Lake Day Must Haves

It's hot out there. Well, at least it is where I live — Florida. But we aren't alone. A lot of the country is experiencing some pretty major heat waves.

So heading to the lake has never sounded better.

But over the years I've learned what to take and what not to take to have a great day on the lake.

So let me share with you my list of "lake essentials":

1. Swimsuit
2. Dry change of clothes
3. Diapers/swimming diapers
4. Wet bag/plastic bag for wet bathing suits
5. Sunglasses
6. Hat
7. Water shoes/sandals
8. Towels
9. Ziploc bag with ID, cash, credit card, cell phone and keys inside
10. Sunscreen
11. Emergency kit (like this one)
12. Brush and hair ties
13. Bug spray/bug wipes
14. Hand sanitizer
15. Wet-ones
16. Toilet paper
17. Food
18. Snacks
19. Portable blender
20. Cooler with ice
21. Water
22. Additional drinks (soda, juice, beer, wine, etc.)
23. Bottle opener/wine key
24. Eating utensils (forks, spoons, knives)
25. Serving utensils and tools (kitchen knife, cutting board, serving spoons, tongs, etc.)
26. Clorox wipes
27. Paper goods (paper towels, napkins, plates, bowls)
28. Plastic cups, water bottles, Yeti's
29. Trash bags
30. Ziploc bags
31. Life jackets (ours stay on our boat)
32. Swim masks/goggles/snorkels
33. Floats/noodles/inflatable tubes
34. Beach toys (pails, shovels, nets)
35. Water skis, wakeboard, pullable tube
36. Fishing poles and fishing supplies
37. Fishing license
38. Boat registration
39. Book/eBook/magazines
40. Games (frisbee, beachball, football)
41. Portable charger with USB cord
42. Waterproof speaker

Now you may be thinking… Wow, that is a lot of essentials! You're right.

But like I said, I've built this list up over the years… so it's gotten a little long in the tooth. And it requires a few bags for storage, and maybe even a big trunk too.

But here's the thing: a lot of the things above are "nice to haves." You don't need 'em. They're just there to help you get the most out of your time on the lake.

So let me be honest with you. You should cut that list in half. There I said it. This is really all you need…

1. Swimsuit
2. Dry change of clothes
3. Wet bag/plastic bag for wet bathing suits
4. Sunglasses
5. Hat
6. Water shoes/sandals
7. Towels
8. Ziploc bag with ID, cash, credit card, cell phone and keys inside
9. Sunscreen
10. Emergency kit (like this one)
11. Snacks
12. Portable blender
13. Cooler with ice
14. Water
15. Life jackets (ours stay on our boat)
16. Swim masks/goggles/snorkels
17. Portable charger with USB cord

Ok, that seems way better. Way easier to manage all this gear too! Which means less stress and more fun on the water.

Well, there you have it. If you're feeling up to it… you've got your "fun under the sun" list. And if you're looking for a more relaxing time… you've got your "take it easy" list. 

If you notice though, both lists have a portable blender. Sorry, but for me… the lake aint "the lake" without some "lake day margaritas." Just drink responsibly.