A family day at the beach sounds simple enough. Throw a few towels in the car, grab the sunscreen and head for the coast.
At least, that’s the game plan.
By the time you’ve added the beach chairs, Esky, umbrella, bags and everything else needed for a day by the water, a quick trip to the beach can start looking more like an away game.
Luckily, Isuzu UTE Ambassador and footy legend Sam Thaiday is no stranger to a little preparation. With the Isuzu packed and the family ready to go, here’s the unofficial Thaiday game plan for a day at the beach.
Rule #1: There’s no such thing as packing light
First things first: you’re going to need space.
Umbrella? In. Portable speaker? In. Footy, spare clothes and an extra bag that nobody remembers packing but everyone insists is essential? All coming too.
Your Isuzu makes light work of the family pack-up, leaving the biggest challenge deciding who gets the job of carrying everything from the car to the sand.
Sam, we’re looking at you.
Rule #2: Get your pre-game preparation right
Any good day at the beach starts with a little preparation.
Check the weather and beach conditions before you head off and, if you’re planning to drive on the sand, make sure you know what the tides are doing too.
Once you’re there, keep an eye on the conditions and remember to swim between the red and yellow flags.
Get the basics sorted before you go, leaving more time for the good stuff.
Rule #3: Bring something competitive
There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the sand, but it never hurts to have something up your sleeve when everyone starts getting restless.
A footy, frisbee or a game of beach cricket should do the trick. A little friendly competition is all it takes to turn things up a notch.
Rule #4: Take the scenic route
A beach day doesn’t have to end when you leave the sand.
Turn the music up, take the long way home and see where the afternoon takes you. Spot a lookout? Pull in. Find a local lunch spot? Give it a go. Ice cream on the way home? That one’s practically compulsory.
Sometimes the best parts of the day are the ones you didn’t plan.
Rule #5: Accept that the sand is coming home
You can shake the towels, brush off your feet and declare your Isuzu a strictly sand-free zone.
It won’t matter.
Somewhere, somehow, the sand is coming home with you. You’ll find it in the footwells, under the seats and probably still be discovering it long after the beach day is over.
But really, that’s all part of it. A little sand in your Isuzu is a pretty small price to pay for a great day by the water.
Call it a souvenir.
