• Surfing: The iconic sport of riding waves using a surfboard, where individuals harness the power of the ocean to glide across the water, showcasing skill, balance, and wave selection.

• Beach Volleyball: A fast-paced team sport played on sand, characterized by dynamic movement, jumping, and powerful spikes, promoting teamwork and agility.

• Beach Soccer: Similar to traditional soccer, this game is played on a sandy surface, demanding quick footwork, agility, and teamwork to maneuver the ball in the challenging terrain.

• Paddleboarding: Participants stand on a large board and use a paddle to navigate through the water, providing a full-body workout and a serene way to explore calm coastal areas.

• Beach Tennis: Combining elements of tennis and beach volleyball, this sport is played with a paddle and a depressurized tennis ball, focusing on hand-eye coordination and strategic shot placement.

• Beach Ultimate Frisbee: A fast-paced disc sport played on the sand, emphasizing quick throws, acrobatic catches, and teamwork to score points by advancing the disc into the opponent's end zone.

• Beach Handball: A dynamic and high-scoring team sport played on sand, blending elements of traditional handball with acrobatic jumps and shots, requiring speed, agility, and accurate throws.

• Beach Rugby: A variant of rugby played on sand, featuring fast-paced action, agile movements, and a combination of physicality and skill to score tries and tackle opponents.

• Beach Cricket: A modified version of cricket played on the beach, emphasizing quick reflexes, precise batting, and agile fielding in a relaxed and scenic setting.

• Sunbathing: Relaxing under the warm sun, soaking in the vitamin D, and enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the beach.

• Swimming: Taking a refreshing dip in the ocean, feeling the cool water against the skin, and experiencing the therapeutic effects of the sea.

• Beachcombing: Strolling along the shoreline, searching for seashells, sea glass, and other treasures washed up by the waves.

• Picnicking: Setting up a beach blanket, enjoying a delicious meal, and savoring the scenic views while indulging in beachside snacks.

• Sandcastle Building: Channeling creativity by constructing intricate sandcastles and sculptures, showcasing artistic skills and imagination.

• Beach Yoga: Practicing yoga on the sand, combining the benefits of physical exercise, meditation, and connection with the natural environment.

• Beach Photography: Capturing stunning sunsets, crashing waves, and joyful moments, preserving memories of the beach experience.

• Beach Bonfires: Gathering around a crackling fire, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the cozy ambiance as the sun sets.

• Beach Walks: Taking leisurely walks along the shoreline, feeling the sand between toes, and appreciating the beauty of the coastline.

• Beach Barbecues: Grilling up delicious meals with friends and family, relishing the flavors while basking in the beach atmosphere.

• Shopping: Beach towns and villages have so many great shops to explore and buy beachy stuff. Beach shopping offers a delightful experience, with vibrant beachwear, stylish accessories, and coastal-themed souvenirs. It allows you to embrace the beach culture and bring a piece of the seaside home with you.

UK

• • Notting Hill Carnival: A two-day event in London that attracts millions of visitors and celebrates Caribbean culture.

  • Brighton Pride: A vibrant and colorful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that takes place in the seaside city of Brighton.

  • Bournemouth Air Festival: A four-day event on the south coast featuring air shows, fireworks, and live music.

  • The Beach Polo Championships: An annual polo tournament held on the beach in Sandbanks, Poole.

Global

• • Rio Carnival: A five-day festival in Brazil that celebrates music, dance, and culture with colorful parades and street parties.

  • Full Moon Party: A monthly event in Thailand on the island of Koh Phangan featuring beachside bars, music, and fire shows.

  • La Tomatina: An annual event in Spain where participants throw tomatoes at each other in the streets of the town of Buñol.

  • Coachella: While not directly on a beach, this California-based music festival draws massive crowds and takes place in a desert setting with palm trees and bohemian vibes.

UK

• Boardmasters in Newquay, Cornwall, is a popular seaside festival that takes place in August and features live music, surfing, and skateboarding.

• Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick, Scotland, is another seaside festival that takes place in August and features music, comedy, and literature. 

• Bazaar at the Beach in Southend-on-Sea: A vibrant market and entertainment event held at Southend-on-Sea's picturesque beachfront.

Global

• Ultra Europe: One of the world's largest electronic dance music festivals, held annually in Split, Croatia.

• Hideout: A popular electronic music festival held on the island of Pag in Croatia.

• Outlook: An annual music festival that showcases a diverse range of genres, held in Pula, Croatia.

• Neversea: A beachside music festival held in Constanta, Romania, featuring international artists and a wide variety of music genres.

• Storyland: A vibrant music festival in Colombia, showcasing a mix of local and international artists, along with carnival-style entertainment.

The sea and beach face several challenges, including pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction. 

• Pollution in the form of plastic waste, oil spills, and chemical pollutants is a major problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. This pollution not only harms marine life but also affects the health of humans who rely on the ocean for food and recreation.

• Climate change is another significant challenge facing the sea and beach. Rising temperatures and sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events are all having a profound impact on the ocean and its ecosystems. This can lead to the destruction of coral reefs, loss of marine biodiversity, and disruption of local communities that rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.

• Over Fishing is another critical issue, with many fish populations declining due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. This can lead to the collapse of entire marine ecosystems and threaten the food security of millions of people.

• Habitat destruction, such as the destruction of mangrove forests and coastal wetlands, also poses a significant threat to the ocean and beach. These habitats provide critical nursery grounds for many marine species, help to protect coastlines from erosion, and support local communities. The loss of these habitats can have devastating effects on the ocean and the communities that rely on them.

• Beach erosion. Human activities like dredging, sand mining, and building structures cause beach erosion, harming marine life and increasing vulnerability to flooding. Solutions include beach nourishment, dune restoration, and artificial reefs. Communities must protect and preserve beaches to sustain vital ecosystems.

• Beach cleanups: Many organizations and local groups organize beach cleanups where volunteers come together to pick up litter and debris from the beach.

• Recycling programs: Many beach communities have recycling programs in place to help reduce waste and keep beaches clean.

• Ocean conservation events: There are many events held throughout the year that focus on ocean conservation, such as World Oceans Day and International Coastal Cleanup Day.

• Educational programs: Many organizations offer educational programs and workshops to help raise awareness about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine life.

Organisations you can support

• The Surfrider Foundation is an activist network that works to protect oceans, coastlines, and beaches.

• Oceana is a non-profit international advocacy organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the world's oceans through policy advocacy, science, law, and public education.

• The Ocean Conservancy is a non-profit environmental advocacy group that works to protect the ocean from the challenges it faces, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

• The Marine Conservation Society is a UK-based charity that works to protect the seas, shores, and wildlife. 

• The Plastic Pollution Coalition is a global alliance of individuals, organizations, and businesses working together to stop plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, and the environmen

Upper Body

Men's upper body beachwear is all about keeping cool and comfortable while also looking stylish. The most popular option for men is a lightweight, breathable shirt that can be easily thrown on over swim trunks or boardshorts. T-shirts, tank tops, and button-up shirts are all great choices depending on the desired level of coverage and formality. For those who prefer a more athletic look, rash guards and surf tees provide both protection from the sun and flexibility for water sports.

When it comes to materials, cotton and linen are popular choices due to their breathability and ability to dry quickly. Performance fabrics like nylon and polyester are also commonly used in activewear-style beach shirts for their quick-drying properties and moisture-wicking abilities.

In terms of style, beachwear for men ranges from classic and understated to bold and vibrant. Neutral colors like white, beige, and navy are timeless options, while brighter hues like coral, turquoise, and yellow are perfect for making a statement. Graphic prints and patterns like stripes and florals are also popular choices for adding visual interest to men's beachwear.

Upper Body

Beachwear for women encompasses much more than just swimwear. Cover-ups, sundresses, shorts, and skirts are just a few examples of popular options for dressing stylishly at the beach. Cover-ups are versatile pieces that are designed to be worn over swimwear. They come in a range of styles, including kaftans, sarongs, and tunics. These pieces provide coverage and protection from the sun while still being breathable and comfortable.

Sundresses are another popular choice for beachgoers. These flowy, lightweight dresses come in various styles, including maxi, midi, and mini lengths. They can be worn over swimwear or paired with sandals for a more dressed-up look. Shorts and skirts are also great options for beachwear, providing comfort and breathability. Jean shorts, linen shorts, and denim skirts are all popular choices that can be paired with a variety of tops to create a beach-friendly outfit.

In addition to these pieces, hats, sunglasses, and tote bags are also essential accessories for a day at the beach. These items provide both style and functionality, keeping the sun out of the eyes and carrying essentials like sunscreen and water.

When it comes to men's lower body beachwear, the options are numerous and versatile. Board shorts are a popular choice for men and can come in various lengths, colors, and prints. These shorts are made of quick-drying materials, making them suitable for water activities such as surfing and swimming. The length of the board shorts can vary from mid-thigh to just above the knee.

Another popular option for men is swim trunks. Swim trunks can come in various styles, from form-fitting to relaxed fit. They typically feature an elastic waistband and are made of quick-drying materials, making them a comfortable option for water activities.

For a more casual and laid-back beach look, men can opt for cargo shorts or chino shorts. These are versatile and can easily transition from the beach to a casual dinner or drinks with friends. 

Men should opt for trousers that are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Materials like cotton or linen are ideal as they allow air to circulate freely, keeping the wearer cool in hot and humid conditions. Such trousers also offer protection from the sun and sand, which can be particularly important for those spending extended periods of time at the beach.

Women's lower body beach clothing is all about being comfortable, stylish, and practical at the same time. There are many options to choose from, including shorts, skirts, sarongs, and swimwear bottoms. Shorts are a great choice for active beachgoers as they offer a lot of mobility, especially for activities like beach volleyball, frisbee, or paddleboarding. They come in various lengths, from short shorts to mid-length shorts that offer more coverage.

Skirts are a popular option for those who want to dress up a little more for the beach. They can be short, long, or in-between and come in a variety of materials such as cotton, linen, or rayon. They offer a stylish and feminine look and are perfect for beach parties or evening strolls along the shore.

Sarongs are versatile pieces of clothing that can be used as skirts, dresses, or even cover-ups for swimwear. They come in different materials and patterns, making them a popular choice for those looking to add some color and style to their beach wardrobe.

Finally, swimwear bottoms are a must-have for any beachgoer. They come in various styles, including bikini bottoms, high-waisted bottoms, and swim shorts. Bikini bottoms are the classic choice for those who want to show off some skin, while high-waisted bottoms provide more coverage and a retro look. Swim shorts are perfect for those who prefer more coverage and want to be comfortable while being active on the beach.

• Quiksilver: Quiksilver is a well-known surf and beachwear brand that offers a range of clothing, accessories, and footwear for men. They are known for their high-quality materials and stylish designs, which are both functional and fashionable.

• Billabong: Billabong is another popular brand for beachwear, offering everything from boardshorts to t-shirts and hoodies. Their designs are often inspired by surf and beach culture, and their clothing is known for being durable and comfortable.

• Hurley: Hurley is a brand that focuses on both surf and skate culture, offering a range of clothing, accessories, and footwear for men. Their designs are often bold and colorful, and their clothing is known for its quality and durability.

• Vans: Vans is a brand that started as a skateboarding shoe company, but has since expanded to offer a range of clothing and accessories for men. Their designs often have a laid-back, California beach vibe and are popular among surfers and skateboarders.

• RVCA: RVCA is a brand that offers a range of clothing and accessories for men, with a focus on surf and skate culture. Their designs are often edgy and alternative, with bold prints and graphics.

• O'Neill: O'Neill is a brand that has been around since the 1950s, and is known for its wetsuits and surfwear. They offer a range of clothing and accessories for men, with a focus on quality and functionality. Their designs often have a classic, timeless feel, with simple and clean lines.

• Solid & Striped: This brand is known for its minimalist aesthetic and offers a range of swimwear, cover-ups, and beachwear for women.

• Mara Hoffman: This brand is famous for its bold prints and colorful swimwear and beachwear collections. Their designs are both chic and playful.

• Roxy: Roxy is a brand that is dedicated to empowering women and girls to live an active and adventurous lifestyle. They offer a wide range of beachwear and surf-inspired clothing for women, including bikinis, board shorts, and dresses. Their clothing is designed to be both stylish and functional, with features like quick-dry materials and UV protection.

• Seafolly: Seafolly is a brand that is known for its stylish and high-quality swimwear and beachwear for women. Their designs are inspired by the beach lifestyle and are made with high-quality materials that are perfect for water activities. They offer a wide range of products, including bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and beachwear.

• Free People: Free People is a brand that offers a range of beach-inspired clothing for women. Their clothing is designed to be both stylish and comfortable, with a bohemian-inspired aesthetic. They offer a range of products, including beach dresses, rompers, and swimwear, all made with high-quality materials and unique designs. Their clothing is perfect for women who want to embrace the carefree and relaxed vibe of the beach lifestyle.

• Faithfull the Brand: Faithfull the Brand is an Australian-based brand that offers a range of beachy summer clothing for women. Their collection includes airy sundresses, lightweight jumpsuits, and beachy separates that are perfect for a tropical getaway.