Gear for the coast

Every beach day

The small kit that makes any beach easier. It fits in one daypack.

• Waterproof phone pouch

  Your phone stays on you, dry, and still takes photos.

  Look for IPX8 rating, a neck lanyard, a double seal. Test it in a bucket with tissue inside before you trust it.

• Small dry bag, 5 to 10 litres

  Keys, wallet and dry clothes stay dry even if the bag gets splashed or dropped in the sand.

  Look for Roll-top closure, thick fabric, a shoulder strap.

• Quick-dry towel

  Dries in an hour and packs to the size of a water bottle. Sand shakes off.

  Look for Microfibre, a loop to hang it, large enough to lie on.

• Water-resistant sunscreen

  Sun off the water burns faster than you think, even on cloudy days.

  Look for SPF 50, labelled water resistant. Reapply after every swim.

• Cap and sunglasses with a strap

  Glare off wet sand and water is harsh by noon.

  Look for UV400 lenses, a strap so they stay on in the waves.

• Water bottle, 1 litre

  Shacks run out, and salt air dries you out.

  Look for Insulated if you will be out past noon.

• Slippers or water shoes

  Hot sand, rocks, broken shells and the walk back to the car.

  Look for Quick-drying, good grip on wet rock.

• Mini first-aid kit

  Cuts from rocks and shells are the most common beach injury.

  Look for Antiseptic, waterproof plasters, ORS sachets, a small pair of tweezers.

• Power bank

  Maps, photos and finding your way back drain the battery.

  Look for 10,000 mAh is enough for a day.

• A bag for your rubbish

  Most beaches have no bins at the water. Leave it cleaner than you found it.

  Look for Any reusable bag.

In the water

For swimming, kayaking, banana boats and water sports.

• Life jacket

  Never get on a boat, kayak or jet ski without one. Operators must give you one.

  Look for Check it is your size, buckled and snug. If it rides up over your chin when you lift the shoulders, it is too loose.

• Rash guard

  Stops sunburn on your back and rash from boards and kayaks.

  Look for Long sleeves, UPF 50, a snug fit.

• Swim goggles

  Salt water stings, and you will see the waves coming.

  Look for A soft seal that holds without pressing hard.

• Water shoes

  Rocky entries, sea urchins and sharp shells.

  Look for Thin, grippy soles that drain fast.

Snorkelling and diving

Dive centres provide gear. Your own mask is the one thing worth owning.

• Your own mask

  A mask that fits is the difference between seeing fish and fixing leaks.

  Look for Fit test in the shop: press it to your face without the strap and breathe in. It should stay on.

• Anti-fog

  A fogged mask ruins the dive.

  Look for Any anti-fog gel. Rinse after applying.

• Reef-safe sunscreen

  Some sunscreen ingredients harm coral.

  Look for Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, no oxybenzone.

Camping on the beach

Only where camping is allowed. Each guide says if it is.

• Tent with sand pegs

  Normal pegs pull out of sand in the first gust.

  Look for Wide sand pegs, a rain fly, mesh for airflow.

• Head torch

  Beaches have no lights after sunset.

  Look for A red-light mode so you do not blind your friends.

• Mosquito repellent

  Coastal mosquitoes come out at dusk.

  Look for DEET or picaridin based.

• Ground sheet

  Sand gets everywhere and the ground stays damp at night.

  Look for Waterproof, a little larger than the tent floor.

Shooting the coast

For the reels you will tag #saltrush.

• Action camera

  Goes in the water with you, and survives sand and salt.

  Look for Waterproof without a case, good stabilisation.

• Floating grip

  If you drop the camera in the sea, it floats.

  Look for A bright colour you can spot in the waves.

• Fresh water to rinse gear

  Salt kills cameras, zips and buckles.

  Look for A spare bottle just for rinsing.

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