It starts to get itchy here after mid-May, so we prefer to be in the sea every day. With a surfboard or bodyboard or just with nothing at the end of the day jumping in the waves and the setting sun. Beach life (on Scheveningen) is great, I can tell you, but I have probably done that countless times. As a beach person, I now know that you only need a few essentials for a fun day. That saves a lot of dragging and hassle and makes your beach day cheerful and also a beautiful memory forever! And beautiful memories are simply the greatest happiness makers! That's why here are my five tips.
Tip 1 - Safety first
Not the nicest tip, but the most important. Because no matter how beautiful and nice the beach and the sea are, the sea gives and takes. Therefore, know something about beach flags and about currents and rip currents. Below you can see the beach flags of the Rescue Brigade . General rule: if there are no flags, there is no Rescue Brigade. So if you see a flag, that's nice, but know what it means. It is best to swim between two red-yellow flags.
🌞 Also for your safety, of course : the right factor sunscreen. Use at least factor 30 and reapply every 2 hours. Choose a waterproof spray for the beach. For children I would go for factor 50.
Tip 2 - Shovel + bucket
Forget the purple inflatable crocodiles, difficult kites, tennis sets and other burdens. Believe me, a child doesn't need more than a bucket and a shovel for a day at the beach. Digging holes, building castles, creating ditches, crushing jellyfish, catching fish, it's all possible. Looking for shells and decorating the castle with them is a favorite here. By the way, you can dig a serious hole with a serious beach shovel .
Tip 3 - The most beautiful bikini ever
Yes, because mom wants some too, okay?! And a beach body is anybody. If you don't feel beach ready, think of the bigger picture . Beach days are memories for life . So make it as easy as possible for yourself to go anyway. For me, a nice bikini or swimsuit always works, possibly with a cheerful pareo (scarf). It is important that you choose well-fitting swimwear , so that you do not have to worry about your top or pants disappearing into the waves. For the nicest bikinis and swimsuits, in all sizes, visit LASCANA . It is best to do hair removal slowly (!) a day in advance. Because take my word for it: salt bites freshly shaved legs.
Tip 4 - Beach cover and poncho
You can of course sit on your towel, but we swear by a square beach blanket made of fleece and a plastic bottom. You secure it with some luggage and yourself and it is large enough for a few shivering, watermelon-eating kids.
We all have a beach poncho here at home. We go to the beach in slippers and swimwear. After swimming we throw the bath poncho over us and you're done. No hassle with wet sandy feet in your underpants and no need to lose your balance when changing clothes. Ideal.
Tip 5 - Water and watermelon
You may find fries, ice cream and other junk along the entire coast. You can always end your day with it if you don't live next to the beach, of course. But we often also bring some snacks with us. These are mainly things to quench your thirst, because playing in the salty sea makes you THIRSTY! So we take refillable water bottles with ice-cold water (acts as a cooling element) and in the summer always a large bag of pre-cut watermelon. A roll of Mentos and a pack of Sultana for a longer afternoon is also nice. But it doesn't actually have to be more or more difficult. The heat makes everything messy.
More about safety (because ripples and currents)
Long story short : we always see how the freighters are anchored. The anchor is at the front of a ship. The ship therefore always lies with its front against the current. This way you can see approximately what the current is like that day. You also feel that when you stand in the sea. When children play in the sea you will see that they always wander with the current. How you deal with this depends on your child's age and beach experience, but make sure you agree on an orientation point together, maintain eye contact and leave your cell phone in your bag. You can read more about currents and ripples here: Safe on the beach .
Last but not least: the (beach) surfing rule
“Always leave the beach cleaner than you found it,” is the rule I learned during my first surfing lesson. After a busy summer day, you would think that everyone would think the opposite way. But we always take our rubbish with us, including at least three items of rubbish that doesn't belong on the beach. The empty plastic bag of the watermelon is usually stuffed full. A nice habit for yourself and to pass on to your child.
🏄♀️ Speaking of surfing, the best surfing school in Scheveningen can be found on the Pier, that is Surfscool . Individual lessons for adults and kids, surf camps, SUP and board rental, it's all possible here.
Do you have a nice beach tip? Let us know!
The author: Mariko Naber
Branding expert and online entrepreneur Mariko is the happy brain behind Happlify. Together with partner Mark, she runs Happlify, Sell your stuff online and branding agency Loaded ink BNO . She loves feel good, random acts of kindness, meatballs, chocolate mousse, family time, sea, piña colada, sugar & spice and everything nice.
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