Living in Miami, you'd think I'd hit the beach all the time. I don't. It's not that I don't like the beach. Whenever I get there I always wonder why I don't come more often and I do my best to put out of mind how the sand trap of independence triggers almost every source of anxiety for me. Getting on the beach mandates that I accept help...and lots of it.
I have to be carried from the boardwalk to the sand and then there's the issue of fetching my wheelchair and our beach necessities. Usually we go to the main strip right off South Beach because it is "accessible" or so the sign says. This area has the sand packed down so that I can push myself to about the line of trash cans on the beach. But who wants to lay out there? So it still requires carrying to commence-just not as far. This weekend my friend invited us to try out a less tourist packed beach and one that is known to be cleaner than other spots. With a friend in town I had reinforcements and decided to accept the mission.
On vacation to other beaches, I've tried those horrendous beach wheelchairs. Not only am I MORE of a spectacle but their graceful tank-like designs seem to require more effort to push than it would to just carry me. I don't even think about using one of those here. I did however ponder flagging down one of the lawn 
chair/umbrella digger guys in their golf carts to ask if it would be too much trouble for me to hitch a ride. It was so tempting! They have the perfect set-up with a flatbed in the back of the cart to take me AND my chair. My hatred of asking strangers (especially) for help got the best of me so my poor friend had to make several trips.
[Photo caption: A beach wheelchair, called "The Bug", pictured. It has large wheels in the front and back with an attached umbrella.]
Yesterday was a unique beach trip for me too because I ventured into the ocean. Waves rank among the other anxiety-provoking parts of the beach for me. They're unpredictable and don't consider my need to breathe, look cool, and stay upright. So I don't like them. Once I got past where the waves break yesterday, I was able to stand and talk with friends with the occasional swim. Besides the fact that I was completely irresponsible with the application of sunscreen, it was a good day.
Have you figured out any tips or tricks that have made your beach excursions easier and more relaxing? From my daily swimming days, I've learned it's much easier to remove my cushion than wait several hours for it to dry. This might not be an option for people who are prone to pressure sores. The beach wheelchairs I've used have been borrowed from Parks and Recreation Department. Are there more updated versions that you've found work better? This chair from Eagle (pictured below) looks like a much sleeker alternative to the contraption named after an insect.
[Photo caption: Young girl is seated in an orange beach wheelchair with two back wheels and a single large front wheel.]
I know the beach season is wrapping up for some but share your tips below. You never know what bit of knowledge could make life easier for someone else!
