Ways to Stay Cool at the Beach
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When the sun is blazing and the sand is scorching, there’s no better place to be than the beach. However, staying cool on a hot day by the shore requires some strategic planning and a few clever tricks. Here’s your comprehensive beach survival guide to ensure you have a refreshing and enjoyable day at the beach:
Choose Your Spot Wisely
Selecting the right location on the beach can make a significant difference in your comfort level. Look for a spot near the shoreline, where the sea breeze provides natural cooling. Avoid areas with no shade, and if possible, bring along a beach umbrella or pop-up tent to create your own shady oasis.
We recommend the Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella for Beach and Sports Events. Our family has been using this umbrella for the last five years, and we love it!
This umbrella offers ultimate shade and weather coverage, thanks to its innovative design featuring SPF 50+ sun protection, vented top for improved airflow, and a spacious canopy.
Pros:
Sun Protection: It offers SPF 50+ sun protection, helping to shield you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Rain Protection: In addition to sun protection, it provides coverage from rain, making it a versatile option for various weather conditions.
Vented Design: The vented top enhances airflow, reducing the risk of the umbrella being blown away in windy conditions and keeping you cool and comfortable underneath.
Versatile: It’s designed for use at the beach, sports events, picnics, and other outdoor activities, offering a multipurpose solution.
Cons:
Price: It can be relatively more expensive compared to standard beach umbrellas, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.
Setup Complexity: While it is relatively easy to set up, it may take a little practice to get it right, and some users might find the initial setup a bit complicated.
Hydration is Key
Dehydration can quickly sneak up on you in the hot sun. Bring plenty of water to keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day. Consider freezing a few water bottles the night before to have ice-cold refreshments as the day heats up.
Dress Smart
Opt for light, breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are must-haves to shield your face and eyes from excessive sun exposure.
Enjoy Water Activities
One of the best ways to stay cool at the beach is to immerse yourself in the water. Whether it’s swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, or simply wading in the waves, being in the ocean is both refreshing and fun.
Come With Cooling Accessories
Cooling towels, for example, can provide instant relief when draped around your neck or forehead. They help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat. They work through a combination of material technology and evaporative cooling.
Here's how cooling towels function:
Material: Cooling towels are made from materials that have high water-absorption capabilities, such as microfiber or PVA (Polyvinyl acetate). These materials retain water effectively and stay damp for an extended period.
Activation: To use a cooling towel, you’ll typically start by wetting it with water. Some towels require soaking in water, while others only need a quick rinse.
Evaporative Cooling: Once the towel is wet, you wring out the excess water to ensure it’s not dripping wet. As the water in the towel evaporates, it absorbs heat from your body, creating a cooling effect.
Wearing: You can drape the cooling towel around your neck, shoulders, or any other area where you want to cool down. Many cooling towels have a design that makes them easy to wrap or secure in place.
Reusable: Most cooling towels are reusable and can be reactivated by rewetting them when they start to dry out.
Top Cooling Towels
Mission Enduracool Techknit Cooling Towel: This cooling towel from Mission is a crowd favorite for its impressive cooling capabilities. It’s made from a proprietary fabric blend that cools down when wet and stays cool for hours. Just wet, wring, and snap to activate. The soft, absorbent material is comfortable against the skin, making it ideal for sports, workouts, or any outdoor activity.
Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Cooling Towel: Frogg Toggs is known for its high-performance cooling products, and the Chilly Pad is no exception. This towel is made from a hyper-evaporative material that feels significantly cooler than ambient air. It’s also available in various sizes to suit your needs. It stays cool for hours and can be reactivated by simply re-wetting it.
SYOURSELF Cooling Towel: The SYOURSELF cooling towel is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s made of soft, breathable, and quick-drying fabric that provides instant relief when activated with water. This towel is perfect for individuals who need an affordable yet effective cooling solution for outdoor activities.
Cooling Towel by Chill Pal: The Chill Pal Cooling Towel is praised for its large size, measuring 12 x 40 inches, making it versatile for various applications. It offers a lasting cooling effect and can be easily reactivated. The material is soft and gentle on the skin, making it comfortable to wear during workouts or as a neck wrap on a hot day.
Ergodyne Chill-Its Cooling Towel: Ergodyne’s Chill-Its Cooling Towel is designed with convenience in mind. It’s available in both regular and extra-large sizes, and the PVA material is incredibly absorbent and quick-drying. This towel offers a significant cooling effect and is perfect for construction workers, athletes, and anyone exposed to high heat conditions.
Cool Down with a Neck Fan
Neck fans keep you cool while giving you a hands-free breeze. Their lightweight designs provide comfort yet boast powerful cooling effects.
The JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan runs for up to 16 hours. Key features include low noise design, high performance motor, versatility for any environment, and adjustable settings. Also, it is bladeless, so you don’t have to worry about your hair getting caught.
The MistyMate personalized mist fan is another device that quickly delivers relief on a hot day. The high-pressure output combines with mist that cools air up to 30 degrees, helping you keep your cool with minimal effort. Another plus is that it requires no batteries.
Plan Your Departure
For a cooler and more comfortable beach experience, it’s advisable to go either in the early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid the peak heat of midday. These times offer cooler temperatures, reduced UV intensity, and often a quieter beach atmosphere.
Don't Forget Sunscreen!
Applying sunscreen is a no-brainer, but many people forget to reapply it throughout the day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it every two hours or after swimming. Sunburn not only hurts but can make you feel even hotter
By following these tips, you can enjoy a scorching day at the beach while staying cool, comfortable, and safe. Remember that the beach is not just about sun and surf; it’s also about relaxation and rejuvenation. So, slather on that sunscreen, grab your beach gear, and get ready for a fantastic day by the shore!
