As you read this, I will have just gotten back from my third beach trip this summer – yes, third. Some of you may be thinking, “Whoa that’s a lot! I haven’t even been once!” Others are thinking, “Pshh that’s nothing.” First you have to realize, I am not a huge fan of the beach. I don’t like sitting outside in the sun or heat for hours at a time doing basically nothing. I’m good for two hours tops, then you can find me in the hotel room watching SportsCenter, unless there’s some kind of activity to partake in. Volleyball is my favorite thing to play on the beach and spikeball is a close second. Heck, anything with a ball will entertain me. But being at the beach so much this summer (for me, that is), made me really think of the good and the bad the beach has to offer. And now I share with you some pros and cons of going to the beach.
Pro: the sun.
Everyone appreciates a tan, right? I sure do, although I don’t keep it long. Also, as odd as it sounds, I enjoy sweating. I don’t enjoy bathing in my sweat, but I like what sweating does for you in releasing those nasty toxins from your skin and body. Even without any sort of physical activity, you can achieve a good sweat if it’s sunny and hot enough, you stay out long enough and you’re hydrated.
Con: the sun.
OK, you have to see this both ways. I do tan…after I burn really badly. I’ve never gone to the beach without getting too red no matter how much sun screen I use throughout the day and week. Remember, if the bottle of Coppertone says “No rub,” be sure you spray every inch of your body! I made that mistake once – it looked like I had a game of tic-tac-toe on my back.
Pro: people watching.
This is actually a great way to pass time. The more crowded the beach, the more fun you are in for. There’s nothing wrong with watching how people interact with each other. Try to find people having a conversation and you and your friend or family member act out their conversation. Or find a group of small kids and enjoy a laugh when one face plants in the sand or gets taken out by a wave (may sound mean but let’s be honest, this is always funny).
Con: people are always watching you.
Always watch where you step and watch your six… you don’t want to be the guy the whole beach laughs at.
Pro: every sport is more fun on the beach.
Like I said, I love to play volleyball and other sports on the beach. My sister and I will always pass volleyball or try to find a net and others to play. My dad and I like to bring our gloves and a baseball to throw. If I’m going with a friend, we’ll bring a spikeball set. Smaller games such as corn hole and bocce ball are great too.
Con: every sport is harder on the beach.
It is hard to move in the sand! Albeit a good workout, you will realize you can’t move like you could back on the courts of your gymnasium or in your back yard. And good luck with that Frisbee; hopefully, those gale force winds have died down. Maybe that’s why corn hole is popular…
Pro: you can get away with peeing in the water.
No one wants to walk all the way to the restroom-- the ocean is much closer. No weird chemicals turning your urine blue and the current will always carry it away from you.
Con: nowhere to number-two.
Either hold it for a few hours or get to walking. That restroom isn’t getting any closer to you.
