8 Must-Have Items for the Beach This Summer

There are certain items you just cannot do without when you hit the beach. From poncho towels to swimsuits, we have made a list of some of the best quality items on the market for you to always have nearby when you are getting sandy and salty.

Read on to find out our eight must-have items for the beach this summer, many of which can be found (along with other goodies) at your local SSI Training Center.

Poncho Towels by Vivida Lifestyle

A poncho towel is a game changer for beach goers. After a splash in the sea, you can warm up fast and discreetly change with ease under this stylish poncho towel from Vivida Lifestyle. With options for men, women, and children, the whole family can stay cozy this summer. These poncho towels are ultra absorbent, quick-drying, travel friendly, and you can choose from a variety of colors and styles. But it does not stop there! Vivida Lifestyle has a wide selection of items on sale including leggings, sports bras, board shorts, and a brand new range of fabulous women’s swimwear that launches in June 2023. Vivida Lifestyle is committed to learning sustainable and eco-friendly ways of developing and manufacturing their products, so you can look good and feel good about what you are wearing.

Hammerhead Swimsuit by Blu Wild

Wow your dive buddies with this hammerhead swimsuit from Blu Wild. Boasting a flattering fit, a low scoop back, and made from a soft and durable material this swimsuit will have you looking great dive after dive. Blue Wild’s philosophy is "to create high performance, eco-conscious swimwear that empowers women to be bold, sexy, and vibrantly themselves". Using sustainable materials including ECONL® and REPREVE®, Blu Wild creates ethical, timeless pieces that last. Check out some of their other funky prints!

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Tiger shark boardshorts by Waterlust

Tiger sharks have some of the most beautiful markings of any ocean creature, and Waterlust has put it on some shorts for you! Feel like an apex predator every time you go to the beach wearing these lightweight, durable boardies that offer a two way stretch for extra comfort. They are 100% chlorine, sunscreen, sun, and saltwater resistant and have UPF50+ sun protection to keep you from burning. Made from 88% Repreve® RPET recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles, so you can surf with a clear conscience. They have many other styles to choose from if tiger sharks are not for you.

Mermaid Zippered DiveSkin by SlipIns

Would you like to be completely protected from the sun but still look sexy and stylish? SlipIns have got you covered (literally). Their dive skins cover your entire body and offer UPF50+ sun protection. Suitable for surfing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming, these dive skins give you a full range of movement while being durable and extremely comfortable. The Mermaid Zippered dive skin is our personal favorite, but all of their prints are vibrant and are often a great conversation starter on the dive boat with everyone asking "where did you get that?!". SlipIns also offer swimsuits, crop tops, leggings, shorts, and sun shirts, as well as a wide range of accessories in matching patterns.

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Combo Trygon snorkel set by Mares

For many of us, a trip to the beach is not complete without going for a snorkel. The Combo Trygon snorkel set from Mares comes in a selection of colors and is perfect for snorkelers of all experience levels. Boasting a comfortable fit and easily adjustable mask strap, this snorkel set is durable and reliable. The mask offers a wide range of vision and the snorkel has a comfortable mouthpiece and a drain valve that is easy to empty so you do not have to worry about swallowing water.

Earth Runners Sandals

These sandals are the only shoes you need to own. Suitable for the beach, for hiking, and for everyday wear, Earth Runner sandals are extremely versatile. Are you ready for the cool part? These sandals have a copper and stainless steel earthing system that grounds you to the Earth. Grounding (sometimes known as earthing) is the practice of being barefoot and electrically reconnecting with the Earth, this has been proven to have many health benefits including improving inflammation, helping with cardiovascular problems, and increasing emotional health. Earth Runners understood that it is not always safe or possible to be barefoot, and so they developed a lightweight sandal that protects your feet but keeps you connected to the Earth. Check out their selection of styles to find the perfect sandal for you.

Nile Sunglasses by Mita Eyewear

When thinking about sustainable and eco-friendly beach must-haves, many people overlook the item they wear on their face every single day of summer… their sunglasses. It is possible to get stylish eyewear that is created in an ethical way. Say hello to Mita Eyewear: The sustainable eyewear that is made from plastic bottles (five plastic bottles per frame to be exact). Their mission is to "solve low recycling rates that exist across the globe, and create beautiful, designer-inspired fashion forward eyewear". The Nile design is our favorite but there are many styles to choose from with options for both men and women.

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Sun Bum Reef Safe Sunscreen

The most important item to take to the beach is, of course, sunscreen. But as divers and ocean lovers we obviously want to choose a sunscreen that does not poison coral reefs. Most sunscreens contain chemicals that do just that, but not Sun Bum; a reef-safe sunscreen that offers the protection of SPF 30, as well as vitamin C. Sun Bum is also oil-free, vegan, and water resistant.

Mares Ultralight diving equipment bag

You will need a bag to carry all of your new beach items in. The Mares T25 Ultralight is a waterproof bag that is ideal for keeping your stuff dry on the beach or on a boat. It has a capacity of 25L and is made from strong, reinforced, lightweight polyester. The bag has a quick closure system and thermo-welded seals that make it 100% watertight. This bag is available in three different sizes so you can choose the perfect size for what you need.

Which is your favorite summer beach item?So what are you waiting for? Visit your next SSI Training Centerin your area and have a look!