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Saturday, 20 August 2011

The Ultimate Beach Kit - What to Pack When You Hit the Beach

If summer includes a trip to the beach, bringing along a few key items can ensure an enjoyable day at the seaside. While no one wants to have a casual day of surf and sun become over-complicated by hauling unnecessary belongings back and forth from the car to the shore, some items are truly essential.



Sunscreen



Choose sunscreen with an SPF of around 30, and make sure it is water resistant. Apply the sunscreen one half hour before hitting the beach, and reapply every 2 hours, as well as after swimming. Don’t skimp – use 2 to 3 tablespoons of lotion with each application. Studies show that lower-priced sunscreen is just as effective as expensive products.



Extra Protection



Don’t rely on sunscreen alone to keep harmful UV rays away. Bring sunglasses with UV radiation protection to protect your eyes. Shade at the beach is a rare commodity, so bringing along a beach umbrella is a good idea. Wearing one piece swimwear can protect areas of skin that rarely see the sun. A hat with a wide brim is also recommended.




Clothing



While you may decide to wear your swimsuit under your clothing to avoid having to change before hitting the waves, to save yourself from having to spend the rest of the day in a wet or sandy suit, bring along underwear and loose clothing to change into later. Sand in shoes isn’t comfortable either – choose sandals or flip-flops.



Food and Liquids



Bring plenty of water or sports drink to prevent dehydration. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Bringing along a cooler packed with ice is well-worth the trouble. There are few things more refreshing than a cold drink on a hot day. Pack snacks in the cooler as well. A day at the beach is a holiday, after all, so go ahead and bring along some favourite treats.



Extras – for Comfort and Security



A sling-back deck chair is portable and can be a welcome relief from the hot sand. When it comes to beach towels, consider bringing along one that includes velcro pockets in the corners, which provide an easy way to organise and hide belongings like wallets, MP3 players and mobile phones. There are many water-proof packs available to protect your valuables, too, some that you can hang around your neck or around your waist.




Finally, bring along a moisturizing lotion that contains aloe vera. Sea air is invigorating, but can dry the skin, and if your skin burns despite all your precautions, aloe vera will sooth the burn. Pack these essential items, along with your most stylish bikini or one piece swimwear, and your day at the beach will be packed with pleasant memories, too

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