Beach bag basics: A beach lover’s guide to powering the perfect day on the water

• Must-have summer tech: Alex Lee highlights four essential gadgets to upgrade your beach day: the wind-filtering JBL Flip 7 speaker, the glare-reducing TCL TAB 8 NXTPAPER 5G tablet, the fast-charging Nimble CHAMP portable charger, and the water-resistant Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses.
• Resilient and eco-friendly design: The featured gear is built to withstand elements like sand, water, and sun, with extra perks like Nimble's eco-friendly 90% recycled plastic design that helps keep oceans clean.
• Smart shopping and savings: Readers can maximize their summer budget by using a Verizon Visa Card to earn rewards on gear purchases or by bundling Verizon mobile and home internet services to save extra money.

If you grew up with day trips to the Jersey Shore like me, you know that going down the shore is more of a lifestyle than your standard summer activity, and packing for it is like an Olympic sport. If you’re doing it right, the party doesn’t stop once the sun goes down; it ends after ice cream at Hoffman’s and the long drive north on the parkway. 

All of this requires gear that’s as resilient as the locals. Here are some of my tech necessities that have earned a permanent spot in my beach bag. No matter what body of water you’ll be posting up at this summer, I’ve got you covered. 

You can’t have a proper beach day without the right soundtrack! The 2026 model features AI Sound Boost, which adjusts the audio levels to cut through the wind and the crowd noise so your playlist stays as crisp as your beverage of choice. It’s also fully waterproof and sandproof, making it your beach bestie!

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get lost in a good beach read but seeing nothing but your own sweaty reflection on the screen. This device features a paper-like display surface that completely reduces glare in direct sunlight. And when the sun goes down, you have a fully capable 5G tablet for streaming your favorite shows on the ride home. 

Because your beach day is only as long as your battery life, a portable charger isn’t just an accessory: it’s a vibe extender. The Nimble CHAMP is made from 90% recycled plastic (shoutout to keeping our oceans clean!) and can juice your phone to 50% in about 30 minutes. Bonus: Snag it with your Verizon Visa Card and earn Verizon Dollars on the purchase, meaning your beach gear literally helps pay off your next phone bill. 

Shades are essential on any sunny day, but the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses are a game-changer for a day by the water. You’ve got open-ear audio built right into the frames—perfect for listening to your playlist while still being able to enjoy the sounds of the ocean. The Vanguard frames are also water-resistant, and the built-in camera lets you capture stunning hands-free photos and video without ever risking a sandy phone! 

It’s no secret that tech, and life, can get pretty expensive. Bundle mobile and home with Verizon for $69.99/month and save. Who doesn’t love a few extra sand dollars in your pocket for later?

There’s no need to let the wrong tech ruin the perfect beach day. Stop by your local Verizon store to make sure you’ve got everything you need to have the best summer ever (sunscreen sold separately).