Fall in Love With the Beach

You only think you’re not a beach person.

I married a baseball player. That meant a lot of good things for me – and one thing I did not anticipate. 

My husband never really went to the beach. His summers were spent in dugouts and on diamonds, while mine were spent in sun and on sand.

I’m happy to report that we made it through. In about a week, we will be celebrating our 13th anniversary – and just like I turned him on to fresh roasted vegetables, Joe is now a man who loves the beach. 

It wasn’t like he hated the beach – or roasted vegetables. He had just never experienced either in the right way, that is, the Daynaway. (Couldn’t resist that one.)

If you think you are not a beach person, read on for the FUNdamentals you may be missing.

Chairs 

Joe confided in me that he only sat on a towel every time he went to the beach. That’s fine when you’re five, digging for water, and don’t mind sand in your suit, but grown ups need a damn chair. Preferably one we can get out of. Keep it simple with this one from Tommy Bahama:

A Canopy

Yes, read canopy, not umbrella. If you are staying for the long haul, you are going to want proper coverage – for you, for children, pets, parents, whomever you are with. Umbrellas suffice only for short stints. They can blow over in the wind, they only cover one or two people, and they require as much manpower as a canopy, so why not be a little extra? This one linked is super easy to assemble and not too costly. 

A Cooler

Replete with all kinds of beverages, if you know what I mean. Obviously, water is a must, and some High Noons, White Claws, Trulys, and/or Coronas never hurt a beach day. I understand this one depends on where you live – many beaches in the NorthEast prohibit alcohol. Down South is a bit different. We drive to The Outer Banks every year and our cooler is allowed to be fully stocked. You can go all in with a Yeti, or be cute with one like this. 

A Bluetooth Speaker

This may have been the tipping point for Joe. He’s sitting under a canopy, sipping a cold beer, toes – not ass – in the sand, and a curated playlist is moving through the air. Life is good. He officially loves the beach. 

A former student recommended this speaker five years ago, and it’s still going strong.

The Clear Phone Case

that lets you take pics, control the music, and saves your phone. It won’t stop the phone from overheating, but it will save it from sand and water, and let you snap a few pics for the Gram. 

A Book

This one is debatable when I’m not alone. If I’m with family and friends, I’m not reading. BUT – if I can sneak away by myself, I want to read or listen to something while I stare at the sea. The latest Elin Hilderbrand – The Sixth Wedding – is only a few hours long and I’m here for it. 

Airpods – or Bluetooth earbuds of choice

Again, when I’m with people, I don’t need these. But if I’m alone, walking the shore, picking up shells, I like to listen to a book or a podcast.

(Check out my Newsletter for current listening faves, including The One Percent Better Podcast and Rebecca Minkoff’s book, Fearless.)

So there you have it. You now officially join the ranks of annoying people who swear they love the beach more than anyone else. It’s your happy place, you were born with sealegs, you are obsessed, you can’t imagine life without it, you’re a mermaid, whatever tag you want to use – you have the gear to be in the club!