Going to the beach without being prepared can quickly spoil the experience. Leaving the towel at home, or having no shade when the sun is shining, can quickly turn a pleasant swim into a sweaty, sandy ordeal.
With a little thought, it’s easy to put together a basic kit that will ensure the day is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Here are the basic items to bring along so your day at the beach is all about the sun, the water, and the good times.
Towel
A good towel is not something you can compromise on. It is your place at the beach, your blanket when the wind gets too strong, and your way of drying yourself after a swim. You should pick one that is large enough to lie on but not so large that it is difficult to carry. Quick-dry towels can be very useful if you plan on swimming multiple times, as they do not stay wet for long.
Toys
Beach toys make visiting the beach an entertaining experience. Bringing different types of toys for beach sports means there is something for everyone. So, what games can be played at the beach?
If you are looking for a fun-filled experience, beach balls are a great place to start. A footy or soccer ball is great for a casual game of soccer in the sand. The great thing about soccer is that it requires little space to set up a game. A beach ball is perfect for water play, as it floats easily and is safe to use both in the pool and at the beach.
For those who like friendly competition, bat and ball sets are great. Traditional beach bash sets are great for fun games in the water. They are easy to use and can accommodate different ages.
A Frisbee is also a great beach toy. It can fit flat in your beach bag and can be great for fun games in the water. Make sure to find a safe spot to play so that you are not chasing it in other people’s beach towels.
Cricket sets are also very popular on Australian beaches. A set consisting of a plastic bat, stumps, and a soft ball can keep kids entertained for hours, with adults also being drawn in to play along with them. The sand can also serve as a very forgiving playing field for a game of cricket, with the rules being modified to suit the terrain as well as the players.
A pickleball set can also be used for a fun game on the beach. This game is similar to tennis but uses paddles and a perforated ball.
Besides bringing toys for beach sports, consider packing traditional sand toys for hours of fun. A simple bucket set with a spade and moulds can provide hours of entertainment, keeping little ones engaged while the whole family enjoys time together.
Shade
Having enough shade on a long day at the beach is vital. The sun can be quite harsh despite the coolness of the wind. A beach umbrella or a pop-up tent will provide you with enough shade to escape the harsh rays.
When choosing a tent or umbrella to provide shade at the beach, look for one that’s easy to set up on the sand. A tent or umbrella that can withstand strong winds would be ideal to ensure that it does not fall over during a windy day at the beach.
SPF
Sunscreen is also vital to have on a day out at the beach. When looking for sunscreen to take to the beach, ensure you have a high SPF sunscreen to protect you from the harsh rays. When applying sunscreen, ensure that you have applied enough to each part of the body before heading to the beach. When at the beach, remember to reapply it to often-missed areas like the back of your neck, tops of your feet, backs of your hands, and your ears.
Swimwear
Having comfortable beachwear can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your time in the water. Look for swimwear that will stay in place when you move around, swim, or play games in the water. Rash vests are a good alternative if you want additional sun protection, especially for kids.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses will protect your eyes from glare and UV rays. The reflection of the sun off the water and sand can be very strong, even on cloudy days. Make sure that your sunglasses have good UV protection, not just darkened lenses. A good fit is also important when you are at the beach, so that they do not fall off when you look down or play games.
Hats
A hat is an essential item for any beach outing. Wide-brimmed hats are the best protection for your face, ears, and neck. Caps are better than nothing, but they do leave your ears and neck exposed, so it’s essential to use them in conjunction with sunscreen. Choose hats that are comfortable to wear and have a strap or band so that they stay on in the wind.
