Whether you’re captaining your own yacht or just chilling on the dock with a drink in hand, summer on the water takes more than just good vibes and a solid playlist. With the right gear, you can turn a decent day into an unforgettable one.
Think of this as your go-to summer packing list—loaded with gear that’s actually worth hauling down to the shore. You’ll find more than just the usual suspects here. From floating fun to smart safety upgrades—and a few extras that might make your buddies jealous—this list has a little something for every kind of water day. Grab these before you cannonball in.
Towables & Tubes That Fly
If you’re not screaming, laughing, and holding on for dear life while a boat drags you across the lake, are you even living? Towable tubes are basically the MVPs of any group lake day—and many of the new designs focus just as much on safety and control as they do on go-fast fun. With stable bases, high-back seating, and chunky handles you can actually grip, these tubes help keep riders onboard no matter how wild the ride gets.
Brands like WOW Sports and Airhead are setting the standard with innovative designs that blend comfort, durability, and serious fun. Whether you’re flying solo or packing your whole crew onto a floating couch, they’ve got tubes built for every kind of ride—and every level of thrill. Expect cushy seating, reinforced materials, and smart features that keep the good times rolling (without the wipeouts).
Check out these ultra-fun models, perfect for summer fun:
• WOW Super Thriller 3-Person Deck Tube - This tube is built for comfort and speed, featuring a slick low deck that lets you skim the water instead of drag. The interior uses tough PVC to resist punctures from rogue sticks, while the exterior is double-stitched nylon—meaning it can take a beating season after season. Fast, fun, and durable enough to avoid having to replace it every summer.
• WOW Roadster Towable 3-Person Coupe - Not everyone wants the full-throttle experience—and that’s perfectly fine. The Coupe offers a relaxed ride that still delivers plenty of fun. Cockpit-style seating keeps you snug, the drop-bottom cuts down on bouncing, and it’s ideal for kids or anyone who prefers to keep their teeth intact. Bonus: park it and it transforms into a floating lounge you’ll likely fight over for naps.
• Airhead Jet Fighter Towable Tube - If chaos is your game, Airhead’s Jet Fighter is the pick to click. Seating one to four people means you can bring the whole squad, and with a fully covered, double-stitched nylon shell, it’s basically battle armor for the water. This tube inflates quick, hooks up easy, and features padded handles plus little fins—so you don’t actually get yeeted off…unless that’s the plan.
Float & Chill Essentials
If high-speed thrills aren’t really your thing, then just floating the day away might be more your vibe. This float-and-chill gear is all about maximum comfort and effortless fun. Toss in a floating cooler and waterproof Bluetooth speakers, and you’ve got everything you need for a perfect day on the water.
Here are some laid-back favorites to check out:
• WOW-Sound Floating Cooler/Speaker Holder - Keep the party afloat with this robust floating cooler that’s built to hold up to 30 cans of your favorite drinks and keep them chilled all day long. With its thick sidewalls and double-layered padded bottom, your beverages will stay ice-cold whether you're out on the boat, soaking up the sun at the beach, or just floating around in the pool. The four molded cup holders are just right for holding drinks or even a WOW Waterproof Bluetooth speaker (sold separately). The tote handles make it a breeze to carry.
• Airhead Cool Swan Inflatable Pool Float - This one’s equal parts fun and photogenic. This sassy swan isn’t just a pretty face; with heavy- duty PVC construction and built-in handles and cup holders, it’s as sturdy as it is Instagram- worthy. Perfect for both lounging and light cruising.
• WOW Malibu Flip Lounge – This inflatable lounger from WOW is designed for ultimate comfort, featuring a high backrest, ergonomic head and armrests, and a clever flip-down footrest that lets you decide whether to stay dry or dip your toes in the water. Crafted from heavy-gauge PVC with a built-in molded cup holder that keeps your drink within reach, this float is great for lounging in the pool, soaking up the sun at the beach, or drifting peacefully on the lake.
Safety Gear
Sure, safety might not be the most exciting item on your checklist, but it’s definitely a necessity if you want to keep the party going. Plus, modern life jackets are way more comfortable and stylish than the bulky foam bricks of the past. Stick with Coast Guard-approved vests that meet tough safety standards—and while you’re at it, make sure you’ve got the basics covered: tow flags, waterproof lights, and an emergency whistle.
Here’s a few must-have items to consider:
• Onyx Air Span Angler Life Jacket - Headquartered in Minnesota—where boating, fishing, and paddling are basically a lifestyle—Onyx makes life vests that actually look as good as they perform. Their inflatable model is low-key enough to forget you're wearing it. It’s U.S. Coast Guard approved, quick to repack, and even eco-friendly. Perfect for everything from lazy paddle sessions to all-day fishing missions.
• Airhead Camo Sportsman Life Jacket Vest - Designed for the avid outdoorsman, this rugged vest is built to perform whether you're casting lines, paddling at sunrise, or hauling gear to shore. Durable polyester holds up to regular wear, open sides offer ventilation during high-output activities, and quick-release buckles make it easy to throw on and off between sessions. With ample pocket space, a handy D-ring for tools or gear, and dual approval from the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada, this vest is ready for serious time on the water—north or south of the border.
• Airheads Sport Floating Sunglasses - Airhead could’ve stopped at towables, but they also mastered the little things—like these floating sunglasses. Polarized lenses cut glare and protect your eyes, while the bright, lightweight frames are easy to spot (and hard to break). Hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, and designed to survive a tube wipeout, they’re built for water life—and won’t end up as fish food.
Quick-Grab Storage Options
Nothing kills a day on the water faster than a soaked phone, missing keys, or a tow rope tangled like a plate of spaghetti. That’s why smart storage isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Dry bags and waterproof boxes are lifesavers for keeping your valuables safe and dry. Just toss in your phone, wallet, and other must-haves, and breathe easy when the splashes start flying. For everything else, mesh totes and collapsible bins make hauling gear from the car to the boat (and back again) way less of a circus act.
Pro Tip: Coil those tow ropes and shove them in a mesh bag when you’re done. It keeps them untangled, dries them out, and you won’t have to deal with a soggy mess next time.
Check out these functional and rugged options:
• Seasucker Dry Box - This clear, hard-shell dry box seals tight to keep water out and valuables in. Two secure clips lock the lid in place, and the powerful suction mount sticks firmly to your console or any vertical surface—so no more chasing it across the deck. Bonus: it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which tells you it’s built to last.
• Coghlan’s Nylon Dunk Bag - If you want something simple and bulletproof, Coghlan’s Mesh Bag is a no-brainer. Made in the USA by folks who’ve been at this since the disco era, it’s tough, breathable, and won’t stink, rot, or mildew—no matter how much abuse it takes. The sewn-in drawstring cinches it shut fast, and it’s perfect for hauling damp clothes, snacks, laundry, or even a fresh catch.
• Big Ant Collapsible Storage Crate - This crate folds flat when you don’t need it and pops open into a sturdy, roomy bin when you do. Vented sides keep things breathable, and the durable, eco-friendly plastic can take a beating. Need to haul heavier gear? Slap on some wheels and roll out.
Gear up for Your Best Summer Yet
Swing by Parts Via to check out an amazing range of towables, floats, safety gear, storage solutions, and all the must-have accessories that make the most out of your limited lake days. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing float or an exhilarating tubing experience, we’ve got the top brands and essential gear all in one spot. Plus, with our fast, FREE ship-to-store option at checkout, getting your hands on the good stuff has never been simpler.