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Top Boating Essentials for Maximum Fun (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Updated: Nov 22, 2025

floating mats for lake
Summer Time Fun

Lake days are sacred. The sun is shining, the water is sparkling, and your goal is simple: float, splash, snack, and repeat. But without the right boating essentials, what should be a day of laughs can turn into a series of “oh no” moments. To help, we’ve compiled the top lake toys and boating essentials that will make you the hero of your crew (and the envy of every dock on the lake).


1. Inflatable Fun for Everyone – Dogs Included!


Nothing says summer like a floating mat for the lake, water saddles, or noodles. Bonus points for including the four-legged crew: Paradise Pad inflatable dog ramps let your pups join the party safely, without any back-breaking lifts. Inflatable floating docks double as sunbathing platforms, floating games zones, or impromptu picnic spots. Whether you’re racing, lounging, or staging an epic mock pirate battle, these lake toys are the real MVPs.


Inflatable Dog Ramp
Inflatable Dog Ramp

2. Boating Cool Essentials – Keep Your Head (and Sunglasses) Cool


A cooler is mandatory unless you want to subsist on soggy sandwiches and warm soda. Fill it with ice, drinks, and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Don’t forget the sunglasses—unless you enjoy the “I can’t see the dock” game—and a proper swimsuit. We’re serious: leave the birthday suits and cutoff jeans at home unless you want to become a lake legend for all the wrong reasons (the water might be cold).

floating mat boat
Don't forget the hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

3. Soundtrack + Safety – Don’t Forget the Rules


A Bluetooth speaker keeps the jams flowing while you float on your inflatable floating dock or ride water saddles. But someone has to stay responsible: the sober driver. Keep them hydrated, keep life jackets on everyone, and make sure your boating essentials like inflatable boat fenders and tie-off ropes are ready. Because nothing ruins summer fun faster than a dented hull, a wet ego, or a floating mat gone rogue.

inflatable floating dock
Lake Okoboji, Iowa

4. Ropes, Gas, and Good Attitudes – The Secret Sauce


Secure your boat with ropes, inflatable tie up fenders, make sure the tank is full, and pack a positive attitude. Respect goes both ways: if you’re a guest, chip in for gas, drinks, or snacks. Helping out scores instant hero points and keeps the crew happy. No one likes the person who forgot the boating essentials and blamed the dog.

Inflatable Boat fender for tie ups
10'x18" inflatable fender

Bonus Tips for Lake Domination

  • Rotate the “DJ” so everyone gets a chance to annoy—or delight—the group.

  • Use inflatable floating docks and floating mats for the lake for impromptu races or games.

  • Give dogs their own VIP section with a Paradise Pad inflatable dog ramp.

  • Life jackets + smiles = maximum summer credibility.

Pack these essentials, and your lake day will be safe, hilarious, and unforgettable. From lake toys to coolers, inflatable dog ramps to floating mats for the lake, gas to good attitudes, Paradise Pad has everything you need to make lake life effortless, fun, and full of epic memories—two-legged or four-legged.

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