How to Choose the Best Floating Water Mat

by Ringo Ladue June 23, 2022

How to Choose the Best Floating Water Mat

In 2022, most of the US is expected to see above-average temperatures. To beat the heat, many people are planning to go to the lake. Spending the day out on the water can be a great way to cool down and have some fun.

One way to enhance this experience is with a floating water mat. These mats get you out in the water but still let you relax or play; whatever is your pleasure.

So, how can you make sure the water mat you choose is the best one? We’re exploring floating water mats for lakes in order to answer the question. Read on to find out more!

Size of the Water Mat

One of the most important features of a floating mat is its size. This will impact whether the mat can hold one or two people or withstand an entire group.

To decide what size you need, consider the group that will be with you at the lake. If there are only a few people that regularly go in the water, you can probably go with a smaller mat. However, if there are many people, you may want to go with a larger mat.

Keep in mind though, that the larger the mat is the more cumbersome it will be. If you need a large mat, make sure you have somewhere to store it. Otherwise, you may need to go with a smaller size.

Inflatable Water Mat or Not

Another consideration when purchasing floating water mats is whether to purchase an inflatable model or a foam model. Both options have advantages and disadvantages that impact the use you will get from them.

An inflatable mat is typically more rigid and more buoyant. This makes it more like an inflatable dock, which puts you slightly above the water rather than directly inside it. Depending on its material and the degree to which you inflate it, you may even be able to set chairs on it.

A foam mat is a little more loose and unstructured. When you lay out on a foam mat, the mat may bend and curve with you. This lack of structure usually lets some warm lake water pool around you while still keeping you afloat, which may not be ideal on a hot summer day.

When thinking of these options, storage should also be considered. An inflatable mat, once deflated, takes up very little space while a foam mat stays the same size at all times. In this way, an inflatable mat has the advantage.

However, in durability, a foam mat has the edge. If a foam mat gets slightly damaged, it will float just about as well as before. If an inflatable mat gets damaged, it may pop and, thus, need repairs before it can be effectively used again.

In the end, which type of mat you go with depends on your specific needs. Neither is necessarily better but will depend on the situation.

Anchor Points

One thing you may want to make sure your water floating mat has is at least one anchor point. An anchor point is a point that allows you to anchor your mat, which will prevent your water mat from floating away while it is being used. This can be a critical option for many.

If your lake empties into a river, you want to prevent your mat from being drawn toward the river and, thus, swept away. If you are worried about your mat drifting into rocks or other hazards on the shore, you also want to keep it stationary. In these cases, at least one anchor point is necessary.

You also may want to consider multiple anchor points. Multiple anchor points help secure the mat even further, which can reduce the amount of twisting and turning it will do. This can be a big help for those who use their water mat in conjunction with other lake activities.

For example, imagine having your water mat set up near a water trampoline. In this case, people will be constantly jumping and swimming from one to the other. Giving them a little extra stability can keep playtime fun.

Connections

One of the more elaborate options available for floating water mats is the ability to connect them to other fun items. These can range from other water mats to water trampolines, water loungers or even boats and docks.

Being able to attach your floating water mat to a boat may be critical for some. This allows you to head to the center of the lake, throw your mat into the water, and not worry about it drifting away. This is a pretty simple feature but is still pretty important. It also gives you an swim platform extension for you to play on and launch paddle sports from.

Being able to attach your floating water mat to other things opens the door for more complexity. Some mats connect to mats of the same brand. This allows you to expand your mat if you have company over or if a lot of people want to go into the water at once.

However, some mats can even connect to a full system. Inflatable docks or floating loungers can be directly connected to your mat. This allows you to create an entire base from which all of your outdoor activities can be launched.

Picking Your Floating Water Mat

A floating water mat has the potential to seriously enhance the fun you have at the lake. However, when you purchase one, you should make sure you are getting the right one for your group. Follow the tips listed above and you will be ready for BIG fun!

If you want to purchase your own floating water mat, make sure to check out the options available from Splashy McFun.

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