Summer has FINALLY entered the chat, and with that comes the pressure to accomplish everything on our summer activity list before somehow waking up and realizing it’s Labor Day weekend. Every year I tell myself I’m going to make the most of summer… and every year it flies by in the blink of an eye. 

A few things currently on my list: catch more sunsets, say yes to plans, spend less time looking at my phone, and be by the water as much as humanly possible. 

But enough about me. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re looking for a little inspiration. And if you’re a boater? Even better. The SkiSafe team has plenty of ideas.

Here are a bunch of things to add to your summer boating bucket list before LDW.

1. Tie up at a waterfront restaurant, grab a bite, order a drink, and enjoy. 
2. Spend the day at a sandbar. Pack snacks, lots of sunscreen, and prepare to stay way longer than originally planned.
3. Have a sunset dinner in a quiet cove. Because why not? 
4. Drop anchor in the middle of nowhere and do absolutely nothing. Sounds like my perfect day, and honestly? A wildly underrated use of time.
5. Watch fireworks from the water on the Fourth. Arguably one of the best seats in the house.
6. Host friends aboard. Be the captain, the DJ, and somehow also the designated snack coordinator.
7. Cruise for ice cream and find the best scoop in the area. A completely legitimate reason to burn fuel.
8. Swim somewhere you’ve never swum before. Just make sure it’s safe, pretty please. 
9. Go on a mission to find the perfect lobster roll in the cutest coastal towns. This kind of research is important.
10. Find the best place to people-watch. Boats, docks, marinas… endless entertainment.
11. Wake up early (stay with me) to catch the sunrise from the boat… then immediately go back to sleep. Balance.
12. Go clamming. Just check local regulations first.
13. Take a waterskiing lesson. You either discover a hidden talent or create a core memory.
14. Visit as many new places as your schedule allows. 
15. Go rainbow hunting after a summer downpour. Sounds magical. 
16. Keep things simple. Float with a cooler and your favorite summer playlist. Sometimes that’s the whole point.
17. Channel your inner child. Bring games aboard and commit way too hard to winning.
18. Shoot a roll of film on the boat. For cool, slightly grainy summer memories.
19. Stargaze for hours. 
20. Go somewhere only reachable by water. 
21. Try tubing again as an adult. Humbling in the best way.
22. Anchor and read an entire book. Or read three pages and take a nap.
23. Have a no-phone boat day. Risky… but worth it.
24. Catch dinner (or at least attempt to).