Beach chairs in South Walton

You're ready to spend time at the beach. Gotta make some decisions like which beach, what to take in the cooler, what towels, toys, etc. One of the most important decisions is what to sit your bottom on. It can be confusing and please don't quote me on the following info because it is definitely subject to change every year. There are many ways to sit at the water's edge but for most people, a chair is the most comfortable. But which kind? Arrange for a beach gear service and have them set it up for you or bring your own?  If you are at a resort, you may have to use a rental service but generally, South Walton beaches give you the choices. Here are a few pros and cons.

The Bring Your Own Option

Pros:

BYO is cheaper than a service.

Its easier to move BYO chairs with the change in the tide line.

Choice of cheerful colors.

Chaos. Not everyone likes the chaotic set-up of individual sun worshippers out there every which way but I think it’s the most fun aesthetically.

Cons:

You do the manual labor getting them to and from the beach everyday.

You are probably not going to be as good at getting the umbrella to stay up.

If you don’t get out there early on a busy day it can be tricky to find a good spot.

Beach Chair Rental

Pros:

They do the manual labor.

They get down to the beach EARLY to set-up.

Order. Lined up beach chairs and umbrellas are symmetrically pleasing.

Cons:

Expense. Beach gear rentals can be pricey. Shop it.

Some of the beach accesses are "managed" by a particular beach vendor. If it is, you have to use them which is a good thing.

Order early. When it’s busy, it is busy for everyone. At the public accesses, some of the rental services are maneuvering between themselves. It can be confusing. Be patient.

Rules and regulations. I’ve been in Walton County for 15 years and cannot keep track of the rules with any certainty so don’t quote me on anything. There are HOA rules, county rules, state rules and federal rules, private beachfront property owner rights and there are beach vendor territories and rules that must be considered. The rules are very confusing. 

The one that used to give me the most guidance was the customary use ordinance. The customary use ordinance was passed and went into effect on April 1, 2017. Now it is gone. Long story involving very rich people and politicians and lawyers but now, on "private property" people no longer have customary use of the beach. It's very hard to know what is private and what isn't but if you stay close to the public beach accesses and away from the private beach signage you should be okay. It's a big mess because without CU the lucky few who own the sand down to the waterline have the right to keep you off that part of the beach. You can walk on any part of the wet sand but other than that, they have the right to call the sheriff on you. Some private beach owners don't care if your own "their" property as long as you are decent, don't put up tents, and have good manners. BUT some are very very serious about their rights. Its all very confusing and the county is trying to get customary use back but don't hold your breath. 

Walton County also enforces the Leave No Trace ordinance. It's a very helpful ordinance that simply requires you to take home what you bring to the beach every day and for the safety of turtles, birds, and humans please knock down the sandcastles you build and fill in any holes that you dig. And of course,  have fun and be thoughtful of one another because it can get crowded. Still, no matter what you are sitting on, you are lucky to be here enjoying the Florida panhandle beaches.