Floating sunglasses, a dry bag that actually stays dry, a towel that leaves the sand behind, and cork yoga mats. Small things, but they are the ones that ruin a day when they fail.

Floating polarized sunglasses

Regular sunglasses sink. Ours float, so dropping a pair over the side costs you a swim instead of a replacement. Polarized lenses with a UV400 filter cut the glare coming off the water. Choose the mirror-coated pair for bright open water, or the Amphibia with removable arms and a sports strap for anything high impact. There is a silicone strap two-pack too, for the pairs you already own.

The 30L dry bag backpack

A roll-top dry bag built like a real backpack, with padded straps, chest and waist buckles, mesh bottle sleeves and a separate bottom compartment for wet gear. The shell is 500D PVC tarpaulin with welded seams. It doubles as a carry-on.

Sand-free beach towel

Thin, soft, quick-drying, and sand does not stick to it even wet. Packs down small, comes with its own pouch.

Cork yoga mats

Cork grips better as it gets wet, which is the opposite of most mats and the reason it suits hot yoga. Naturally antibacterial, dense enough to protect your knees, and it can be sanded to freshen the surface after years of use.