Thank you for sharing the coastal love:
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The objective is to find a variety of sea shells, both common and rare. Not to get burned, cut and bit while shelling!
A day at the beach hunting and gathering shells is a great way to spend free time. Warm sun, sparkling water, shells waiting to be collected. And you only need minimal preparation to ensure a fun day.
Then you’ll want to take your shell treasures home, clean them (see How-To below) and enjoy them in the displays and craft projects you create.
The good news is that you only need a few items for a successful day at the beach. Most things like sunscreen, bug spray and something to collect shells, you probably already own.
At the end the day, you want to bring home a bounty of shells. What you don’t want, is to look like a crispy fried lobster with a bad back!
Got you covered…
We’ve put together a resource list of all the gear you’ll need for a fun, safe and productive day of shelling.
Shell Collecting Must-Have Gear
SUNGLASSES
You’ll want to protect your eyes from UV sun rays while beachcombing. Glare from the water is not only hard on your vision but you might miss out on the best shells. Like a sporty look that can go from shelling to boating? Browse POLARIZED SUNGLASSES for Men and Women.
WATER SHOES
Protect your feet from cuts that will definitely come if you go shelling barefoot on beaches dense with sea shells. Water shoes have come a long way, stylishly speaking. Lightweight, flexible and quick-drying they’re perfect for shelling, beach-going in general and water sports. Browse WATER SHOES for men and women. In lots of fun colors.
SUN HAT
When the sun beats down, a hat is a must have to cover your scalp from hot sun. A visor offers shade protection and a neck flap will cover the back of your neck, which often is an after-thought. As in AFTER it’s burnt. Leave the baseball hat home. Browse Sun Hats for Men, Women and Children.
SHIRT
Of course wearing a bathing suit to go shelling makes sense. But if you plan to be hunched over for any length of time, a shirt is a good idea. Make it light-weight, with UV-protection and you’re good to go. Browse Rashguard Shirts and Sun Protection Shirts.
COLLECTION BAG
Anything that will hold your shells will work. A bucket with a handle gets uncomfortable after a while, especially if you’re gathering a lot of shells.
An onion sack or mesh bag works great too. Just realized there’s a bag of oranges in the fridge… I’ve used a kid’s beach toy bag when clamming, so it’s a great choice. You probably have one. If you prefer something with a shoulder strap browse shell collecting bags.
SAND SCOOP
Shelling means you’ll be doing a lot of bending and squatting. An adjustable sand scoop will save your back! Feel free to clean the cat litter box too. Just be sure to sanitize the scoop before heading to the beach.
SAND SIFTER
Looking for shells or shark teeth in a scoop of sand will be easier with a sifter. You can use a plastic kids one for sure. The one sourced here has a lanyard and carabiner to help keep you hands-free while scooping and sifting along the waterline.
SUNSCREEN
You know about this. Use sunscreen. Reapply often. Just like your Mama told you. If you don’t want to cart along a big bottle, generously apply before you get to the beach and tuck some sunscreen wipes in your pocket to reapply.
There are several ways to clean your collected seashells.
Bleach Method: For the most part I avoid bleaching them because this method, although effective, may bleach out the natural colors. If you want white shells to be very white, then go ahead and bleach them. Mix 50/50 parts bleach and water and leave overnight. Rinse the shells and allow to dry.
I’m lucky that my local beach is full of sand dollars but I still don’t bleach them. I soak them in plain water and then let them naturally bleach out in the sun.
Boil Method: This works well for most shells. Fill a pot halfway with shells and add enough water to cover. Let the water come to a boil slowly. Boil for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, leave the shells in the pan and let the water cool. Later, using an old toothbrush and a dental pick, clean off any residue. Lay on a towel and let dry.
If any of the shine is gone from the shells, rub a little baby oil on them to restore the luster.
INSECT REPELLENT
Keep noseeums, mosquitoes and other biting critters from ruining your day at the beach. Bugs tend to be more active (around here anyway) early in the morning and after dusk. I prefer a natural bug repellent but use whatever works on your body.
SPRAY ON GIN! After I read that Tangueray Gin makes an excellent bug repellent I gave it a try. The pesky greenheads (a.k.a. horseflies) bounced off my legs. Maybe it will work for you. If all else fails, to take your mind off the bugs, I guess you can drink it!
WATER BOTTLE
All that walking and scooping will make you thirsty. Having something cool to drink on hand requires carrying another thing. A water bottle attached to a lanyard will make staying hydrated easy.
Consider using a pouch like the one sourced here: holds your bottle, pockets for sunscreen wipes and bug repellent.
BOOKS ON SHELL COLLECTING
Before or after your beachcombing adventure browse books on collecting sea shells. Learn what shells you can expect in the area. Make a game of seeking out the most elusive shells.
Sea Shell books make nice gifts for the avid and novice sheller!
Time to get to the beach!
Collecting sea shells is a relaxing hobby. Whether you show off your collection in a simple jar or dish, or use them for creative crafts, just have fun.
Gather up these essentials. Dress appropriately for the sun and heat. Use sunscreen, liberally — Thanks, Mom! Bring bug spray and water. Add a collection bag and a few shelling tools. You’re ready for a successful shelling day.
You’ll like these posts:
15 Best Shelling and Beachcombing Beaches in Florida – find a variety of colorful and interesting sea shells and sea glass for the eager and serious sheller.
Fascinating Facts and Legends of the Sand Dollar – some fascinating facts and two popular legends surrounding this creature of the sea. Which legend do you believe, if either? Plus, there’s a free printable: “THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR”
Thank you for sharing the coastal love:
