Summer’s essential hi-tech beach toys

Meet the new generation of beach toys, says teen travel gear writer and reviewer Jonathan Looi, they’ll make your next foray to the shore easier, cooler and much more entertaining

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Flip out

Flippers don’t get more hi-tech than the Atomic Aquatics BladeFins ($179.95). Inspired by aircraft and racecar design, they’re designed to give an ergonomic fit and efficient thrust, helping you travel further with less effort. In addition to clever features (the frame-rail design on the side of each fin mimics a backbone, while the sole plate ‘bolts’ them to your feet) they also come in six colours.

Cool dude

Fed up with warm cola and wilted sandwiches? The Yeti Hopper Portable Cooler (from $350) keeps its contents cool for hours, if not days. Although you may balk at its hefty price tag, the cooler’s built-to-last construction means you’ll be able to use it for years. Available in three sizes (20, 30 and 40 litres) the medium version can hold 24 cans of beer, or 30 pounds of ice – plenty for a day by the sea.

Sound of the sea

Despite its diminutive size, the Ultimate Ears Waterproof Speaker ($99.99) produces enough sound to keep your beach party going strong. Designed for the outdoors, the speaker is waterproof, sandproof and wireless, with a Bluetooth range of 30 metres. It’s portable too, weighing a nifty 330 grams.

Lay it on me

Sand is best on the beach – not in your car or on your clothes. The Grand Trunk Parasheet Beach & Picnic Blanket ($39.99) is woven entirely of parachute nylon for a non-stick result. The blanket also has a pocket on each corner that can be filled with sand or rocks, keeping it anchored down – even in wind.

Scoot on over here

Want to swim with the ease of a fish? The Sea-Doo underwater scooter ($585) lets you enjoy the underwater world without the physical exertion. Simply grab the handles and away you go. It reaches speeds of 4.8km per hour and can be used at depths up to 100ft. And, if you’re forced to share it, relax knowing that it runs for 1.5 hours before needing a charge.

Locked down

Need to cool off in the sea, but don’t want to leave your valuables unattended? Enter the Master Lock Portable Safe ($28.69). Weighing a little over 1.5lbs, it’s the perfect size for sunglasses, jewellery, smartphone and keys – and can be secured by a four-digit combination lock. The safe’s wire cable allows you to attach it to immovable objects, such as trees, cars or benches.

Jonathan Looi

Summer’s essential hi-tech beach toys

Flip out

Cool dude

Sound of the sea

Lay it on me

Scoot on over here

Locked down

Flip out

Cool dude

Sound of the sea

Lay it on me

Scoot on over here

Locked down

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