Especially when you’re living at the lake, the summer heat is no joke. When you’re out all day hiking, swimming, and boating, it can be easy to get overheated. This is because, in hot weather, we tend to lose our body fluids through sweat. So, in addition to staying hydrated by carrying portable water bottles around, you can also invest in some gadgets that help keep you cool this summer. From spinning fans to cooling towels, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 5 recommendations.
If you ever went to sleep-away camp as a kid, this portable mini fan will bring back some nostalgia. These gadgets are practically emblematic of summer, and guess what? They never go out of style. Small and practical, these contraptions fit conveniently into bags and pockets. This way, it’s easy to take with you on outdoor excursions. Also, since it can usually run for up to 12-24 hours on a few AA batteries, it’s perfect for camping trips where you’ll need to stay cool for more extended periods of time.
Of course, water bottles are a timeless necessity for the summer. But what about keeping your face cool, in addition to your body? This water bottle from O2 Cool is equipped with a double feature — hydration and misting in one. Its medium size fits in most bicycle cages, and the carry loop provides easy transport so that you can bring it on many outdoor adventures. And the best part? It’s less than $10, so it’s very affordable for all lake lovers!
We’ve all been there. Getting out of the lake on a hot day, only to wrap yourself in an even hotter towel. So, when it comes to cooling gadgets at the lake, the cooling towel is essential. These towels are here to give you instant relief on hot days. Lightweight and eco-friendly, this towel is activated by soaking it in cold water, wringing it out, and packing it in the ziplock container. This way, the cold temperature of the towel is contained whenever you need it. It can even be used as a headband or bandana!
Sometimes, the heat exhaustion is extreme, and you need a solution that’s as cold as ice. Enter the ice roller. Keep this gadget in your freezer until you need it, and then simply roll it along your skin. This gadget is handy for cooling down sunburns, especially when the aloe vera alone isn’t enough. But, of course, the ice roller has other benefits, such as revitalizing skin and relieving fatigue, which we need all year round!
Thankfully, nights at the lake tend to be much cooler than sunny days. However, it can still be nice to keep your head cool in the evenings. For this reason, an ultra-cool pillow is a great choice. This pillow’s technology absorbs excess heat to keep your body temperature regulated. Although this product is on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth it for those who get overheated at night during the summer!
While these are just a few examples, there’s plenty of gadgets for staying cool this summer that are on the market right now. Whatever you choose, please remember to use sun protection, drink plenty of water, and regulate your body temperature.
As lake lovers, we all embrace the beauty of nature and the essential need to preserve our environment. And these days, going green—even in small steps—is easier than you might think. As designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer explains, “Eco-friendly home décor and construction is like switching to organic foods—you can start with a few sensible choices and expand from there. Even small changes at home can make an important difference in your indoor air quality and the health of the planet.”
An interior designer based in Chicago—and an avid lake lover and lake homeowner—Michelle is a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and a certified GREENleader. In one of her talks at an event series she calls “50 Shades of Green,” co-hosted by Orren Pickell Building Group, Michelle shared her ideas for eco-friendly design options along with a display of sustainable fabrics, woods, and cork flooring. Here is a summary of her top tips.
We all know that forests are vital to our existence on the planet. Trees generate oxygen, breathe in carbon dioxide, and help regulate the global climate by absorbing fossil-fuel emissions. Forests also provide a natural habitat for animals and plants, and millions of people depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. So, doesn’t it make sense to use sustainably harvested woods, reclaimed woods, and other recycled materials in our home furnishings? Yes, absolutely.
Michelle recommends Red Grandis eucalyptus wood for flooring and cabinets—a high-quality, kiln-dried wood that’s both strong and durable. “It has beautiful grain and a smooth finish that requires minimal maintenance,” she says. “I love all of that, but the minimal maintenance is even more important at a lake home,” she adds.
This species is a fast-growing sustainable wood with a long, straight grain that yields one of the strongest and most stable hardwood building materials—as durable as teak and 10 to 20 percent denser. “Red Grandis also has a high oil content that repels water and moisture,” says the designer. “What could be better for a lake home? I like it so much I also put it throughout the first floor of my primary home in suburban Chicago.”
Another one of Michelle’s favorites is reclaimed French farm-house oak. Beautifully rustic, it brings a casual, organic elegance along with a lived-in feel and a sense of history. “Pair it with modern cabinetry and furniture for an industrial-modern look that is casual, warm, and inviting. My supplier harvests the boards from a variety of homes that date back for generations, resulting in rich variations of color and markings,” she adds.
Teak is also a great choice because it’s sustainably raised on plantations, conserving our valuable forests, and providing jobs. “Because of its high oil and rubber content, teak is naturally weather-resistant,” says Michelle. “And because it is slow-growing, it is very durable. I love it because the organic look is perfect for outdoors at the lake.” Click here for more on eco-friendly wood furnishings.
Who would have thought that the material most associated with wine bottles also makes a fantastic sustainable flooring? Surprise! Harvested from the bark of the cork oak, this highly resilient resource is also naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal.
“Cork is very durable, too,” says Michelle. “Your floor can last over 50 years. It resists dents, absorbs sound, and feels warm underfoot because of its high insulation value. My go-to vendor for this sustainable, renewable resource is Duro-Design. Their product has a water-based finish with minimal off-gassing. It is resistant to abrasion and only needs routine damp mopping with water,” she sums.
Michelle recently chose a sustainable indoor-outdoor rug from The Delos Company for a client’s covered porch that would be perfect in your lake home family room—it’s incredibly plush and soft on your feet. The rug is woven from fibers made of recycled water bottles.
“It’s good for the planet, and it provides a naturally durable, stain-resistant carpet that is stylish and holds its color,” says the designer. “These rugs are pet-friendly, too, which is great because my kids always bring my ‘granddogs’ up to our lake home. They schlep in and out of the house with sandy, wet paws—but I just can’t say no to my kids,” she laughs.
Wool rugs are also a win-win for your home. Made with sheep’s wool—a natural, renewable resource— they are durable, easy to clean, and biodegradable.
Eco-friendly countertops? “I’m not kidding,” laughs Michelle. “Manufacturers are recycling everything— from glass and waste-stone from quarries, to paper and post-industrial scrap—and transforming those materials into fabulous countertops you can feel good about.” Click here for more ideas.
“Sustainable indoor-outdoor fabrics and fibers are a perfect choice for lake homes. Remember how these fabrics used to be rough and stiff? The newest indoor-outdoor materials have a wonderfully soft, supple feel.
“Durability is a top priority,” says Michelle. “Like so many people, we enjoy sharing our lake home with family and friends. It’s crazy fun with everybody and their dog going in and out of the house all day and into the evening, from our beach and the lake. But that translates into more wear and tear,” she adds.
Michelle’s current favorite is Kravet’s first-ever line of indoor-outdoor fabrics. They are 100 percent recyclable, and the company uses almost no water to produce them. You won’t believe these are indoor-outdoor fabrics—they feel so luxurious. The designer recommends them for upholstery in the family room and kitchen, and they are excellent for Roman shades, too, even in the laundry room.
“I believe you can have beautiful furnishings that are also durable, luxurious, and sustainable,” says Michelle. “Lake homes are ideal for these furnishings. After all, people who live on the lake—like me—love the outdoors and want to protect it. I think of eco-friendly furnishings as a life insurance policy for the future.”
Whether you prefer a tiny lakeside cabin tucked far away from it all, or an expansive modern-style haven with a sweeping wall of windows that captures your stunning shoreline view, lake homes across the country are as unique as the dwellers within. But no matter where you live, a lake residence offers this in common—a peaceful sense of sanctuary, a place to unwind and connect with nature, and a place to enjoy family and friends.
If you’ve ever traveled across the country, you can’t help but notice certain architectural styles that reflect the area’s overall aesthetic and climate conditions. Like regional cuisine, lake homes embody the quaint characteristics of their location and reveal a charming sense of place. Today, we turn our focus to the South/Southeastern region of the country as we take a guided tour of some of the most notable architectural styles and how they came to be.
Originating along the coast of South Carolina—a region known as the Lowcountry—this beloved Southern style radiates an air of refined simplicity and elegance. Developed in the 1700s, Lowcountry-style architecture was intentionally designed to invite natural airflow and ventilation for residents of this subtropical climate. A regional favorite deeply rooted in tradition and Southern hospitality, Lowcountry style exudes comfort and practicality with its spacious open-concept rooms, shady verandas, and breezy screened porches.
Other features quintessential to Lowcountry design—and well-suited for warmer lake climates—include high ceilings, shutters, and double-hung windows with top openings to allow hot air out and bottom openings to let in cool evening breezes. Transoms help create more ventilation and natural light, and durable metal roofing reflects the hot sun and protects against harsh winds and tropical rain.
Colonial plantation-style homes typically feature stately columns and an expansive porch with a balcony above it. Like traditional colonial-style homes, these symmetrical structures include regal front entries usually accented with pediments, a quaint balance of windows with shutters, and clapboard or brick siding. Built initially on cotton plantations, these exquisite homes also embody characteristics of French colonial style.
This modern take on the iconic Southern style still honors the symmetrical attributes associated with the plantation home aesthetic. Built for warm and humid climates, these homes boast tall ceilings, grand central entryways, elegant stairways, and spacious rooms where the air can flow freely. The timeless appeal of this traditional Southern style makes it perfect for families who appreciate gracious lakeside living.
An all-time favorite, cottage style has a wonderfully relaxed and inviting appeal that makes it ideal for lake home retreats. Colorful and comfortable, the look is often characterized by airy porches that connect visually to the great outdoors. Worn and weathered finishes, charming beadboard walls, a delightful texture mix of wicker and natural-fiber rugs, and a lovely color palette inspired by nature create an unmistakable sense of warmth that speaks of home.
Rustic surfaces show their rich patinas and the imperfections of age while combining effortlessly with the sheen of modern appliances and quartz countertops. This no-fuss look emulates the easy-living mindset of those who embrace the lake life. Kids, dogs, wet bathing suits, and bare feet are always welcome here.
The ease and practicality of coastal style make it a beloved favorite for many Southern lake home dwellers. Often referred to as beach style—no matter if you reside on a lake or a coast—this style incorporates high ceilings and large windows to invite breezes throughout the home while forcing the heat to rise far above the living spaces. In addition, expansive covered porches, verandas, and other exterior spaces extend the living areas outside—the place to be when you’re relaxing at the lake.
Some coastal-style homes are raised to help prevent flood damage that comes with tropical storms and driving rains. Durable roofing and siding, shutters, and impact-resistant windows also protect against high winds and heavy rainfall.
Interiors bathed in shades of white, vibrant accent colors, and plenty of comfy slip-covered seating create a casual coastal vibe like no other. This style is all about connecting with the outdoors and enjoying water views from nearly every vantage point.
But no matter your architectural tastes, a sense of charm, comfort, and hospitality are the common threads intrinsic to Southern style. Within the walls of the Southern home, there is a palpable feeling of warmth, welcome, and timelessness that celebrates the beauty of gracious living. For this stunning waterfront property on Georgia’s Lake Oconee, award-winning Atlanta interior designer Melanie Turner put her talents to work to transform what was once a bachelor pad into a cozy retreat for the homeowner and his new bride.
“The house was bought and owned by a bachelor, and the design had changed multiple times over the years,” says Melanie. “Once he married, his gift to his new wife was to renovate and redesign the house to fit their new lifestyle.”
The couple found they never really used the living room, so they decided to move the pool table out there to capture the beautiful lake view and add four comfy slip-covered chairs for drinks and socializing.
Melanie divided the family room into two sections. In front of the fireplace, she incorporated big “man chairs” for watching TV. “For a surprise feature, I incorporated dog beds into the bases of a pair of console tables flanking the fireplace,” says the designer.
Here, Melanie added a sofa facing the kitchen to keep the chef company. “The overall color palette was based on the lake setting itself—rich greens, weathered and rustic textures, and soft neutral-hued linens,” she says. “The homeowners are big dog lovers, so we added a playful composition of dog portraits for a personal touch,” she sums.
There’s nothing like having a breezy screened-in porch at the lake. The soft upholstered seating makes it feel like an outdoor living room. “We used monochromatic, calming colors throughout to infuse the interiors with the surrounding colors of nature,” says Melanie. “This place has an easy lake lifestyle feel to it, so our plan for this house was to bring life into the spaces without making them too formal.”
Summer is finally here! It’s time to open the boat dock closet and dust off all your favorite lake toys for swimming. Whether it’s an inflatable dart board or a massive float in the shape of a flamingo, these toys add an extra fun element to the summer lake experience. But of course — let’s not leave the pets behind! Your animals are ready to enjoy the season just as much as you are. If you’re looking for the best lake toys for dogs at your lake house, check out these recommendations!
Although pups are famous for enjoying lake water, why should they doggy paddle if they don’t have to? This bright orange, bone shaped float is perfect for any medium-sized dog. It’s built to resist odors and mildew — plus the vibrant color is great for lake safety.
If your dog loves playing fetch indoors, they’ll love playing in the lake too! That’s exactly what these floating squeaky toys are for. With any dog toy, you’ll want to make sure it’s hardy enough for their teeth. As such, most brands such as this one from Calling All Dogs make them to be durable to withstand dogs biting down on them.
For the pup who enjoys chasing frisbees more than balls, this Ruffwear Hover Craft is for you. Essentially a floating frisbee, this toy is perfect for the open water, where you can throw it as far and wide as you’d like. Since it can be used on land or water, it’s also a versatile toy!
Oh no, there’s a shark in the water! Actually, it’s just the amphibious shark fin toy. This fun, floating toy from Chuck It always sits upright in the water, resembling a fish fin. The bright green and orange colors make it especially visible in water, so your dog can go “hunting” any time of day.
Another one for the dogs trying to reel in the catch of the day! Made from non-toxic materials and recycled rubber, these fake fish are cleared for your pet’s safety on the lake or in a pool. They come in a pack of multiple, brightly colored fish — perfect for a full day of staying active at the lake!
This portable, durable float from Swimways is perfect for your pet to relax on the lake. Although it’s specifically designed for small dogs, it can hold up to 65 pounds. A major plus, the fabric is paw-and-claw friendly so it won’t get destroyed by your pup after just one day of summer fun.
Does your dog love chasing squirrels, and you’re always pulling them away? Then your pet will absolutely love this chewable flying squirrel. Since it floats, this lake toy can be used in the water or in your backyard. Complete with glow-in-the-dark corners, you can play fetch on cool summer evenings!
We hope you and your pampered pooch enjoy the lake this summer!
After a long winter of cozying up inside by the fire, spring is here, and that means it’s time to get OUTSIDE! According to the Outdoor Industry Association, heading out into the fresh air is the best way to de-stress during these challenging times. As health officials have strongly discouraged traveling to recreation spots during the pandemic, they do recommend engaging in outdoor activities close to home—especially with family members in our own backyards. The rewards to our physical and mental health are reason enough to get out there, as many studies suggest that outdoor exercise is directly associated with increased energy, feelings of revitalization, and positive engagement.
When the weather warms up in your neck of the woods, consider adding some of these socially distanced lawn games to your must-do list. These fun games can bring an element of excitement, teamwork, and friendly competition to your outdoor get-togethers and help create new memories. Just remember to be safe and have hand sanitizer ready to clean any shared play equipment.
Croquet is an Old-World sport that began hundreds of years ago. Back in the day, the six-wicket international game was typically played in a formal manner—wearing crisp and starched all-white apparel—while adhering to a decidedly rigid set of rules. Today, the nine-wicket American version is far more relaxed, all-inclusive, and can be played on any lawn anywhere. Freshly mowed grass is still preferable and creates an even, level surface for the balls to roll smoothly. To “croquet” means to ruthlessly smack your opponent’s ball far away—a HUGE part of the fun indeed.
For a deeper dive into croquet and all its forms, visit the United States Croquet Association. If you’re looking for a great croquet set for your lake home lawn, check out these Amazon best sellers.
Preferably played outdoors with a glass of wine in hand—so sayeth the Italians—the beautiful game of bocce has a captivating and complex history. Also known as Italian lawn bowling, it is the third most-played sport in the world and one of the oldest yard games known. According to the United States Bocce Federation, Roman soldiers played Bocce to unwind between confrontations with the Carthaginians. Some believe this ancient version of the game involved throwing big rocks at a smaller rock, and now, 2,000 years later, our modern-day adaptation basically adheres to the same concept.
Over the last few years, everyone from Gen-Xers to baby boomers to winery owners has caught up with the Romans, claims Bocce Builders of America. And why not? This is an outdoor sport that anyone can enjoy, especially at the lake. It’s the perfect activity for safe social distancing while capturing the spirit of joyful comradery we’ve all been craving during the pandemic.
Regulation bocce courts are 91 feet by 13 feet, but the dimensions of home courts can be whatever fits into your backyard. Variations are acceptable provided foul lines for throwing, mid-court lines for first throw of the pallino (the smaller target ball), and inbound markers are clearly established.
Badminton or volleyball, anyone? There’s a reason why both kids and adults love these engaging net games you can quickly set up on the lawn at the lake. You can play either one of these team sports out in the fresh air with safe social distancing yet still feel like you’re part of a competitive group.
For an instant, easy-to-assemble fun, check out the Beyond Outdoors Standard Volleyball/Badminton Set that includes a net, stakes, four badminton racquets, two shuttlecocks, a volleyball, and an air pump.
This all-weather set of giant dice is just the thing to shake things up on the lawn at your lake house. Made of sustainably sourced kiln-dried New Zealand pine, this literal bucket of fun includes 20+ dice games—Yardzee (Yahtzee), Farkle, Bunco, Pig, and more—plus five dry-erase laminated and reusable scorecards, and a handy lidded bucket for easy storage. Jumbo dice are 150x regular dice size with deeply carved dots and rounded edges for safety and comfort. The game creators at Splinter Woodworking Co.—now known as SWOOC Games—partner with Trees for the Future and will plant a tree for every order. Check out their Giant Tower Game and other awesome lawn games, all made with eco-friendly materials.
Whether it’s a traditional game of horseshoes or a lively party game like Kan Jam, get outside and get your game on!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
During the summertime at the lake, you’re likely spending tons of time outdoors. Whether you’re going boating or hitting the trails, it’s necessary to stay hydrated in the summer heat. However, for those of us living the lake lifestyle, we need hearty water bottles. Not any plastic contraption will do. To help you choose the best water bottle this summer, we’ve compiled reviews of some top choices. Check out these summer water bottles to try this year.
The hydro flask water bottle is often lauded as one of the most popular water bottles in recent years. It’s easy to understand why. The 18/8 stainless steel material provides double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages hot for up to 12 hours. They’re also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean this water bottle along with the rest of your dishes. By buying a hydro flask water bottle, you’re also doing the earth a favor! This brand supports several non-profit organizations that help maintain public parks.
One of the most annoying things about most water bottles is that they’re a hotbed for bacteria growth. Although these bacteria are not typically harmful to humans, they’re undoubtedly obnoxious. With the LARQ self-cleaning water bottle, you don’t have to worry! Using an LED light that switches on inside the cap, this water bottle purifies up to 99.9% of the bacteria inside. However, please note that this water bottle doesn’t clean microplastics, chlorine, or metals, so be sure to use clean water.
Made of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel with a fun silhouette, the Swell water bottles are as effective as they are sleek. Like the hydro flask, the Swell’s triple-layer vacuum insulated frame will keep cold drinks cool for up to 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12. With the Swell, you also get the added aesthetic benefit. This brand is known for its stylish designs ranging from watercolor to granite to faux wood. When cleaning this product, remember that it’s hand wash only!
Also made of 18/8 stainless steel, the Yeti Rambler is a practical choice for any outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, or boating. The handle and screw lid makes it easy to transport to any of your lakeside adventures. The straightforward design is perfect for anyone who wants a durable, no-nonsense water bottle. The only downside of the Yeti is that it’s a bit heavier than these other options. However, if a few extra grams of weight doesn’t scare you away, the Yeti might be your water bottle of choice!
If a traditional water bottle is not your cup of tea, the Platypus might be perfect for you. This foldable water bottle allows you to easily store it in a backpack or purse once you’re done drinking from it. You can also clip it to a carabiner. Plus, it’s inexpensive, so you can buy several for yourself and your family for quick outings. Although it doesn’t retain heat or cold like the other products on this list, its collapsible feature makes it more portable and flexible than other choices on the market. Although it’s made of plastic, the mechanics behind this product keep your water tasting fresh.
No matter which reusable water bottle you choose, we hope you enjoy your active summer at the lake!
Are you someone who enjoys yoga on the boat dock? If you’re feeling like taking on a new lake hobby, consider SUP yoga. An acronym for Stand Up Paddleboard yoga, this activity refers to standing up on a paddleboard in a body of water. Typically, this sport is practiced in calmer bodies of water such as lakes or harbors. SUP yoga has become a trending activity in recent years, embraced both by yogis and paddleboarders alike. Today, we’re going to be answering some common questions about SUP yoga on the lake.
Essentially, SUP yoga involves doing the same types of yoga positions that you would in a traditional yoga class and applying them to a paddleboard surface on the water. In yoga, finding balance is a key component of the practice. And what better place to challenge your stability than standing on a paddleboard?
However, the physical component is only a surface-level part of this activity. The origins of SUP yoga come from yoga itself, a 5,000-year-old practice from Northern India, with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. At its core, yoga is less about challenging your body and more about the mind-body connection. Therefore, when doing SUP yoga, it’s helpful to consider what a pose may be teaching you or even settle into the experience of quietly breathing.
As you might expect, SUP yoga is considerably more challenging than yoga on land. You’re always grounded on a solid surface on land, whereas with SUP, you have to adjust your movements to the wind and water currents. Plus, your surface (a paddleboard) is more restricted than it would be on land. These extra challenges require a more intense sense of balance.
First and foremost, you’ll need a paddleboard. While there are a few different options you can choose from, a stable inflatable platform is generally recommended. This is because the thickness of the board affects its stability. You’ll also need a leash and personal flotation device (PFD) for your safety. When doing SUP yoga, it’s also important to wear proper attire. Clothes that are both stretchy and water-resistant are ideal. Bathing suits with a rashguard will usually do the trick!
One of the most apparent benefits of SUP yoga is the joy of being outdoors. Doing yoga on the water is a unique experience that will allow you to connect with nature. In addition, the mental health benefits of being outdoors, especially near a body of water, are well-documented. With SUP yoga, you’ll get these stress-relieving benefits. Additionally, from a physical standpoint, SUP yoga practice will help you build muscles that on-land yoga won’t. It’s a full-body workout that increases your flexibility and strengthens your muscles.
Probably the best way to get started with SUP yoga is by taking a class. If you Google search for “SUP yoga classes {insert name of your town or city}” you’re bound to come up with results. If you choose to start out on your own, the following poses are suitable for beginners: downward-facing dog, chair pose, warrior 2, boat pose, and savasana. You can also check out several YouTube videos detailing how to do these poses on your paddleboard.
If you’re looking to jump on board the trend of SUP yoga (no pun intended), we hope this information helps! And most of all, we hope you enjoy your time on the lake this summer.
Summer is just around the corner and if you’re a lake homeowner, that means you’re probably gearing up to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or soaking up the sun, you’ll most likely encounter a host of creepy-crawly creatures and other flying insects that weren’t invited to the party. We all know the usual suspects—from mosquitos to mayflies—so we talked to pest control expert Wesley Wheeler, founder, and owner of Bug Lord, who helped us compile a list of some of the most common lake pests and ways to control them.
Mosquitoes go hand-in-hand with lake life because they breed in shallow pools of water, which are quite common around most lakes. They’re also attracted to standing water, yard debris, and clogged gutters and drains. While mosquitoes are a menace in every U.S. state, Minnesota has such an impressive population that they’ve been not so endearingly named the unofficial state bird. Having a very flat topography as well, the land of 10,000 lakes delivers ideal conditions for spawning hordes of mosquitoes that are difficult to treat.
“Mosquitoes can travel miles from their breeding grounds, so it’s not always possible to treat your own property and take out the population,” says Wheeler. “Instead, using mosquito repellents with an active ingredient of DEET (chemical name, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or oil of lemon eucalyptus are proven to be effective,” he adds. There are many natural options for controlling mosquitos with ingredients such as rosemary oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil, and even garlic that are more eco-friendly and much safer to use than chemical pesticides. Severe mosquito problems might require more potent chemical intervention. Check out this list of natural and chemical yard sprays for the best options as well as other pesticide-free strategies for mosquito control.
Lake homes are all about enjoying the great outdoors, but when your lush green lawn turns into a barren wasteland, you have a real eyesore on your hands. If you live on the Gulf Coast, Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina, there’s a good chance you have St. Augustine grass, which is susceptible to chinch bug infestations.
Chinch bugs will suck the moisture out of your grass and replace it with poison that kills it. These bugs are very tiny and hard to see unless you’re down on your hands and knees inspecting the grass. A chinch bug infestation typically starts as a patch of dead grass that doesn’t respond to watering. The patch will slowly expand until you realize what’s happening.
“Once you recognize what the problem is, I recommend treating it by spreading some pesticide granules on your lawn (DeltaGard G or Talstar granules work great) and watering the lawn once applied,” explains Wheeler. “You should see results quickly, and this will kill other insects like ants and spiders too,” he notes.
The giant water bug is a very suitable name for a creature that can grow more than four inches long! These bugs look like giant cockroaches, but they have front pincers, and unlike cockroaches, they have a stinging bite. Some people call giant water bugs “toe biters” for good reason.
Giant water bugs live in most regions of the U.S. along the fringes of lakes. Luckily for us, they typically don’t bother humans, so you can usually avoid them easily enough. “You may, however, find them swarming your porch lights at night—that’s right, they fly,” says Wheeler. “If this becomes an issue, you can use a classic bug zapper outside, which will make short work getting rid of them.” Be sure to turn off your porch lights, so there’s no competing light source.
Ticks are a vast and growing problem in the Northeastern United States because they can spread some nasty diseases to humans—Lyme Disease being the most prominent one. If you have a wooded lake house in the New England region, you probably have ticks around your home.
There are some easy ways to make your yard less welcoming to ticks. Start by cleaning up yard debris (leaves, downed branches, deadwood, tall grass, and weeds). “A barrier of wood chips or stones between your yard and the woods can stop them from crossing over,” notes Wheeler. “You should also do what you can to keep deer and small mammals off your property, as ticks use these animals as hosts to feed on,” he adds. Remember to fence off any gardens or flower beds that may attract deer. Check out this list for other surefire ways to rid your lake home property of ticks.
Midges are flying insects that many people mistake for mosquitoes, but most varieties don’t bite humans. “Seattle sees swarms of midges emerge around the lakes in numbers that seem almost biblical,” says Wheeler. “They can fly half a mile from their breeding ground (and much farther in a strong wind) so proactively preventing these insects isn’t an option,” he adds. “Your best course of action is to avoid turning on outdoor lights until an hour after sunset.”
Midges are attracted to light and are most active as the sun is going down, so if you can avoid luring them towards your home, you’ll see a lot less of them. You can also place a “decoy” light further from your home to draw the bugs to this area instead of your living space.
These pests are very similar to midges. Depending on the type of gnat, they can be tough to prevent. Fungus gnats may lay their eggs in damp, overwatered areas or decaying wood and mulch. Getting rid of those environments will help. Other gnats lay their eggs in lake water, which isn’t safe to treat with pesticides.
“Some lakes, such as California’s Clear Lake, introduced certain fish species that compete with gnats for zooplankton—its preferred food source,” says Wheeler. “An outdoor bug zapper or decoy light will also help control gnats.”
So, if you’re heading out to enjoy your lakeside setting, fear not! Encountering these pests and other familiar lake-loving creatures such as ants and flies is a natural part of lake living and doesn’t have to spoil your time outdoors. Arming yourself with knowledge (and insect repellent) and consulting a professional for any severe pest issues is always your best bet.
