lake inflatables Archives

Top Lake Floats for 2022

Posted on June 3, 2022January 22, 2024 Camille Smith

Summer is finally here! If you’re like us, you’ve been waiting for this season all year round. The barbeques, summer sun, and long afternoons on the water capture the epitome of the lake lifestyle. Whether you’re lounging at the pool or relaxing by the dock, there’s nothing like a fun float to get you in the summer mindset. Just like we did in 2020 and 2021, now we’re covering the top lake floats of 2022.

The Loon

You’re probably used to seeing birds on the lake. But what about an inflatable one? This Loon adult swimming float is a charming 1-2 seater inflatable from the FLOAT-EH brand. Composed of thick and durable phthalate-free vinyl, this float is estimated to be 30-40% stronger than the average float. With this float, you’ll be making friends with the local wildlife in no time!

The Golf Cart

Last year, we wrote about this adorable inflatable golf cart from Funboy. However, this year, the company has a new twist on their classic product: a Malibu Barbie theme. It features a bright pink and white aesthetic with daisies as wheels. Additionally, the fringe-lined removable mesh shade adds to the fun look.

The Butterfly

Spread your wings and fly! This butterfly-shaped float from FunBoy is ready for you within just three minutes of using a standard air pump. The material is 100% vinyl which allows for both comfort and fade resistance. The wave-like design featuring multiple shades of blue from turquoise to dark blue is perfect for the lake.

The Fruit

Which is your favorite summer fruit — lime, lemon, or watermelon? The Big Joe Fruit Slice Float, available from Macy’s, offers these three different fruit-shaped selections for your relaxing afternoon on the lake. As for the material, don’t let the upholstery deceive you. It’s waterproof, complete with a bean filling for maximum comfort. As a one-person float, this one’s perfect for me-time on the water.

The Chair

We all have a favorite lazy chair in our lake house. But what if you could bring the comfort of your leather armchair to the lake? Introducing the lazy day pool chair. Made from double-sided mesh fabric, it’s designed for maximum relaxation. Plus, the armrests and back curvature create more body support. This way, you can comfortably read a book on the water.

The Disco

Every day at the lake is a party. But now, you can turn up the fun with this disco dome from Funboy. It’s easy to blow up, and can easily seat a small group of friends for a sunny afternoon on the lake. The circular mesh center keeps your feet cool while you enjoy the summer heat. The disco ball, sold separately, adds a certain pizazz as a finishing touch on this float.

The Moose

We’re ending our recommendations in the same place where we started — a wildlife-themed float! This time, it’s a moose. This moose-shaped inflatable from FLOAT-EH is a one-of-a-kind float crafted with attention to detail. Like the loon, its strong vinyl material makes it considerably stronger than your average float. With this unique product, Maine won’t be the only state with a designated Moosehead Lake.

With these top floats for 2022, you’ll be all set for the summer!

Lake Life in the Slow Lane: Non-Motorized Watercrafts

Posted on May 13, 2022May 16, 2022 Camille Smith

In 2021, most boats that you’ll see on the lake are motorized. The typical propulsion system for boats, outbound motors are a self-contained unit affixed to the back of the boat which contains an engine, gearbox, and propeller. Essentially, these contraptions take fuel and convert it to power so your boat moves forward. Some motors are inbound rather than outbound, meaning that the engine is inside the boat’s hull.

While motors are a useful, modern invention for boats, they aren’t always necessary. In fact, there are several joys and benefits of forgoing the motor for paddles, oars, and other manual propellers. If you love being on the water, but you enjoy a slower pace of lake living, one of these non-motorized watercrafts might be perfect for you.

Sailboat

The technology of sailboats is as old as recorded history. Our earliest record of sailboats is from Ancient Egypt when the Nile River and the Mediterranean were used as popular trade routes among various lands. Without the technology of a motor, sailboats simply use the natural wind to propel the boat forward. Because wind is unpredictable, any seasoned sailor knows how to adjust the sails to the wind — a concept that lends itself metaphorically to life. Although the terminology can be complicated, once you learn the tricks of the trade, it’s worth it.

Canoe

Similar to the sailboat, the canoe’s history dates back thousands of years. Rather than being specific to one country and culture, canoes were likely ubiquitous across the world and instrumental in trade, war, and personal transportation. The English word comes from a Caribbean word meaning “dugout.” This name appropriately reflects the practice of constructing a boat from a tree and carving a hollowed space for sitting. Instead of a motor, typically, canoers use paddles to propel the boat forward. In a two-person canoe, the front paddler controls the speed and power while the back paddler controls the direction.

Kayak

Unlike canoes that have an unspecified origin, kayaks likely originated in northern parts of the world such as present-day Greenland, Siberia, and North America. Meaning “small boat of skins” in the Greenland Eskimo language, these non-motorized watercrafts were first used by Inuit and Aleut people for travel and trading. While these first kayaks were created out of bone, wood, and animal skin, today’s kayaks are mostly made from long-lasting polyethylene plastics. Because kayaks are usually operated by one person, the kayaker will use a double-sided paddle to propel the small boat forward.

Standup Paddleboards

Photo by Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

Most personal watercrafts involve sitting in, not on the watercraft. Not so with SUPs. An acronym for “stand up paddleboard,” SUPs have roots in surfing. The modern sport originated in Waikiki, Hawaii in the 1940s by John Ah Choy, a surfer who as he aged, wasn’t able to get up and down from his surfboard like he could in his younger days. For aid, he used a canoe paddle to catch waves. Eventually, the style gained popularity among other surfers. Usually made of fiberglass and resin, these boards are a sturdy non-motorized watercraft that’s perfect for fishing, yoga, and other lake recreation.

Banana Boats

We’re not talking about the brand of sunscreen or the delicious banana s’more dessert. Like other lake floats, banana boats are a purely recreational type of non-motorized watercraft. Shaped like a banana, these inflatables come without any type of motor system and can sometimes be tugged behind a motorized boat. Typically, they seat up to 10 people — perfect for a fun-loving group of guests at your lake house.

Whether you choose a motorized or non-motorized personal watercraft, we hope you keep enjoying the lake in whatever way suits your lifestyle!

Top Floats for 2021

Posted on July 17, 2021August 11, 2021 Camille Smith

It’s summertime at the lake! During this season, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a float, drifting the day away. Whether you choose a simple raft or a luxurious eight-person inflatable, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy an afternoon on the water. As a lake homeowner, it’s likely you already have a storage shed full of lake toys from 2020 and earlier years. But if you and your family are in the market for some new floats this season, you’re in luck. Today, we’re reviewing some of the top floats for 2021.

Bestway Tropical Breeze III

Looking for an all-inclusive float that the whole family or friend group will love? The Bestway Tropical Breeze III is perfect. There’s plenty of seating for everyone with multiple features such as two detachable rafts, a canopy, and a mesh interior. As a whole, this top float can hold eight people, and it’s complete with six cup holders. If you’re trying to stay close to the dock, it also includes attached ropes for anchoring.

WOW Watersports Floating Island

With this circular inflatable, you and your crew can spend all day chatting on the lake. The WOW Watersports Floating Island can hold up to 10 people on its party-size 12-foot-long surface. Made of heavy-duty PVC plastic, this lake float is meant to last. It also comes with eight cup holders, so there’s plenty of room for beverages. In the center, there’s a mesh area for anyone who wants to be immersed in water while still enjoying the raft.

WOW Parthenon Spa Island

With this top float, you can bring the magic of Ancient Greece to your lake house. But this fun theme is only part of the reason why the Wow Parthenon Spa Island is a great option. Made of PVC plastic, this eight-person float is extremely durable. But its most defining feature is being fully shaded, making this float perfect for a hot day. After all, how else did the ancient Greeks make it through the Mediterranean heat? Also, keep in mind that an electric pump is sold separately to inflate and deflate it.

Funboy Golf Cart Float

Many of us lake-dwellers are fans of golf. But with the Funboy Golf Cart float, you can bring a golf cart directly to the water. In addition to being a fun, two-person float, this inflatable doubles as a convertible with a fringe roof that’s removable. This way, you have the option of basking in the sun or keeping it shady. Additionally, the brand Funboy is donating 20% of all product proceeds to Feeding America, a nonprofit promoting hunger relief in the U.S.

Aqua Beach Wave Floating Party Mat

Although this top float is more on the expensive side, the Aqua Beach Wave Floating Party Mat is undoubtedly worth it. The design looks simple — essentially a massive floating mat — but it’s actually very durable with impressive features. It’s made of cross-linked foam, which will keep this mat both afloat and intact. It also has four cup holders for a small group and hook straps so you don’t float too far from the dock.

Retro Phone Lounger Float

Hello? The lake is calling! If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive float for one person, look no further than this product from Funboy. This candy-colored retro phone lounger float is cute, simple, and perfect for the lake. Made from 100% PVC vinyl, it’s easy to maintain, wipe, and clean. Plus, its small size makes it easy to transport from the pool to the lake and back.

From our lake house to yours, we hope you enjoy your summer lounging on these top floats!