Have you ever been sitting on the beach when you glance over at the next group over and think to yourself, “Those people are doing it right…we should have thought of that!” Check out this beach must-have list, so you can be the envy of the other beachgoers during your next outing.
Beach Set up
The proper chair can make or break any beach day. The chair is your beach throne, and certain features are non-negotiable. You’ll want your chair to have plenty of recline settings, going all the way back so you can lay down to catch some rays. It also should have plenty of pockets and compartments to hold your important stuff. Don’t forget a cup holder and a cooler compartment for a spare beverage.
If minimalism is more your style, consider a hammock. You can easily hang it from pier pilings, they pack away super easily, and they are very lightweight.
To make sure you don’t get too much sun, an umbrella or sun shade is key.
Beach luggage
If you are a “more-is-more” beachgoer, you’ll want to consider how you are going to lug all of that important, nay vital, stuff to the beach. A simple beach tote is a staple, from the standard canvas tote to new waterproof and sand-resistant bags. If you’ve got a really big load to haul, you might want to consider a beach buggy to help you get all of the heavy stuff up over the dunes.
Personal Protection
You don’t want to get caught out in the sun without the right protection to keep you safe out there. You’ll definitely want a pair of sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes. Consider UV protection and even polarization to keep your eyes safe and visibility top-notch.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. Pick a sunscreen that provides you ample protection, and remember to re-apply it regularly, especially if you’re planning on being in and out of the water.
Also, this being 2020, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your mask handy. While the beach is a fantastic place to practice social distancing, at times you won’t be able to maintain a safe distance from your fellow beachgoers. There are lots of stylish and comfortable masks that can help protect you and others, including headhuggers, bandeaus, and buffs.
Games & Toys
You’ll want to bring plenty of toys and games to the beach to keep the whole family occupied, and there are lots of fun games that are fun for all ages.
Consider picking up Spikeball, Kan Jam, or a cornhole set. These games are meant for the beach, and they can provide hours of enjoyment with minimal set-up time.
Looking to spend some more time in the ocean than on the beach? Pick up a fun toy meant for the water. Surfer Dudes are the world’s first self-righting, wave-powered toy surfboard for hours of beach fun. If you’ve got a few people in your crew heading out into the water together, grab a frisbee or floating Waboba ball to toss around in the surf.
Keeping it cool
Some would consider keeping their beverage cold on the beach to be of the utmost importance. So you won’t want to scrimp on your cooler. Brands like Yeti specialize in delivering the best technology in keeping cold things cold for hours. There are hard coolers, soft coolers, and roller coolers, depending on what size you need to keep your squad’s items on ice all day.
But what about the can in your hand? There are lots of ways to extend the chill factor of your current beverage. Toadfish makes an insulated koozie with a suction cup at the bottom, so you can set it down and not have to worry about it tipping over on you. Yeti also makes the Colster, a rigid koozie that is designed to fit most cans, including the new skinny cans you’ll find for many drinks today.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated! If you can, skip the single-use plastic bottled water bottle and opt for an ocean-friendly reusable water bottle. There are durable and long-lasting bottles made by brands like Corcicle, Hydro Flask, and Yeti which will last you for years.
Boards
A day at the beach wouldn’t be the same without a way to catch some waves. There are so many styles of wave riding boards, there are options for all types of people. Surfboards are the most popular option, from shortboard shredders to slender longboards for a nice and easy ride. Foam boards are incredibly popular now, because they are affordable and buoyant, allowing surfers of all levels to have an easier time catching waves.
Stand Up Paddleboards have been gaining in popularity over the past several years, and they are great for the beach for a flatwater paddle if there is no swell, or for catching if you give it a little practice. Brands like Pulse have lots of SUP options for people of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities.
Skim is a great activity if the waves are breaking close to shore. Toss the board into water at the shore line and ride out to a shore-breaking wave, or simply ride it down the beach, skimming over the shallow water.
Boogie boards are fun for people of all ages. You can catch the whitewater near the shore, or slap some fins onto your feet and paddle to the outside bar to catch some of the bigger waves.
