- Beach chair. Probably the best investment you can make – it gives you good elevation for people-watching, helps keep you (mostly) sand free after a dip and is a great place to be when you want to gaze dreamily at the ocean.
- Cooler box. Who wants to go and find a shop or rely on a vendor when you’re planning a lazy day on the beach? Pack your drinks, snacks and ice into one of these holdalls and kick back, beach people!
- Beach bag. You need something substantial to carry the towels, toys, sunscreen, hats, plastic cups and phones from the car or cottage to the beach and back again. Think big. You won’t be sorry.
- Beach umbrella. Not only keeps you cool but protects you from the harsh rays off the sun.
- Beach bats. It’s great to laze about on the sand but sometimes there’s just so much you can take of doing nothing. Which is why beach bats are so great – a game or two and you’ll not only firm up but be ready for a swim and then a snooze on your chair under your umbrella, a glass of something cold from your cooler bag in your hand…
- Beach shelter. Spending serious time on the beach calls for some serious shelter. An easy-to-assemble beach tent or dome will provide a snug snoozing place and it’s a great place to hide when the wind starts to pick up.
- Bucket and spade. Essential for kids big and small. Get creative by carving castles and moats out of the sand. And if you don’t have a kid, pretend you’re practising for a sand sculpture competition…
- Bodyboard. If you’re smart you’ll get one for each member of the family. It means you can all head off into the waves together and avoid many a but-it’s-my-turn! squabble.
- Portable braai. Everything goes better with a braai. Pack a portie into the boot and bring it out when the sun starts to set. There’s nothing better than the glow of coals and the soft sizzle of boerie braaiing…