Beach Hints and Helpful Notes

Here are some helpful hints, FAQ's and suggestions I've picked up or learned the hard way on Beaching:

1.  Arrive early.  Chair rentals get set up pretty early, then the tide pulls back.  The spots in front of the chair rentals get taken up pretty quick.

2.  A setup of two chairs and a beach umbrella run $40 to $50 per day and $190 to $250 per week.  You can buy some good chairs and umbrellas for less to be used over and over.

3.  Beach carts are great.  Be sure to get one with wide wheels.  The are fantastic in the parking lot and sidewalks.  But, you will be dragging it in the sand.  The more you put in it the heavier the load.

4. Sun protection.  The sun will find those unprotected areas of your body.  Use a minimum of SPF 30.  The higher the better.  Don't forget a hat, because the top of your head can burn as well.  Umbrellas are great, but remember, the sun also reflects off that pretty white sand and will sneak up on you.

5. Sand walking.  Its best to just take those shoes off once your toes hit the sand.  Better traction.  As the summer wears on the sand will heat up, may be too hot for the bottoms of your feet, then its time to put the flippers on again.

6.  Parents with young children:  keep your eyes on them.  Those waves will push your kids 50+ yards down the beach before you know it.

7.  I use soft sided coolers.  These are not as bulky and much easier to carry back and forth.  I make up frozen margaritas the night before and put them in ziploc bags, laying them flat in the freezer.  They work fantastic as ice packs for sandwiches and other perishables.  Once they slush up, pour them into an insulated cup for a refreshing treat.

8.  Bring plenty of water.  Too much beer can get you in trouble.  If you bring soft drinks, brink those in plastic bottles.  You can reseal the water and soda bottle to keep out sand.  Also bring a trash bag, plenty of canisters for drop off on your way out.

9.  Don't get too fancy on food items.  If using mayo, ice it down!  I put sandwiches in ziploc bags then put those in plastic sandwich boxes so they keep their shape and stay dry.  Fruit cups are and awesome cold treat for kids and adults alike.

10.  Don't feed the birds.  Literally.  You feed one, you will be invaded by many.  They will appear out of nowhere and be everywhere.  Just like the Hitchcock movie!

11.  Noseeum bugs.  When the sun sets you will discover these little bugs the size of a pinhead.  Worse than mosquitoes, harder to spot and boy do they bite.

12.  Budget dining.  No such thing at the beach.  If you have a kitchen and grilling area, use them.  Good family time, take turns, and enjoy your favorite summertime foods.  This will save you a lot over dining out every meal, which run us $50 to $100+ depending on the meal and number in the party.

13.  Beach towels.  More the better.  Most Condos provide, but you can never have enough clean, sandless ones.

14.  Umbrella spikes.  They do work.  The metal ones will hold up a lot longer.  Cup spikes are the latest beach craze.  Great for your cup, phone, keys, etc....  But sand will get into the smallest of spaces.

There are tons more things to learn and remember.  Most important, leave work and your troubles behind and have a good time.  And you can always invite me along for the ride!