Finally, it’s lake season in Northwest Arkansas once again! Everyone’s cleaning their kayaks, inflating their floaties and bringing back the Chacos (okay, let’s be real — they never went anywhere). There’s not much that can compare to the feeling of planning a lake trip with your ride-or-die squad. Just the drive up to your cabin for the weekend feels like a grand adventure with infinite possibilities on the horizon. The warmth of the sun, the motion of the water, the sound of the motor, the sting of the wind — everything is just as inviting as it was last year and the year before that. When you’re packing up your Subaru, remember to keep these must-have lake essentials on the list.
Dress to De-stress
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to pack clothing for any trip, especially when you can’t tell the future and the weather’s unpredictable (Arkansas, amirite?). We can help! For the lake, there are a few items you should take just to have your bases covered. First of all, don’t just assume that you’ll want to wear a tank top and shorts the whole time. Even in the summer, lake temperatures can drop pretty significantly when the sun goes down. Bring clothes that are suitable for both warm and cool weather. It’s always good to pack a variety of shoes, too — some for hiking, some for boating, some for — oh nevermind, just take your chacos. There’s nothing they can’t do. Of course, don’t forget your swimsuits, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, and whatever else you need to keep you protected from the sun while you’re on the water.
Sun Shield
You need more than just hats and sunnies to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free. Don’t forget about those pesky UV rays! When you’re shopping for supplies, grab a sunscreen with a high SPF. Make sure you re-apply regularly, too. Don’t worry, though — you’ll still get that tan even if you’re wearing it consistently. Ditching the sunscreen is never a good idea, and the possibility of a killer tan is so not worth the promise of a killer sunburn.
Keep it Cool
Let’s put it this way. If you’re heading to the beach or out on the boat for the day and you failed to bring a cooler filled with ice and beverages, you’re making a huge mistake. Abort mission! Really though, this one is pretty important. You will definitely want to have water bottles on-hand when the sun is beating down on you and the waves have given you a good lashing. Feel free to pack some sodas and a few of your favorite craft beers, too. Whatever you do, just don’t skimp on the water!
Munchie Madness
If you’re planning to be outside away from your home base for most of the day (or just a good portion of it), you’re probably going to get hungry. And even if you don’t, someone in your group is bound to. Even if you’re not diving into the more intense water sports or spending a lot of time on the trail, just being out in the sun can really take a toll on you. If you don’t have some grabbable munchies, your energy could be depleted before lunch. The hunger can hit you suddenly, and and it’s not always easy to get to a place that has food when it does. Pack something salty and something nutrient-dense, like peanut butter.
Swim Therapy
One of the oldest and most celebrated lake traditions is to drive your boat (or boats, if your group is big enough) out to the perfect swim spot and let everyone set up camp in the water like a floating social club. In order to correctly execute this level 1 lake hack, you need to have your noodles, rafts, life jackets and inner tubes ready — really just anything that will keep you comfortably above water. Major props if you bring a floating pet palace, too. Oh, and if you don’t want to get stopped by the lake police, make sure you have at least one lifejacket on board for each person.
Wild in the Water
If you think you’ll want to do anything a little more involved, make sure you load up everything you need to get active. Bring the water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes, fishing gear, and all the parts and attachments for those things, like ropes and air pumps. If you’re planning to pull up to an island shore and do some exploring, include a prepared hiking pack with a little first aid kit and some non-water-related essentials as well.
Stars of the Show
Oh yeah, we’re talking about the good stuff. The big kid toys, if you will. What would your lake weekend be without the kayak or canoes? Are you a master of the jet ski? You can’t do right by your crew without the crowd favorites! Of course, you have to have a vehicle fit for hauling it. Lucky for you, there are a number of Subaru attachments available to make loading and transporting all your toys so much easier. Check out some of our favorite Subie accessories for lake season:
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Kayak Carriers- Through our Subaru Accessories Catalog, you can find kayak carriers by both Thule and Yamika. You won’t have to worry about the security of your kayak with one of these!
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Paddle Board Carrier- If you prefer paddling over rowing or motoring across the lake, you can get a Subaru certified paddle board carrier for your roof. Check it out on the accessories catalog!
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Ski Carrier- This Subie accessory can be used for different things in different seasons! In the summer, it’s great for attaching your water skis. In the winter, you can use it for your snow skis or snowboard!
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Trailer Hitch- When it comes to the different types of lake gear you can haul, the limit does not exist. If you can’t find a specific attachment for your favorite water sport, consider getting a trailer hitch, or one of our many other subaru accessories.
We hope this list proves to be helpful as you’re prepping for a season full of lake fun with your people (and fur-people)! Now, it’s time to go catch some rays and ride those waves through the summer. Did we miss any lake essentials you would include on your list? Let us know! If you need a vehicle that’s capable of hauling all your gear, we would love to help you find the perfect Subie here at Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville. Stop by and see us, or fill out our contact form here.
