Walking at the beach is a healthy and enjoyable activity whether you’re doing it solo, with a pet, or with a special someone. The feeling of the sand on your feet, the fresh air, and the sound of the ocean’s gentle waves—a stroll by the shore is a great way to clear your mind and enjoy a light physical workout.
If you’re planning a trip to a tropical island soon, here are seven tips for a better beach walking experience:
Tip #1: Warm up on the solid ground
Know that treading on soft sand puts an extra strain on your calf muscles. Before you walk on the beach, stretch your muscles for a few minutes by walking on a solid surface. Start your exercise by walking on flat pavement, boardwalk, or densely packed sand.
Tip #2: Wear aqua shoes or sandals for longer walks
If you’re doing brisk walking or covering long distances during your exercise, be sure to wear the appropriate footwear. Aqua shoes not only support to your feet, but they also protect them from sharp rocks and hidden glass or metal shards.
Tip #3: Go barefoot for shorter walks
When taking a short leisurely stroll along the shore, take off your slippers, and go barefoot. The feel of sand in between your toes is good for your mind and body, and it also smoothens the calluses on your feet. Just be mindful of sharp, pointy seashells and other hazards. If the beach is full of these, it’s best to wear shoes or slippers to prevent unwanted injuries.
Tip #4: Build up your time on soft sand
Much like climbing a hill, walking on soft sand is a hard workout. Don’t strain yourself by covering long distances at once. Instead, build up your time over the course of your beach vacation. Walk five minutes on the first day, ten minutes on the next, and so on. This way, your leg muscles will adjust accordingly to the exercise and the challenging landscape.
Additionally, be aware that beaches don’t usually have a solid flat surface. The part closest to the ocean is also always lower than the land closer to the inland, and uphills and downhills can be tiresome and punishing. Therefore, plan your walks so that you can cover a quarter of the distance in one direction, turn around, and work your way back efficiently.
Tip #5: Protect your skin
Before leaving your hotel room, always remember to wear sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day on the beach, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still give you a sunburn. Put on some lip balm as well to protect your lips from windburn and dryness. If your skin is extra sensitive, remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat when going for long walks.
Tip #6: Don’t forget to hydrate
Walking by the shore on a hot day can easily dehydrate your body. If you’re planning to take a long walk, bring a bottle of water so that you can hydrate yourself at every mile. If you happen to pass by food stalls or restaurants, take short stops to refill your drink.
Tip #7: Don’t walk with your back on the surf
As a general rule, always be on guard whenever walking at the beach. Never take your eyes off the ocean so that you can spot large incoming waves or large pieces of driftwood that can knock you over. Also, it is essential that you pay attention to the tides. You may have passed by a small stream, only to see that it’s an unpassable deep channel upon your return. Carefully schedule your stroll and avoid going for a walk in between tide changes.
Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa offers premium accommodations for your next visit to Khao Lak. Get in touch with us and book your stay at our beachfront resort today!
