The chance to take daily strolls along the shoreline is just one of many reasons to choose a holiday by the sea at a place like Ramsgate Cottage. A leisurely walk on the beach calms the mind and exercises the body – in short, it’s good for you and the kids. But there are a number of factors to consider if you want to get the most out of a seaside saunter. To help you along, we’ve jotted down some handy advice for better beach walking.
How to make the most of a wander on the beach
1. Wear closed shoes or sandals
As satisfying as it is to feel the sand between your toes, for successful beach walking over longer distances, it’s advisable to wear shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Doing so will not only prevent you from stepping on sharp shells or broken glass hidden in the sand, but it will also help to ensure that you don’t tire too quickly. If you want to avoid getting sand in your shoes, you can always wear gaiters. But what if you’re set on walking barefoot? In that case, stay away from strolling through soft sand for long periods of time – this can put a lot of strain on your muscles and result in injury if your body is not used to the demand. Rather, stick to the compact sand closer to the water’s edge or move onto a paved boardwalk for the better part of your wander. To train your legs to walk more efficiently on softer sand, you can slowly increase the amount of time you spend doing so from 5 minutes, to 10, to 15, and so on throughout the course of your vacation.
2. Switch up your direction
As you’re probably already aware, the shoreline tends to slope downwards towards the water’s edge. This means that if you’re walking long distances in one direction, you’re naturally putting more strain on one leg, which, of course, becomes a little tiring and frustrating over time. To offset the problem, plan your walk so that you’re regularly changing direction – walking one way, then the other, then back the original way again – and giving both legs a turn in the “uphill” position. You could also always walk some of the way on a paved path that removes the impact of the slope.
3. Look after yourself (and the kids)
Naturally, your safety on the beach should be of the utmost importance. But looking after yourself and the family while you’re taking a seaside stroll goes beyond just slapping on some sunscreen and slipping on a hat or a buff. You’re going to want to consider the clothing you wear to protect yourself from windburn, too, and this includes making use of protective sunglasses that will guard your eyes against sudden sand storms. Also be sure to keep your eyes on the water at all times so you’re not caught off-guard by an unexpected wave that sweeps you and the little ones off your feet.
4. Research tide times
Before walking anywhere, take a look at the tide charts and note the times and heights of low tide and high tide in your area. Low tide is, for obvious reasons, a better time to head out for a stroll, but you also want to make sure that if you’re walking quite a distance, you don’t get caught out by rising water levels that turn little streams into raging rivers or make it too dangerous to cross a quickly dwindling stretch of sand.
5. Work with the wind
A blustery day can make a beach walk very unpleasant, so it’s a good idea to research wind speeds before heading out, too. If it’s just a little breezy, then use the wind to your advantage by first walking directly into it – this will give you a bit of a workout at the beginning of your stroll when you’re feeling strong – and then returning with it blowing from behind you, which will help you along when you have less energy. You could also always take along a kite for some family fun along the route.
Now that you’re clued up on how to enjoy better beach walking, why not book into accommodation that’ll give you plenty of opportunities to practice. Ramsgate Cottage on the KZN South Coast is situated right on the shore, and offers easy access to Ramsgate Beach, Southbroom Beach and St. Michaels on Sea for coastal strolls. Alongside uninterrupted ocean views, the self-catering 10-sleeper also boasts a built-in braai area, spacious lounge and dining room, and private swimming pool, and it’s incredibly easy to book online.