I live in Florida, so going to the beach is part of life and has been since I was a child. It is an experience I am unwilling to give up and one even during a flare, I would not miss. I have included a few coping techniques below.

1. Eat sparingly the morning of the beach – less intake results in less output
2. If you can park near a bathroom, it might be helpful, if not, you have the ocean
3. Bring lots of water to stave off dehydration
4. Food bars and snacks jam packed with calories, but less intake are my preferred option
5. Bring a few Ziploc bags if you have an ileostomy in case you need to change or empty the bag (although the ocean is already an option for emptying if necessary)
6. Bring a few stoma cap pieces that fit your wafer, as well as a larger pouch, so you can have something less visible prior to eating or worrying about output.
7. Bring a few suits and outfits, so quick change options are an option
8. Water proof tape if you have an ileostomy if planning on spending a lot of time in the water, if not, standard pouch and wafer adhesive should be fine for frolicking in the ocean, or the brave or Securi-T strips
9. Bring two extra pouching systems – complete with all needed items – wafer, pouch, adhesive remover, barrier, powder, and Eakin.