Rank how long you spend on these activities when at the beach

Generally I avoid the beach when I want to recreate, since sand and salt and sun aren't particular faves. All but one of the times I've been to a beach in the last few years have been at night, for bonfires, and I haven't been in the water at all. I can't remember the last time I did more than wade in salt water.

I love salt water, but I hate seaweed and algae and barnacles (oh my)!

Mostly play in/with the sand.

Well, I've only been to the beach about two times, my whole life

I don't go to the beach much. Usually going to the beach means going to the water, which is usually very rocky, not a swimming place.

When at the beach? Try IF at the beach :) I never go to the beach by choice.

There aren't any real beaches around here, so I answered for what I do when I'm at my family's cottage on the lake. I spend most of time swimming, and after that, sunbathing/relaxing.

I haven't been to the beach in eons. I think the last time was 4 or 5 years ago, when I went to Cape Cod; it was way too cold to swim or sunbathe, but I loved being near the ocean.

Shell Beach?

most of the time when I go to the beach it's at night or during the winter, and I just walk along the shore. if I do go during more traditional times, I spend more time lying in the sun than in the water, unless it's somewhere with a decent ocean (not the northeast US).

When I go to a beach it's almost always on Puget Sound and the water is usually a bit cold for swimming. But if the water is warm enough I love to swim. I don't sunbathe (my skin burns too easily) but love to sit and read on the beach. Long walks are my favorite thing, especially exploring a new place.

Varies with mood. Which category is cruising in?

eris: I would put cruising squarely in the same category as beach volleyball.

I LOVE the beach (but then I live on a boat). We often go to beaches in Hong Kong that are only accessible by boat. My favorite beach place is Koh Samui, Thailand. It's absolutely incredible.

You live on a boat, and you have internet access?!? What is the world coming to?