By David Dean
Travel Tech and Gear Expert, about.com
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Planning a beach vacation this summer? Of course you are! Along with
your towel and sunscreen, don't forget to pack your smartphone – these
six useful apps will update you on the weather and surf conditions,
ensure you don't get burned, keep you safe and even teach you how to
surf!
1Weather
First things first, you need to
know what the weather's doing. There's no point planning a beach day if
it's going to start raining ten minutes after you arrive.
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There are several good general weather apps out there, but I currently use 1Weather,
which has hourly and long-range forecasts, rain radar and more. I like
that it can automatically adapt to your current location, without
needing to change any settings – handy when you arrive somewhere new.
Sunwise UV Index
What's the first rule of a beach vacation?
Don't get sunburned! Before heading out to the beach, check the UV index with the EPA's free Sunwise app to get an idea of how long you can stay outside.
It's
not very attractive, but it provides hour-by-hour information for your
current location, including an explanation of what the numbers mean and
how you should protect yourself from the sun.
iTanSmart
Of
course, it's all very well knowing you shouldn't spend too long in the
sun, but it's not always easy to stick to the plan once you're lying on
the beach with a drink and a good book. iTanSmart takes the guesswork out of things by factoring in your current location, skin type and the type of sun protection you're using.
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Hit
a button to start the timer (or pause it when you go inside), and
you'll be warned when you hit your maximum exposure for the day, as well
as 15 minutes beforehand.
Coasting
If you're going to the beach to surf, Coasting
provides all the info you need, quickly and easily. The app gives the
surf reports for your favorite spots, showing at a glance the wind,
swell and wave sizes you can expect throughout the day. It also has a
nice feature where you can set your ideal conditions for each spot, and
the app will score the current conditions against them.
For more detail, Surfline
includes live web cams where available. If you're more concerned about
staying on the board than exactly what the weather's doing, iSurfer Surf Coach is a surf school in your pocket, with videos and tutorials for novices upwards.
Beach Safety
Even placid-looking beaches can be dangerous, especially those not patrolled by lifeguards. Beach Safety
clearly explains rips and currents, why they're dangerous and how to
spot them in the water, along with ways to escape from them if you get
caught.
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There are also tips for treating jellyfish stings and even
ways to avoid shark attacks. It's an easy, free way to stay safe at the
beach this summer.
Waterkeeper Swim Guide
Just
want to know where the best nearby swimming beaches are? When you're
vacationing somewhere new, you don't always know the ideal spots – which
is where Waterkeeper Swim Guide
comes in. It uses your current location to show nearby options and
provide driving instructions, and also lets you know if the beach is
currently closed.
The app covers beaches (and lakes) throughout
the US and Canada, with thousands of photos and detailed descriptions to
help you decide where you'd like to head today. It also includes
information on lifeguard, changing room and other facilities, and lists
both current and historical pollution levels.
