Jake Owen, the charismatic country music star known for hits like Barefoot Blue Jean Night and Beachin’, has always captured the spirit of summer in his music. From songs about sunsets and days on the water to carefree moments with friends, his music feels like the perfect soundtrack for long, sun-soaked days. But what are the moments that truly stand out for Owen when the cameras aren’t rolling and the stages aren’t set? In a recent interview, Jake shared four favorite summer memories that define his connection to the season, blending his love for music, family, the water, and adventure.
1. Family Time on the Boat
Jake Owen grew up in Vero Beach, Florida, where boating was a family tradition. One of his favorite summer memories is spending time on the water with his family. Whether it’s fishing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising under the sun, the boat is where Owen finds peace and joy with his loved ones.
In fact, Jake frequently highlights how important his boat is to his lifestyle. His go-to vessel is a Grady-White 306 Canyon Center Console. Known for its smooth ride and reliable performance, this boat fits Jake’s active and family-oriented boating lifestyle. With a price tag starting at $250,000, the Grady-White is known for its robust build quality, featuring twin Yamaha outboard motors, offering up to 700 horsepower combined, along with cutting-edge features like a spacious T-top, electronic controls, and plush seating for the ultimate comfort on long trips.
The Grady-White is a perfect reflection of the kind of summer Jake enjoys—filled with outdoor adventures and moments of quiet relaxation with those who matter most.
2. Sunset Surf Sessions
Before music took center stage in his life, Jake Owen was a competitive golfer with dreams of turning professional. An injury changed his path, but his athletic drive never left. Instead, he redirected that passion into surfing, another sport that connects him to the natural beauty of the water.
Jake describes one of his favorite memories of summer as catching waves during a sunset surf session in Southern California. There’s something magical about being on the water at dusk, with the fading sun casting golden hues across the ocean.
Jake often rides his Catch Surf Odysea 7’0 Log soft-top surfboard, a board that’s known for its durability and forgiving design—perfect for surfers of all skill levels. Priced around $350, the Odysea Log is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and built for fun in small to medium surf, making it a great companion for Jake’s laid-back, spontaneous surf sessions.
3. Campfire Songwriting Sessions with Friends
Jake Owen’s music comes from a place of authenticity, often inspired by his real-life experiences. One of his favorite ways to craft new tunes is by sitting around a campfire with friends, guitar in hand, and the open night sky above. These moments of bonding and creative flow are when some of his best ideas come to life.
Jake recalls a particular summer night where he and a few fellow musicians gathered near Lake Norman in North Carolina. As the fire crackled and drinks flowed, the music started taking shape. The setting, with the stars reflecting on the water, served as a perfect backdrop for creating heartfelt and carefree country tunes.
Owen’s choice for these impromptu jam sessions is his trusted Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar. Known for its rich, deep sound, this guitar is a classic in the country music world. Priced around $3,000, the D-28 has been a staple for musicians from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan. Its high-quality craftsmanship and balanced tone make it a favorite for professionals who value sound clarity, whether playing around a campfire or on stage.
4. Fourth of July Fireworks Over the Lake
For Jake, there’s nothing that says summer quite like celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and family, capped off by a fireworks display over the lake. One year, Jake rented a pontoon boat to get the best view of the fireworks over Tennessee’s Old Hickory Lake.
Sitting on the boat, surrounded by water and watching the sky explode in color, is a memory that Jake cherishes. Pontoon boats are a favorite for these kinds of gatherings, offering plenty of space for family and friends to lounge, grill, and enjoy the show.
Jake’s favorite pontoon for such occasions is the Bennington 25 QX Fastback, which comes with a premium design, plush seating, and plenty of amenities for entertaining on the water. Starting at $125,000, the Bennington QX series features an outboard motor that offers up to 400 horsepower for a powerful yet smooth ride, and a state-of-the-art sound system, perfect for blasting Jake’s summer anthems while cruising.
Conclusion
Jake Owen’s summer memories are as rich and varied as his music, filled with moments of family bonding, adventure, and reflection. Whether he’s surfing at sunset, strumming his guitar by a campfire, or watching fireworks light up the sky, his summers are defined by the same themes that run through his songs—freedom, fun, and living life to the fullest. His love for boats, music, and the great outdoors is clear in every story he shares, and through these four memories, it’s easy to see why Jake Owen is such a natural fit for the summer soundtrack of so many fans.
For those who love the idea of blending adventure with leisure, whether it’s on a Grady-White boat or a Bennington pontoon, or even hitting the waves on a Catch Surf board, Jake’s summer favorites provide endless inspiration for making the most out of the warmer months. So, grab your guitar, jump on the water, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Happy Boating!
Share Country Music Star Jake Owen Shares His Four Favorite Summer Memories with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read Five Unique U.S. Boathouses: Architectural Marvels by the Water until we meet in the next article.