It’s high summertime in the USA. The dog days, as they say. Groms are heading back to school, tourists are returning to their inland homes, parking spots are slowly becoming available. Beach days are still very much a thing, though, so I’ve amassed a list of goodies that I believe will make yours ideal.
Not all of these are necessities, mind you. Many are simply accessories. Some could even be called excessivus. Nonetheless, I highly suggest packing these products for your next sunrise-to-sunset outing at the seashore. You’ll be glad you did.
Longboard | One-Piece Swimsuit | Sunglasses | Beach Towel | Sunscreen | Robe | Straw Hat | Umbrella
Photography by Billy Watts
The author, testing.
Imperfects Madera Model Longboard
If I’m going to the beach, I’m gonna have some sort of watercraft in hand. (I’ve never been able to master the art of sunning the buns anyway.) And since mushy, waist-high waves reign supreme in the summer months, I can’t think of anything better to bring to the beach than a classic single-fin longboard.
Lately I’ve been loving my 9’4” Madera log hand-shaped by Micah Wood for Imperfects, a surfboard and apparel brand out of San Diego run by fellow shaper Mike Lynch. A traditional squaretail noserider, this hunk of foam and fiberglass gets me through every section with ease — and even onto micro-waves some might consider ripples. Even surfers that prefer lower-volume boards can benefit from a bit more heft for the small days, and the crew at Imperfects would be more than happy to set you up with a custom mid-length or longboard. Who knows? You might be converted.
Fondu Swim Prickly Pear Cap Sleeve One-Piece
Over the years I’ve seen many surf marketing brands their “surfing swimsuits,” which were basically just repackaged versions of the classic, triangle-top-side-tie-bottom bikini, with varying levels of coverage. While these styles work fabulously for some women, and I fully support people wearing whatever feels comfortable in the water, some of us require a bit more support, and prefer not to flash people while surfing.
Fortunately, with the influence of retro fashion as well as increased awareness of sun safety over the last decade, a new breed of surf suit has entered the chat. One-piece swimsuits with sleeves have blown up in popularity, and the New Zealand-based , female-run swimsuit brand Fondu offers some adorable options. Designed by talented longboarder Tanya Kerr, the suits look to the past for vintage-inspired silhouettes and toward the future with eco-conscious materials. My go-to is the Prickly Pear one- piece, which features short sleeves and a flattering high-hip bottom cut. I feel supported, protected and cute as heck in my Fondu suit. Plus, it doubles as a bodysuit with shorts for those post-beach bevvies with the gals.
RAEN Nikol Polarized Sunglasses
I suffer from migraines, often triggered by too much bright light, so I don’t mess around when it comes to eye protection. A repeat guest on Surfline Gear Insider, RAEN has frames for every style preference and face shape, so I can’ t help but recommend them to anyone who’ll hear it.
As a self-proclaimed sunglasses hoarder, I continue to reach for these Nikol frames, day after day. I think my other sunnies are starting to get jealous. The bright papaya colorway goes with every outfit, and yes, they’re polarized for those long days spent staring at the sea. I have friends with all kinds of facial bone structures, and the Nikol seems to suit them all. But don’t just take my word for it; you can do a virtual try-on on the RAEN website.
MAYDE Rainbow Towel in Sorbet
Beach blankets are essential for any beach day, but what about the fluffiest, cutest beach towel there ever was? Super absorbent, comfy for midday naps, and beautiful enough to use as a bedspread, the Rainbow Towel from MAYDE will probably be the best beach towel I’ll ever own. It’s made from ultra-lux Buldan cotton (from Turkey, so you know it’s nice) and features plushy dots of pastel-colored goodness.
Be warned, however, that these towels don’t come cheap. At $100 a pop, it’s a luxury good that is by no means necessary for a beach day — your souvenir towel from a surf contest 15 years ago will probably do the trick. This one is just really, really soft.
Unicorns are real. Atlantis exists. And there is a reef-safe spray sunscreen that goes on clear and doesn’t leave a super sticky residue: Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C (try saying that five times fast). Supergoop! must employ a whole troop of magicians in order to make so many incredible suncare products that not only work well, but are actually pleasant to apply. Plus, their packaging is very adorable and millennial-friendly.
I’ve been a loyal member of the Supergoop! cult ever since trying out their fan-favorite Unseen Sunscreen, which I slip, slap and slop on every time I leave my house. I’m always carrying five or six of their products in my beach bag nowadays, including the aforementioned Body Mist, Poof Part Powder SPF 35 (you do NOT want to get a sunburned scalp), and the Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 for midday touch-ups.
The Encinitas-based brand, by kvp, carries an essence of leisure. Abbreviated after designer/surfer Kelsey Van Patten, by kvp creates low-impact linen styles that, technically, are not pajamas. But also they’re not not pajamas. Each of their products is made just south of the border in small batches to reduce waste, and they’re anything but ordinary. With coordinating bottoms, shirts, jumpsuits and robes (with pockets!), these wonderful, unique pieces serve as lounge outfits, festival gear, night-out style, and of course, beach coverups. I love my by kvp sunset robe for keeping the sun off my shoulders — and for masquerading as a fancy lady who drinks chardonnay by the sea all day without a care in the world. Dress for the job you want and all that jazz.
Made by Minga La Ranchera Natural Straw Hat
I’ve been told that “coastal grandmother chic” is having a moment. I’ve also heard that “cowboy style” is in. Here’s a fabulous hat that is both. Made by Minga’s La Ranchera straw, this hat puts the yee in my hawand probably fits into the seaside granny vibe, as well. With a wide enough brim to protect my face and upper body from the sun’s vicious rays, as well as a leather strap for blustery days, I don’t think I could ask for much more out of a sun hat.
Made by Minga is based in San Diego, but founder Emily Rathmanner has all her products created by hand by female artisans in the highlands of Ecuador, using their traditional sustainable processes. From straw and wool hats to leather goods, this brand aims to showcase the talents and collaborative spirit of the artists who create them, while providing functional, beautiful goods for its customers.
Business & Pleasure Co. Holiday Beach Umbrella in Vintage Gold
Last but not least, the oft-forgotten but always appreciated beach umbrella. Every group of friends needs that one organized person who remembers to bring the ‘brolly, which can prolong a beach day by several hours. Now, I grew up on CVS/ Rite-Aid/Walgreens beach accessories. Our umbrellas were $8.99 and got the job done. In fact, my mom probably still has the one she bought when I was a snotty grom refusing to reapply my sunscreen. I never in a million years thought I ‘d buy into the hype of a high-end beach umbrella.
But if you’re going to go all out on one beach goodie, Business & Pleasure Co. offers some absolute bangers. Their Holiday Beach Umbrella is my top pick, because at seven pounds, there’s still some extra schlep, but the Premium version tacks on an extra two pounds (and a hundred bucks). It’s super easy to set up, is made of UPF 50+ material, and has fun little fringes hanging around the sides. As a bonus, when you’re lounging under that canopy, you’re protected from the envious stares of fellow beachgoers.
Check out other editions of Gear Insider:
Family Beach Day Essentials | From Dawn Patrol to Desk Patrol | Big Wave Dave’s XXM-Surf Starter Kit | Holiday Gift Guide | East Coast Hurricane Chase Essentials | Off-Grid Indonesia Surf Trip Essentials