Beach Day Survival Guide For Dads
- Dad Apparel Daily
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Summertime is here and we know what comes next. The kids are waking you up at 5am wearing full bathing suits and goggles, asking you to take them to the beach. They’ve been waiting all year for this and “we’ll see” is no longer an acceptable answer. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you don’t drop the ball and turn a beach day into a shit show.
Step 1: The List
Make a list. With some things it’s alright to wing it… this isn’t one of those times. Nothing is worse than taking the trek all the way to the beach, just to realize you have no sunscreen and your kids are burning up like Larry the Lobster after 20 disappointing minutes of hopping across the hot lava sand pits from hell. If you think you will remember everything without a list, congratulations. You already forgot the beach chairs.
Step 2: Early Preparation
Load the car ahead of time. This goes well with making the list and being prepared. Get it out of the way early. We all know you’re useless in the morning till you get at least one cup of coffee in to prime the engines. Get the essentials in the car before you forget. Sunscreen, towels, beach blanket, umbrella, and whatever toys your kids would have a mental breakdown without. Really puts a damper on the day when you finally get everything setup perfect but you forgot to bring Barbie’s scuba gear so now you’re the worst dad ever. You might load the car with enough gear to invade a small Island, but you'll still forget something random that's more important than nuclear launch codes.
Step 3: Consult The Boss
You’re only middle management. Run all ideas by the CEO first (Aka Your Wife)
Apparently bringing a full size meat smoker isn’t allowed at some public beaches. She knew that. I did not. Now here I am smoking out the beach making the public think there’s a blazing wildfire while my wife is sitting there with her face buried in the palms of her hands. After an awkward conversation with local Fire Marshall, I had to suck it up and tell her "You were right... again". You know she'll be telling this story until Christmas. Save yourself the embarrassment and double check with her first.
Step 4: The Perfectly Executed Beach Day
You made it this far. You followed all the steps to a T. Bags packed early, kids all have their favorite toys, your wife didn't have to give you a disappointed look once today, things are good. This is what it's all about fellas. Solid beach day completed. You're a Hero in your kids eyes. Your wife wonders how she got so lucky. You're sipping a cold drink from your "Worlds Best Dad" Tumbler. Everything's perfect. You get to enjoy a nice relaxing car ride home after a perfectly executed beach day.
The End.. or so you thought....
Halfway home you hear
"Umm... Dad? I think I left Barbie in my sand castle."
One look from your wife lets you know everything you need to know. Time to put the car in reverse.
Being a beach Dad isn't about having a perfect day. It's about surviving long enough to convince everyone they had one. For shirts that fit the beach Dad persona, check out The Good Times Collection.
