One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to prepare yourself with the appropriate equipment for your outdoor activity. Many vacationers tend to choose a beach location, as the sun, sand, and ocean are simply too tempting to pass up! Beach vacations lend themselves to perfect sceneries for snorkeling and surfing, especially for those traveling to the warmer climates near the equator where the water is clearer.
Those who participate in water activities as an addition to their camping or hiking trip or to their travel plans will want to also review our other checklists as well to ensure that they’re fully stocked for anything that may come their way. As a side note, we won’t be touching on deep-sea diving, as that gear requires an extensive inventory and list of items in addition to many of the basics covered here.
Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.
Basic Gear
Beach swimming trips require many of the same basics that one would need at a pool with additional items to help keep gear free from sand and debris as well. Similarly, those who choose to up the ante on their beach trip with a little bit of snorkeling will need to invest in the additional snorkel gear as well as safety devices to reduce the risk of accidents while out on the water. Consider the addition of a waterproof camera as well to capture the sights of corals and fish while snorkeling!
Item | Why You Need It |
Protect ID, Cell Phone, Matches, Maps | |
Hydration During Breaks | |
Dry Bags | Gear Organization |
Energy Food/Snacks | |
Keep Track of Your Fitness Progress | |
Keep Lips Hydrated and Protected | |
Dry Off After Swimming | |
Keeps Water Out of Ear Canal | |
Fins | Propel Yourself Through the Water |
Snorkel | Breathing Tube for Snorkeling |
Surf the Waves! | |
Fun for Kids on the Shore | |
Weight Belt | Reduce Buoyancy |
Underwater Camera | Take Pictures Without Damaging Film |
Mesh Bags | Store Gear without Storing Sand/Water |
Umbrella | Shade from the Sun |
Umbrella Stand | Keeps Umbrella Propped Upright in Sand |
Beach Wagon | Tote Gear Out to Shore |
Listen to Radio, CDs, or Ipods | |
Seated Relaxation | |
Baby Wipes | Clean Small Messes |
Trash Bag | Store Used Items or Protect Items |
Clothing
Depending on how warm the water is and what season you plan your beach trip, you may need to dress with a few additional layers of clothing. For surfers and snorkelers especially, wetsuits can add a layer of thermal insulation to help keep you comfortable out on the water for longer periods of time.
Item | Why You Need It |
Adds Thermal Insulation and Protection | |
Designed for Comfort in Water | |
Insulation For Cold Weather Swimming | |
Non-Skid Surface for Pre- and Post-Swim | |
Blocks Sun from Eyes | |
Swimsuit | Great for Warm Weather and Casual Swim |
Cap | Streamlines Head and Protects Hair |
Protect Eyes | |
Snorkel Mask | Protect Eyes and Nose for Snorkeling |
First Aid
As an essential to any trip, first aid can help to ensure that minor accidents and ailments are taken care of. Because swimmers generally don’t take any items with them out on the water, you’ll simply want to have these items on-hand close-by like with your items on shore or in a boat. Always store your first aid items in a waterproof bag to ensure that bandages and other goods stay dry and free from sand and debris. You can also consider simply storing your cellular phone and other medical information in this bag as well to keep everything in one place.
Item | Why You Need It |
Useful When out in Wilderness | |
Medical Info/Card | Useful for Emergency/Healthcare Workers |
Treat Sunburn |
