon boat with your friends listening to your favorite jams. Just don’t forget to be mindful of others enjoying the lake-- and that they might like some peace and quiet.
Prepare For An Oops
First aid should already be on your mental list, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring it up. You don’t have to bring a mobile MASH unit with you or anything-- if you don’t know how to use it, it probably won’t come in handy in an emergency. Bandages, antiseptic, moleskins for blisters, an ACE bandage, peppermint or dramamine for motion sickness, feminine hygiene products, pain relievers/anti-inflammatories, allergy meds, eye drops, irrigation syringe, and trauma shears all might be good to keep in your kit.
Backup Games
Fun extra toys can make a big difference, like frisbees, floats, waterproof playing cards, floating beer pong or cornhole, etc. You can’t go wrong with the classics, either, like a big beach ball or volleyball. Kids can have fun with flags and ribbon dancers, and revlers of all ages can enjoy fishing gear. Don’t forget a tennis ball or floating toy for your furry friends, either, if they’re coming along.