Beach Essentials
We’re in full-on summer break mode in Auckland, and since we’re not taking a big trip (see the previous post about our dog arriving on Christmas Eve. There’s no way we could leave her so soon!) we’re making the best of the beaches that are within a short drive of the city. And let me tell you, there are a TONS of amazing beaches: black sands on the western coast, pristine white sands on the east. We are spoiled for choice.
Our previous beach experiences were at resorts that provided everything you could need for an afternoon with surf and sand. We’re learning what we need to take with us to enjoy each and every beach experience, and I thought I’d share our key essentials so far. The right gear makes all the difference in the world!
Wallace Cotton fringed towels - We made the mistake of taking thick terry cloth pool towels with us on our first few beach trips. What a mess! The sand clung to the towels, and we ended up unloading half the beach into the trunk of the car. These thin, Turkish style towels have a tight weave, so the sand shakes off easily. They’re super thin, very portable, and have just enough absorbency to dry off after a dip in the ocean.
Rebel Sport EPS Body Board - Our son is obsessed with his new body board. These are a too big for anyone under five, but a decent size for everyone else. He could spend hours chasing waves with this thing, and one day, he slept for 13 hours after riding for an afternoon. There are lots of patterns and colors to choose from, so even the pickiest person should find a design they like.
Torpedo7 Sol Beach Shelter - We found one of these beach tents at the outlet store, and are in love with it. It is easy to set up, and the zip-down front is great for keeping sand out of the car. It’s big enough for all of our gear, two chairs, and space for the kids. It is out of stock now, so here’s a similar version by Kathmandu.
S’well water bottle - This is the most amazing bottle I’ve ever had. It keeps my sparkling water cold and bubbly no matter how long we’re at the beach. It is pricey, but definitely worth the investment! The hardest decision is picking out the perfect design and picture for you.
New Zealand Cancer Society Kids Pure 50+ Sunscreen - The sun down here is no joke, so we’re getting in the habit of lathering ourselves with sunscreen any time we go outdoors. The NZ Cancer Society Kids Pure 50+ is the best sunscreen I’ve found. It doesn’t feel greasy or oily after going on, has no unpleasant odor, doesn’t aggravate my daughter’s eczema prone skin, and prevents burns. What’s not to love?
Kathmandu Roamer Festival Chair - After totally tweaking my back after sitting in our tent without support, I felt really freakin’ old and in need of some folding chairs. These are low enough to the ground that they fit in our tent and small enough to be easily transportable. They provide enough support, and I’ve found they are perfect for lounging in and reading a book.
Kathmandu Arc Pack V2 - You know what’s awesome about this backpack? Two good sized interior pockets, that’s what. After a trip to the beach, there’s going to be a lot of dirty laundry, and I love having one pocket for the mess and one for the clean stuff. It is a game changer.
Native shoes - These are amazing beach shoes for kids. They’re lightweight and can go in the water. I love how easy they are to hose off after the end of a long day, and these shoes last FOREVER. They are indestructible and can be passed down from kid to kid no matter how much wear they get.
Evergrn 24 pack backpack cooler - This is perfect for carrying a beach picnic. The inner insulated cooler slides out of the larger backpack for easy cleanup - a must when there is sand involved. Unfortunately, it’s not available anymore, but here’s something similar from Bivouac/Outdoor.
Sistema Klip-It Packs - I’m not a big fan of using plastics to store food, but I make an exception for the Sistema Klip-It boxes because they are the absolute best solution for beach picnics. I love how they stack together perfectly inside my backpack cooler. My kids love that I hand them their own sandwich boxes so they don’t have to share. Clean up is easy, too, as they can go in the dishwasher.
I know we’ll continue to adjust our beach needs with more practice, but this is a great place to start. Now you’ll have to excuse me, I’ve promised some kids that we can build sandcastles soon.
