Yep, what you just heard was summer knocking at your front door and we’re sure the local beaches will be jam packed with Bahamians looking to cool off because no lie it is hot AF! Our Bahamian people love beach time to just chill out or to throw that overdue get together with family and friends! But as we inch closer and closer to beach season we want to pay tribute to the things that make a Bahamian beach day unique!
T-shirt and Pum Pum Shorts
Because who needs a bikini, right?! With the sun battering down on these islands as much as it does, Bahamians living in the most beautiful tropical climate in the world, you’d think that a Bahamian woman would love bathing suits, especially at the beach. But nah fam, that t-shirt from the neighbour’s funeral or the shirt from the last family reunion is all they need to swim good. I just wish my Bahamian women would get their confidence game up and start loving their bodies on the beach, no need to hold back let it all hang out (this applies to the dudes too).
Ferl (Foil)
When Bahamians make it up in their mind that they’re having a beach day, they mean that! That means they’re gonna be there all day and they gotta get there early to claim their spot (that they would fight you for) on a public beach. And who wants to be stuck on the beach with no food, drinks and snacks to get you by? With VAT on everything, buying food all day is a no-go. So as our good grammies taught us; cook enough food so you would catch a cramp after eating all of it and carry the whole kitchen behind you to serve it. Take the cooking spoons and forks, butcher knives, spatulas and even the rolling pins and cutting board. Make sure you have enough foil for the tote session when it’s time to leave!!!
Empty water bottle
Who remembers the cut hip that used to ensue if you hopped in your aunt’s car without washing the sand off your feet first?! 1 gallon water bottles have for years remained a staple in the Bahamian beach day. Don’t miss and sandy up your pop’s car, or else next time he will Saran Wrap your a*# before you get within 10 ft of his vehicle. So your 1 gallon bottle was the secret weapon, before you walked up the beach you filled that bottle up and waited till you were in a ‘non sandy’ place to wash them feet. Then and only then, was all right with the world.
The whole linen closet
No Bahamian beach day would be complete without a full sheet set! The bottom sheet, top sheet and pillows with pillow cases! Beach towels just don’t cut it for us, they’re just not big enough. We need to be super comfortable when we lay out…we need familiarity and grammy’s floral sheets. Bahamians basically be recreating their bedroom on the beach, falling sleep and waking up. The sheet set has become synonymous with Bahamian beach days and…that’s hilarious!
Garbage bags (Bonus Round)
Ironically, the one item everyone should take with them to the beach but don’t! This is the bonus must have item. There’s no way you think you can go the beach, take a bucket of your favorite chicken, bottles of rum, cans of soda, sanitary plates and forks and not take garbage bags to clean it all up. It’s ok to take foil paper, sheets and towels, water bottles, and a whole club outfit but not garbage bags?! Let’s keep our beaches clean, otherwise your cousin won’t have anywhere to debut his new Jordans and socks.
What are some of your Summer ’16 beach plans?