During my three-day stay in Seagrove Beach last weekend, I saw lots of kids and teenagers trying out a somewhat newfangled sport called kite boarding. Or wake boarding? No, skin boarding. I don’t know! They had this little board, and they would throw it down and then rid the wave “spittle” on the beach as the wave completely petered out. Sometimes they would go ten feet, sometimes twenty, and sometimes they would face plant. That’s when I would cover my mouth to stifle my giggle. But, it’s really hard to make fun of someone when 1)You have no idea what the name for what they’re doing is and 2)You would also probably without any doubt in the world faceplant, too. And probably into a shallow herd of jelly fish, because that’s just your luck.

After realizing my ignorance between all the different type of board sports out there, I decided to post a little glossary for you. That way, the next time you’re at the beach and you see a wake boarder, you can say “Dude! That wake boarder is really cutting it up!” instead of “Wow! That um, guy, out there on that board thingy is really, doing whatever that is, really well!”

Wake Boarding

1. Wake Boarding

From what I understand, wake boarding is kind of like snowboarding on water. You’re pulled by boat, but instead of having two skis like you would in water skiing, your feet are both attached to what looks like a small boogie board. Those guys doing the crazy flips and tricks while being pulled behind a boat? Yep, those are most likely wake boarders. Those tricks are a lot harder to do when water skiing because your legs could potentially fly in different directions, which makes landing the trick less than ideal. Oh, and you don’t usually have a ramp in the middle of the water like this guy. That’s cheating.

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A view of Seagrove Beach from our condo

It’s mid-afternoon in Seagrove Beach, Florida. I’m enjoying a cool drink under the shade of my umbrella and starting out at the blue-green waters and soft white sands. Bands of light blues and dark greens alternate and draw my eyes toward the horizon, the lighter colors hinting at shallow depths where fat sand dollars are being scooped up by adventurous snorkelers and divers. I close my eyes for a moment and simply listen — I hear the surf, children’s chatter, relaxed laughter and seagulls. And then — “Dolphins!” I open my eyes and there they are, about 500 feet off shore, frolicking with kayakers near one of the sandbars. There are twenty, maybe thirty of them, and as more beach goers scramble to get their sea kayaks out in time, I’m struck by how magical this place is.

Seagrove Beach is one of at least seven little beach towns on the 30A, not including Destin and Panama City Beach, both of which are much bigger and more commercial. As you travel from West to East on the 30A, you start in Destin and then travel through Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach,  Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove and finally Rosemary Beach. Like most of the other beaches, Seagrove Beach is backed by beach homes and larger condo structures that prevent access to the beach by the general public, though there are eight public access points as well.

Another lazy day in Seagrove Beach, Florida

If you’re not the beach bum type, fear not — Seagrove Beach offers plenty to see and do. Rent a sea kayak or a stand-up paddle board and explore the sand bars just off the beach. Keep an eye out for the bands of lighter colored water where the depth is between 10-15 feet. You can dive for sand dollars here, lots of fun!The company that rents out the stand-up paddle boards is usually YOLO — You Only Live Once. Love the name! Or, rent a bike – the adorable beach cruisers you see around town are really cheap to rent ($30-$45 for the week) and they’re the absolute best way to get around. The 30A is very congested with cars at times. Night owls can take a walk on the beach with a flashlight and watch for the sand crabs scuttling about. Some are pretty big, so watch out!

Rent a cute beach cruiser to explore Seagrove Beach and the other nearby beach towns!

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Seagrove and nearby Seaside, so go out and explore. Be sure to check out the food trucks in Seaside, particularly the grilled cheese truck. Delicious! Seagrove is a lovely place for casual, unplanned wandering and people watching. When it gets too hot, you can always duck inside an ice cream or art store.

If You Go: High season for the 30A beaches starts around Memorial Day weekend and goes through early August; stay just before or just after these times to save a bundle of money on your beach cottage or condo rental. Your best bet is around May 15, just before Memorial Day, when the waters are warm and usually seaweed and algae-free, though waters can be very clear up through Memorial Day. Low season is August-late September or early October, when the weather is very hot and humid. Rent a bicycle! They’re only $30-$45 for a week and the beach cruisers are the best way to navigate around all the cars and pedestrians that crowd the busy sidewalks and streets.

Gorgeous sunset on Seagrove Beach

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Hanging out at the beach in a bathing cap is not something we really do anymore, but these images — real and painted — sure make it look fun.

This painting is by one of my favorite Washington, DC-based artists, Gregory Ferrand.

She Loves Me Not by Gregory Ferrand. Courtesy Gregory Ferrand.

Vintage Bathers. Courtesy Curious Photos blog.

Fisherman's Huts Beach (Hadikurari) in Aruba

It must be the way the coast curves inwardly between Palm and Malmok Beaches; whatever the cause, Aruba’s Fisherman’s Huts Beach (Hadikurari) is incredibly windy, and it’s the place to be if you want to try out (or just) watch some windsurfing. Especially in the summer months, the warm trade winds whip across this beach’s sands and waters at upwards of 20mph, with some gusts reaching the 30s. It’s a true hold-on-to-your-hat (and your sunglasses, and your beach bags) beach.

Trying to windsurf on Hadicurari Beach in Aruba

Although I did not try windsurfing myself, I can attest to the patience of the instructors on this beach; my husband and I watched one teacher try to get a girl to windsurf for well over an hour. It’s apparently a lot harder than it looks, and getting dragged through the water by a lofty sail did not look like the most fun. Once she finally got going though, I was jealous! It looked so carefree and fun.

The water on this beach is quite shallow at first, and not the best for snorkeling due to all of the wind. But, the water is warm year-round and invites lazy wading.

Human spectators aren’t the only visitors to this beach. Keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous turquoise and green lizards. One of them was so friendly that he/she came right up to us and crawled over our hands. The wind doesn’t seem to bother them much, probably because they’re so close to the ground. They’re completely harmless and their scampering adds a touch of frolicking frivolity to the picturesque scene.

IF YOU GO: Take the Arubus and pack a lunch to eat in the shade. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sand flying around.

Lovely lizard on Aruba's Fisherman's Huts Beach

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert