Gen Z is redefining the day at the seaside – with paddleboarding and surfing becoming the must-have beach day activities, replacing traditional favourites like arcade games and crazy golf.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 11 per cent of Gen Z consider paddleboarding to be essential to the perfect day by the sea, compared to just seven per cent of Millennials and three per cent of Boomers.
The younger generation is also far more likely to take a dip, with 38 per cent saying swimming in the sea is a beach day priority, versus just 17 per cent of Boomers.
While other classic seaside pastimes appear to be losing their appeal among younger adults, with 88 per cent of Gen Z less likely to go rock pooling and 74 per cent leaving out arcade games.
Similarly, 87 per cent could happily skip a round of crazy golf.
But seaside traditions such as tucking into fish and chips (47 per cent), a picnic (30 per cent) and coastal walks (51 per cent) were still among the most treasured experiences across all those polled.
Bryony Walker from Walker’s Shortbread, which brought its newly launched Wee Chunkies bites to a seaside pop-up on Brighton beach, said: “While the research shows beachgoers still crave the classic seaside experiences, it’s interesting to see what now makes up the ideal day at the beach.
“Activities like paddleboarding are becoming more popular with younger generations, but what remains constant is a dip in the sea.
“The coast holds special appeal, combining nostalgia, quality family time and the simple joys of a well-packed picnic, fresh air and time outdoors.”
The study also found fresh air is the biggest draw to the seaside for more than two thirds (68 per cent) of adults polled, while almost half (46 per cent) go to spend time with family and 16 per cent are motivated by the food.
For over two thirds (67 per cent), snacks are an important part of the day, with sandwiches (48 per cent) and crisps (47 per cent) being the most popular items to pack.
A hot drink in a flask (26 per cent) and shortbread or biscuits (24 per cent) were also included in the list of essential items for a beach picnic.
More than a third (38 per cent) visit the coast for its nostalgia, with almost half (48 per cent) missing the sense of adventure and freedom of trips from their childhood.
While 26 per cent reminisce about uninterrupted family time they have previously enjoyed at the beach, as well as playing on the coin operated slot machines or rides (24 per cent) and phones being less of a presence (23 per cent).
The sound of the waves was named the ultimate seaside sensation, alongside the sight of a sparkling sea on a sunny day and the belief food simply tastes better by the coast.
Commissioned via OnePoll, the research also found 15 minutes is the ideal length of time to spend in the sea.
And the dip should be followed by a toasty towel (49 per cent) or a warm sweet treat to boost energy (18 per cent), a ritual called a ‘Shivery Bite’ by Scots.
According to the poll, only nine per cent of Brits are familiar with the post-swim tradition.
The unfamiliarity with the term led to Walker’s Shortbread bringing a Shivery Bite to Bank Holiday beachgoers and swimmers on Brighton’s busy beachfront.
Bryony Walker, added: “The insights have revealed the nations ideal beach day, with fresh sea air, sunshine, blue skies and that essential paddle in the water.
“After a summer of intense heat, beachgoers are craving a moment of relief, whether it’s a colder coastal breeze or cosy comfort food.
“Few things beat wrapping up after a swim or enjoying a warm treat, something in Scotland we call a ‘Shivery Bite’, and our new shortbread offering is exactly for this moment, best served warm, to help make the most of the post-dip feeling.”
THE NATIONS PERFECT BEACH DAY:
1. Warm sunshine
2. Having ice cream
3. Coastal walks
4. Having fish and chips
5. Blue skies
6. Walking barefoot in sand
7. Having a paddle in the sea
8. Calm sea
9. Having a picnic
10. Take family photos
11. Visiting a pier
12. Sunbathing
13. Swimming in the sea
14. Beach snacks
15. Building sandcastles
16. Reading
17. Arcade games
18. Sharing snacks
19. Rock pooling
20. Seaside souvenirs
21. Skimming stones
22. Collecting rocks
23. Play crazy golf
24. Taking naps
25. Hot foods to warm you up after swimming