There’s nothing quite like a boating excursion to make the most of the summer months! If you’re heading out on one of BC’s beautiful waterways for the day, it’s important to be well prepared. In addition to your BC boat license, one of the most important things to bring along is enough food and drink to keep everyone’s energy up and make sure they stay well hydrated.
This can be something of a challenge, because space tends to be at a premium on a boat, and there’s usually little in the way of cold storage or cooking implements. Therefore, boat snacks need to be compact, ready to eat and able to resist the heat, sun and humidity!
Veggies and dip
Veggies are a great healthy snack to bring on board a boat. Opt for veggies that don’t need to be refrigerated, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and cauliflower. That way, you can leave more space in your cooler for your dip and drinks. A healthy, protein-rich dip like hummus will help keep your passengers full and energized!
Fruit
Fruit is another great choice for a boat snack. Apples, oranges, pears, peaches and plums don’t need to be refrigerated and can even contribute to keeping you hydrated! If you’re worried about fresh fruit getting battered and bruised, you can always go for a dried fruit snack instead. For example, organic dried Aronia berries are tasty, easy to pack, won’t leave a mess and are full of antioxidants!
Homemade muffins
If you don’t mind spending a bit of time in the kitchen before you go boating, try your hand at homemade muffins! One of the great things about baking your own muffins is that you can add whatever nuts or fruit you like to give them a healthy, filling boost.
Fish-shaped crackers
Looking for ways to lean into the nautical theme of your trip? Get some of those delightful fishy crackers for your next boating adventure! Note that it’s a good idea to get snack-sized packages or pre-portion them yourself to prevent the entire bag from going soggy in such a humid environment.
Trail mix
Trail mix is a classic option for snacking on the go. There are many varieties available at any local grocery or health food store, or you can mix your favourite nuts and dried fruit yourself to create your ideal snack!
Jerky
Jerky is a great source of protein, and is designed to withstand the elements. Just be aware of the salt content if you’re bringing it aboard—jerky tends to be quite salty and can contribute to dehydration if you don’t have enough drinking water handy.
Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are another excellent source of protein that won’t spoil if you take them out for the day. As an added bonus, according to fishing lore, crushed eggshells can attract certain types of fish, which could prove useful if you’re having a slow day fishing!
Thermos hot dogs
If you’d like a more substantial hot lunch, you can boil up hot dogs and stick them in a thermos with boiling water to keep them warm until lunchtime! Don’t forget to bring along your condiments and buns.
Fuel up for your next boating adventure!
It’s easy to burn up energy fast on a boating excursion, particularly if you’re doing something active like swimming or water-skiing. Make sure you’ve got some of these nutritious snacks on hand to keep your energy up, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Happy boating!