Young Brits prefer to surf and paddleboard at the beach (Image: PinPep)
Gen Z is redefining a day at the seaside by replacing traditional favourites like arcade games and crazy golf with paddleboarding and surfing. A poll of 2,000 adults found 11% of Gen Z consider paddleboarding to be essential to the perfect day by the sea, compared to just 7% of Millennials and 3% of Boomers.
They were also far more likely to take a dip, with 38% saying swimming in the sea is a beach day priority. Meanwhile, other classic seaside pastimes appear to be losing their appeal among younger adults too. Turns out, 74% would skip arcade games, and 87% would happily avoid a round of crazy golf.
But seaside traditions such as tucking into fish and chips, a picnic and coastal walks were still among the most treasured experiences across all those surveyed.
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.”
For over two thirds, snacks are an important part of the day, with sandwiches and crisps being the most popular items to pack. A hot drink in a flask (26%) and shortbread or biscuits (24%) were also included in the list of essential items for a beach picnic.
More than a third (38%) visit the coast for its nostalgia, with almost half (48%) missing the sense of adventure and freedom of trips from their childhood.
While 26% 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%) and phones being less of a presence (23%).
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 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%) or a warm sweet treat to boost energy (18%), a ritual called a ‘Shivery Bite’ by Scots.
Young Brits love a dip in the sea followed by a sweet treat (Image: PinPep)
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 nation’s 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:
- Warm sunshine
- Having ice cream
- Coastal walks
- Having fish and chips
- Blue skies
- Walking barefoot in sand
- Having a paddle in the sea
- Calm sea
- Having a picnic
- Take family photos
- Visiting a pier
- Sunbathing
- Swimming in the sea
- Beach snacks
- Building sandcastles
- Reading
- Arcade games
- Sharing snacks
- Rock pooling
- Seaside souvenirs
- Skimming stones
- Collecting rocks
- Play crazy golf
- Taking naps
- Hot foods to warm you up after swimming
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
