Image via Shutterstock
Image via Shutterstock

A day at the beach doesn’t always mean constant swimming, sandcastle-building and boating. There’s down time to catch up on a book, take a new profile picture or even just take a nap in the sun. This week, GeekWire is bringing you our top picks for getting your geek on this summer. For this installment, we found the best gear to take along on your next trip to the beach.

Before you start your day at the beach, you want to make sure you’re protected. The EPA developed the SunWise app for iOS. It’s not pretty, but it does tell you the expected hourly UV rating for the day, along with suggestions for covering up and the type of sunscreen to apply.

FRiEQ Lightweight Waterproof Bag
FRiEQ Lightweight Waterproof Bag

Keep your gadgets dry

After you have your skin protected, you’ll want to make sure your stuff is protected. If you’re going to be carrying a lot of equipment that you don’t want covered in sand and water, getting a larger, water-tight duffel is your best option. This $21 model has a folding top that clips into a loop for a nice seal. If 20 liters is too much, it also comes in a cheaper 10-liter model.

If you’re just taking your phone, a waterproof case might be all you need. If you’re going to use your phone in the water, the Lifeproof Nuud is a good option for iPhone users. Instead of the standard plastic sheet that covers your screen, a gasket around the edge of the screen keeps water from getting beyond the glass front. A thin piece of plastic over the home button allows for TouchID activation, and a screw-in headphone port works with waterproof headphones. The iPhone 6 version is $78 and the iPhone 5/5S version is between $45 and $60 depending on your color choice.

The Lifeproof Nuud 6
The Lifeproof Nuud 6

There isn’t much available for the non-waterproof Galaxy S6 yet, but Android fans and iPhone fans alike could use a waterproof bag for their phones instead. The $9 FRiEQ Universal Waterproof Case is basically a fancy zip-top bag. Two sturdy clamps shut the top tight, while a clear front and back allow you to take pictures and use the touchscreen while your fingers are wet. This is also a great option if you usually use your phone au natural but want a little protection in rough areas. You could even stuff an ID card, some cash or a hotel key in there with your phone for a full waterproof package.

If you’re going to be reading your Kindle, the best option to keep out a light dusting of sand and water is the humble quart-sized zip-top bag. But if you’re going to be using your Kindle a lot you may want to invest in this case that’s basically a bigger, $12 version of the FRiEQ case above.

olympus tg4
The upcoming Olympus TG-4

Capture the memories

With heat, sand, wet fingers and greasy sunscreen, using your phone even with a case might be a pain; you might want a dedicated camera if you plan on shooting a lot of pictures and video. The Canon D30 is a nice option that’s available now for $300, with a 5x zoom and a 1080p video mode. There are some better options, but they’ve been discontinued recently and prices on them have gone up to more than what they’re worth. If you’re not in a rush to get it, the Olympus TG-4 is looking to be a killer option at $380, but doesn’t ship until the end of the month.

If video is more your thing, GoPro is an obvious choice. But you’ll also want to consider some accessories. This $25 EEEKit comes with tons of accessories, but the best one for the beach is the floating handle. That way, you can take it in the water without fearing that it’ll sink. Plus, the included strap makes sure it doesn’t float away if you do drop it. It also works as an underwater tripod, holding the GoPro just under the surface.

ecostone

Beach parties need tunes

One thing that doesn’t work so well in a waterproof bag and can’t be left in the car is the boombox. We recommended the UE Megaboom yesterday, but for a cheaper option you might consider the Ecoxgear Eco Stone. You can control playback and volume with your phone stored safely away, and a rugged handle makes it easy to attach the speaker to a bag for music on the go. With the Eco Stone, you don’t have to worry about rogue waves stealing your speaker either; the whole package floats.

If you’re at the beach, everyone else might not enjoy listening to your tunes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t listen to your tunes. The Swimbuds Sport Headphones were designed with just about any water-related activity in mind, with four different tips for various water sports. You can use them with the Lifeproof Nuud or any other phone case that has a waterproof headphone pass-through. If you’re looking for a smaller package, Waterfi sells a square iPod shuffle that they’ve waterproofed for swimmers. The included short-cable headphone work great for swimmers.

If sand and water aren’t for you but you still want to enjoy the outdoors this summer, check in tomorrow for our guide to hiking and camping. And if you’re more interested in grilling and hanging out on the lawn, see yesterday’s guide to backyard barbecues.

GeekWire Picks is a regular feature linking to our favorite products and deals. GeekWire or its partners may receive a share of the revenue from your purchase through affiliate referral fees.
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