Pack a Lunch to Enjoy Dining on the Water in and Around Jupiter
Written By Alex Cotleur
Photography By Carri Lager
Turn a good paddle into a great one, let’s plan for lunch on the water! Sharing time on the water with friends is great; adding food creates memories for all five senses to enjoy. Whether you plan a sandbar potluck to share or just bring your own, staying fueled and hydrated will extend your paddle day. A paddle picnic challenges you to pack efficiently, keep your outing eco-friendly and your lunch healthy.
Packing a paddle lunch? Bring a soft-sided cooler – it's easier to tuck under the bungees. And, don't forget ice!
The right gear is key for a successful lunch on the water. The ice has to last as long as you need, and the containers should keep the food fresh. Cooler preference is personal. I prefer a soft-sided cooler because it is easier to tuck under the bungees. Some paddlers use a hard-sided cooler to use as their seat. Ice or reusable packs? Either or a combination of both work great, but standard ice tends to melt faster so I freeze small blocks as they take much longer to melt. Make regular-sized ice last longer by spreading it loosely in the cooler over your items, but also keep some in a bag to place on top. If you are bringing single-serve drinks like a juice box or water, freeze it and it should melt in time for lunch. Reusable containers support the 'pack it in, pack it out' approach and also keep your food fresh for longer.
Food tends to taste better on the water and simple items become especially enjoyable in nature. A basic peanut butter and jelly becomes the best you have had as you float on our crystal blue waters. If you are looking for a fancier feast, shrimp cocktail, fish dip, sandwich wraps, and charcuterie board items are easily portable. Pizza rolls can be enjoyable when served cold, making them suitable for a paddle picnic. Dessert on the water should give you energy and fuel your return paddle. Fruit is ideal. Frozen grapes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and sliced watermelon are paddle picnic favorites.
If you want to forego packing your own lunch, a couple of local restaurants offer weekend lunches or boxed charcuterie boards that come cooler ready. Let them know you are paddling and ask them to pack tomatoes and dressings on the side to keep your sandwich from getting soggy. Tequesta Table and Danny Kays Deli come to mind for lunch takeout that tastes homemade.
Eating and drinking on the water should be simple, sustainable, and fun. Sharing food on the water enhances the social factor, creates multisensory memories and you are sure to learn more delicious, portable lunch ideas from others. Remember to feed yourself and not the wildlife and take all trash with you. Pack your lunch and make a day of it. Let’s Paddle!
