Earlier this summer I shared the best boating lakes in Colorado and you all asked for more. Maybe it is because it is summertime and we are all looking for those relaxing but fun escapes with your families, so I decided to continue this topic by taking us back out to “sea”.
If you are like me, you love the idea of setting sail on a beautiful boat with the family but probably have no idea what to pack. I did some research and started an essential packing list for us to use as we plan our first family boating adventure.
Packing Ideas for a Family Boating Day
Boat:
This is the first item we must “pack” when we jump into the boating fun. We do not own a boat and so we need all the training, information and options we can get. This summer we have become very familiar with Discover Boating.
Discover Boating is a national, nonprofit program on behalf of the US recreational boating industry aimed to help people get on the water to experience the fun of boating. For those looking to get their feet wet, Discover Boating is an unbiased online resource packed with easy, interactive features on all things boating, including a boat selector tool, get on the water tab where you can find rentals, classes and charters, cost comparison tool, renting options, youth boating programs, education courses – even nautical lingo and how-to videos.
Perfect for the beginners like us and maybe even you? This is where we will start our planning, not only will the how-to videos and courses help a ton but we can find a boat to rent in our area with the help of Discover Boating tips.
Time to get our boating planning on!!
Sun Protection:
Super important when out on the water to remember to bring sunscreen for everyone. I am a sunscreen freak because my skin and my kids skin is so fair so we burn super easy. The reflection of the water makes the potential of burns even higher.
Another thing to add to your sun protection is hats, sunglasses and protective swimwear shirts. No one wants to have a great day on the boat and end up hurting from too much sun the next day. Make these items a priority.
Life Jackets:
Accidents happen while boating so be prepared. My kids are still learning to swim so we always pack puddle jumpers or life jackets so we know they are safe while on any water involved activity.
Food/Drink:
To make a day of it make sure everyone has some drinks, snacks and meals while on the boat. Anyone with kids knows when you are out in the sun and heat, you don’t get too far without hearing, “I’m hungry!” and “I’m Thirsty!” Water is key – hydration is really important while out on the water in the sun. Snacks like fresh fruit, crackers and yogurts that are easy to pack will make the packing even easier.
Water Activity Options:
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Fishing
- Water Skiing
- Wake-boarding
- Exploring
All I see here is fun for every age!
Waterproof Camera:
Family vacations are the perfect time to make fun memories. Also the perfect time for great family pictures. Invest in a waterproof camera to capture the fun! Don’t let the moments slip away, capture these important family days by snapping some pictures to help everyone remember such sweet and fun days spent in the sun!
Interesting boating stats from the 2015 Discover Boating Survey conducted by Wakefield Research
- 82% of Americans say being around water is relaxing.
- 72% of Americans feel healthier after spending time on the water.
- Top 5 boating activities Americans want to do this summer: Relax on a boat with friends, take a sunset cruise, go fishing, watch fireworks from a boat, and go waterskiing, wakeboarding or wakesurfing.
- 84% of parents think their kids would be more likely to unplug on a boat trip versus a road trip.
- 88% of American parents feel that their kids need to get more involved in outdoor activities this summer, like boating.
- Americans rank their favorite celebrity boat mates as Taylor Swift, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres and Robert Downey, Jr.
How are you and your family planning to make the most out of summer by enjoying the water?
This is a great list!! I spend my summers in Italy at the beach, and on the boat, so I know what it entails to get everything ready!! I've done it so many times though that I have a mental checklist!
There are times I so wish we owned a boat and could go hang out on the lake and fish. I've had such a fun time when I've gone with friends. This is a great list. It's been years since I've done it, so I would have no idea what I would need, lol.
We used to go boating as a family and I always burnt no matter how careful I was! I think it would work if we had a boat with some sort of sun protection, then it would be fun.