What Should I Bring on a Flathead Lake Sailing Trip
what to bring on a Flathead Lake sailing trip
Packing for your Flathead Lake sailing trip? This sailing checklist will help ensure you have everything you need for a perfect day out on the water.
1. Sun Protection
A bad sunburn can turn a beautiful day out on the water into complete misery. However, your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protecting from the sun. As well as adding sunscreen to the packing list for sailing, throw in sunglasses, lip balm, and a hat too.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses are an important item in keeping your eyes safe from UV rays. A hat will keep sun rays off your face but also protect your scalp from any burns. Lip balm may seem like an odd recommendation but this isn’t just a tip for looking good out on the water. Your lips can burn too! Look for lip balms that come with SPF built-in.
2. Wind Protection and Staying Warm
In the middle of summer it may seem completely unreasonable to have warm clothes as a line item on a sailing checklist. However, when the wind gets whipping— you may be surprised to find it is 10 degrees colder on the water on the sailboat. Pack a pants, long sleeved shirt and maybe a winter coat just in case.
It’s not uncommon for water to splash you while you’re on a sailboat too. You really will not get wet enough to need a change of clothes unless it is raining then bring a raincoat. Oh— and don’t forget to bring a towel and swim suit in case you want to jump in!
3. Sightseeing tools
The waters and shores of Flathead Lake are full of stunning wildlife. Those polarized sunglasses we told you to bring earlier in this sailing checklist? Those can also help you to spot fish in the water too! Additionally, a great pair of binoculars may come in handy to spot animals on the shore line. If you own fish, wildlife, or birding books— your sailing trip is a great opportunity to put them to use. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera or even just your cellphone to capture all the beautiful flora and fauna along the journey!
4. Food and drink
A cooler with beverages, mostly water, sodas, beer, champagne if you like, snacks, lunch to enjoy on the boat, towel for swimming, hat, sunscreen and clothing layers. It can be cooler on the water. Stop in either Lakeside or Polson to get your provisions, there are no stores in Dayton.
5. Items provided by Go Sail Flathead Lake
Do you feel like something is missing from this sailing checklist? You’re not wrong! Safety equipment is an important part of any sailing checklist. However, “Go Sail Flathead Lake” provides all the equipment you need to stay safe on the water during your sailing adventure. That includes items like life jackets. However, if you own your own life jacket, you are more than welcome to bring it along.
Have questions about other items you’re thinking of bringing on your sailing trip? Check the FAQ page for all your questions and more. We’d be happy to help you refine your personal sailing checklist!