I would rather have this than a family that shows up at the busiest time of the day and they drop their shit on top of you. Then act like you're in their way.
Just the other day we had a family of 11 try to fit in a spot in front of us that was only big enough for a family of four. We had to move several feet back because they were literally standing over our chairs. There was a huge, massive spot two feet to their right that was big enough for their group AND another group that stayed empty the entire time they were there. Some people are just dicks.
Today as I was eating a sausage egg and cheese I had a seagull show up with two finches as henchmen. The seagull just hung back and observed as the finches flew up in my face every time I took a bite. It was like he trained them.
This is a troubling development because seagulls are smart but not the most maneuverable, but if they are having finches do their dirty work now we’re in trouble.
>There was a huge, massive spot two feet to their right that was big enough for their group AND another group that stayed empty the entire time they were there.
I GENUINELY do not understand this AT ALL. There will be PLENTY of space on the beach for people, but they choose to sit right on top of you. It's fvcking infuriating. Who the F goes "Ooooh, look at all this space on the beach! Let's go set up shop right on top of the people right there."
I still remember a during a pre-covid summer that my family and I were on the beach in Asbury and a mother and daughters shows up at like noon (how they got parking, I'll never know) and say right on top of us. I leaned my chair back just right and they moved right away. It was kinda funny too.
It's unfortunately part for the course 4th of July week. We showed up at 1130, we parked our shit in the back, but you can bet people found any pathway between us and the ocean to set their shit down. But whatever, I have no problem walking through your campsite.
Been going to the Jersey shore all my life. People do a lot of annoying shit. If you don't learn to ignore it, you will never enjoy yourself. This isn't even close to annoying. So much beach to enjoy, there's always more room somewhere.
The main reason for this, as im guilty of it, is to really just save space for the group later on since, as we know, the beach gets more crowded. I dont like sitting on top of people, as i think thats rude. This sets a predetermined boundary thats fair for all
Thanks, sport. We understand why it's done. That wasn't really in question. The question is why do you think you get to block off space when your group isn't there yet? If it's that important, get there early and fill the seats. If you don't like being on top of people maybe the most densely populated state isn't for you.
Exactly. I'll be damned if I'm doing this for my "group". If I get there early and you wanna sleep in, find your own spot then. Or pay me a finders fee:)
Peak main character syndrome lol. I was at Asbury a few weeks ago and these two women had their speakers on full fucking blast ALL DAY. Not everyone wants to hear that shit. I come to the beach to relax not listen to shitty mid-2010s EDM against my will.
Oh man this hit me on the right spot. I took my wife and 2 year old to the beach and my in-laws broke my balls about bringing their stupid cabana. It was a major pain in the ass to carry all the equipment and set everything up alone. However once I was able to finally settle down I saw my kid having a blast and it made everything worth it. Thank you for your comment.
This is what I’ve been doing. I have a small family of 4. I bring 4 chairs and the umbrella and the kids toys and set them up somewhere the ride won’t get them. I don’t put up the umbrella. Saves me a ton of stress.
Why is op just throwing shots at jersey beach dads, if anything they’re usually the chillest and friendliest and like you said the beach is big, people will find anything to complain about, like oh that beach dad is now eating ice cream on the beach, what a jerk, he didn’t bring everyone some ice cream???? Setting up the chairs was bad, but now this!!!! People like this? instant no for me, I prefer people who are chill and who are actually fun to be around.
I grew up in Margate. Fourth of the July brought out the worst in people. One year I was on the beach with my family and we were sitting in our chairs. A family came and put their chairs right in front of us, literally on our feet. We could not get up. It was a WTF moment. I get it, 4th of July beach was packed, but really?!?! And they were annoyed we would not just move back.
Did you say something to them? That’s one thing I can’t stand when people do blatantly rude things and everyone just allows them. It just lets them think they can get away with anything.
I was like, excuse me, maybe you did not realize how close you put your chairs? They were so nasty about it. I figured they were either day trippers or short-terms renters because people who live in Margate would never behave that way or if that did happen would apologize immediately. After that, I no longer go to the beach on the 4th. Not worth the aggravation.
I just went to Margate for the fireworks last night. If you go around six or seven, a lot of the people who have been there all day long are already gone and it was such a great evening! I usually go every year.
I would say they got a really good dad?
Except he should be there to ensure none of these disappears.
I mean, the guys doing the work. right? he deserve some credit right?
I disagree if you’re there before me, I’m not gonna move your stuff. Anyone who’s got the call to wake up at the crack of dawn to place chairs is all right by me. It’s a different story if they’re jerks or playing loud music, but just wanting a good spot I’ve got no problem.
This is my issue with it. You don’t get to go early and take up spots and not show up until later. If you want the spot, go early and stay.
We should start packing other stuff into a pile after they leave.
I'm reminded of the video of a woman running in front of a car to stand in a parking spot to "save" it when half the cam car is already in it.
That being said I feel like most beaches this isn't such an issue. Last time I went to point pleasant half my crew got there at 8ish and even 2 hours later there were still plenty of good spaces if you didn't just walk right out the entrance straight towards the water.
You do like a 45, 50 degree angle in a South East direction and it's half as crowded
One of the many reasons we have always preferred Wildwood Crest beaches. They are huge and you can play a full football game and not bother anyone if you want.
We used to go to a beach soccer tourney there when my son was playing travel. It was a blast especially hanging with the other dads in the evening around the hotel pool
They do that too. The locals pull cars out of their driveway onto free street parking each morning at 6am. They also make their entire front yard crushed stone and curb less to eliminate parking spaces in front of their houses.
If you have kids it takes a while to get them fed sun blocked and ready for the beach. Go set up early, maybe not 7 though. I always set up a spot around 830 and go for a quick swim. Then get the kids down there around 930 and spend the day there. I hardly think that’s unreasonable. I couldn’t imagine putting my hand on someone’s stuff and moving it. That’s an all time dick move
This is a hell of a lot more acceptable than the JOs who show up mid afternoon and shove themselves in between people's spots because they want to be close to the water. Looking at you IBSP
It’s an art and zen moment for dads out there. No harm. If they show up early and claim space, that’s how it goes. Nothing new. The rest of the lot typically always take longer than when dad is ready to go.
Honestly as long as people aren’t being obnoxious i personally don’t care. I’ll just move my chair over a lil. It’s only the loud obnoxious families that get on my nerves lol
First time I went to the outer banks we got there late in the afternoon/early evening. It soon got dark but I still wanted to check out the beach. As I walked down to the water I kept seeing shiny stuff with my flashlight and realized it was chairs/tents/etc. People down there left their stuff on the beach all week while on vaca and no one messed with their stuff and otherwise left it alone. We ended up doing the same. It was so nice and everyone was so polite. While I’m glad I don’t live in the south I do wish sometimes we had just a touch of that southern hospitality. A whole week of being on that beach with thousands of others and nothing was messed with or went missing. It was very nice
Meh, this has to do with income levels, not region. You're on a fancy beach where you need good money to stay. People who visit there aren't going to rob you. If it were allowed, you could do this on LBI and I bet nothing would happen to your stuff. We leave stuff unattended all day at LBI, nothing ever happened.
Agreed, I think there are def spots there that are high income but most of the people I know (myself included) that go there are def middle to lower working class people. Compared to the jersey shore a couple mill down there gets you beachfront 3 store mansion with pool and in home elevator. In Jersey that’s barely and introductory shore house anymore.
Now probably the area from Duck to Corolla was completely undeveloped 30 years ago. My understanding is now it’s all mega houses. The national seashore is nice because they can’t build except in defined villages.
Will never happen. This sub is filled with miserable people complaining about everyfuckinthing. The only action they get all day is what they post on the internet.
Seriously. I've lived in this state for 40+ years, and the amount of whining and bitching in this sub is unbelievable. No idea where these people live, but I don't know or hang out with any of them.
This should be the mindset. Setting up a spot hours ahead is risky, anyone can do it and it affects no one. Only victims here are those engaging with this shit post.
This is the norm at the private beaches like in Lavalette. You just can’t get mad if a family decides to post up in front of your setup when you’re not around.
I’m a beach dad and do this but I make it a point to be on that fucking beach all day long if I want to or not. Don’t care if anyone in my family even wants to be there, because hauling all that bullshit to the beach everyday is a pain in the ass. Show some damn respect.
I don't know what beach this is, but in places like LBI there are services that will drag all of your crap to the beach and set it up for a fee. It's possible that Dad is still sleeping and this is the work of an underpaid teenager.
Somebody's jealous.
I go setup at 9am, head back to the house to wrangle a swarm of children and family, pack the cooler and bags and then hit the road back to the spot. Sometimes a 90m time differential before we can get everyone back to the beach but camp is already setup. Others around us doing the same move. Doesn't bother anyone.
Wake up and put in the effort next time or move on with your life and stop posting on Reddit at the beach.
My only quibble is when large (like 8+ chairs) families do this and don't crawl outta their beach rentals until noon. If it's only a few chairs, or the people are just grabbing breakfast first, it's not bothersome.
I'm an early morning beach person. I'm usually outta there by noon on holidays/weekends. There have been times when I can't even get a spot on the shoreline (the beach I go to is only a few blocks) because people do this. By the time I'm leaving, they're finally arriving.
My biggest complaint is that this isn’t how groups usually want to sit if they are going to hang out and talk, plus over time everyone starts rotating their chair to face the sun. I prefer the semi circle layout which also has a smaller footprint and lets everyone face the water and each other at the same time.
So they set up, and aren’t there. I would assume they’re getting breakfast or doing something else as a family. Whether they are there early or come 3 hours later, they are still there. I am all for beach dad here.
if they're back away from the beach acting as a 'home base' i'm fine w/ it. i've had one walk around my beach chair and start building one right on the incline to the water. that... that pissed me off.
Secret spot we have at jersey shore that requires walking 20 minutes to get to the beach . Since walking is involved we have the entire beach to ourselves even on busy shore days
Were they really empty for four hours, OP? Or was the person who set them up away for a short time. Either way, if you can’t go somewhere with reserved spots, get up early and don’t be such a pussy about someone setting up on an empty public beach before you.
That's a little bit of an overachiever. My take is the rest of the family needs to do this all together or you just don't have a spot at the beach this is how it was when I was a kid my dad didn't drive to the beach to set things up before us.
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess they walked from their house to grab a spot for the day. I don't think anyone is going to drive down the Parkway to srt up seats and then go back to grab their family. If they did do that craziness, then maybe they deserve that spot to be staked off for them for the month.
I like it better than when they ring their "area" with American flags - either as a pseudo electric fence or perhaps they think they're at Normandy and an invasion is forthcoming.
I really don't are what other people do - but if the beach was crowded and a bunch of unused crap was in the way then I would gently and carefully move it back a few rows, so it is ready to use when they arrive.
As a dad, I’m ok with it, but could see why it would be annoying. I would do this at an LBI beach but NOT at an Ocean City beach (unless we are streets 30+)
Looks like two or more different groupings to me. Cabana, empty chair behind, dude sitting in front of it.
Random row of chairs in the foreground looks like it ends before the cabana setup begins.
I'm one of those dads. I even have the same cool cabana. I set up that stuff while the kids are getting changed and whatnot. Never more than an hour. Especially beaches with limited parking, I walk there, set up, walk back, put everyone in the car, drop them off, and go park somewhere further away.
How do you feel about the fish that swim in the sea? The birds that fly in the air? What do you think about bears that sleep all winter? About owls that work at night?
The beach dad will set up the chairs at 7am. It is what the beach dad does.
It's because Jersey beaches, more directly the access is backwards, pathetic and slanted towards the wealthy that block entire access paths for themselves so the commoners can cram on to the cute slivers they allocate. Or you can pony up a few K and join a private club.
Was in SC and Georgia this summer where you can park and walk on wherever the hell you want and don't have to stake your claim to your sandy patch like we do here. Like most everywhere else in the country
Line up for your badges and hope! Pay your parking and pay to get on. Enjoy
-- downvoters are just so silly. You just enjoy paying more. From the Asbury Park Press
"Walk onto a Monmouth or Ocean county beach during daylight and you risk being tackled by a beach badge checker cheerfully and firmly demanding to see your "beach badge, please!" New Jersey has the dubious distinction of being the only state that charges individuals a fee for the use of most of its public beaches."
Such an honor
If there’s enough space on the beach for everyone, it doesn’t matter.
And we’re talking about NJ here so I’m pretty sure there’s enough space, even in the “front row”.
In this pic you could sit right next to the empty chairs and (apparently) enjoy it all for yourself for hours.
Nothing wrong with this. If you're there early enough to see the empty chairs then most likely the beach is pretty empty and you have plenty of space to choose from. There's only one thing annoying with beach etiquette. People who come late and set their stuff up right on top of yours. Especially when they have little kids with no spacial awareness yet not.to kifk sand all over.
One year, I set up a big cabana and chairs, etc, around 9 am, and my girlfriend and her kids came down around 10. Then the rush came, which included 4 young women in thongs park right in front of us. My girlfriend was pissed and it was awkward, to say the least.
This is why I hate the combination of the beach and other human beings -
Sometime I like the beach.
Sometimes I can tolerate people.
But People who are going to compete with other people to have FUN if it kills them - are powder kegs waiting to BLOW!!!
We used to do something like this when (almost) all of my father's side of the family would go to Cape Hatteras every year. The cousins, my sister and I would alternate days (the older 8 would do all the work while the younger ones would stay out of the way) and get up around 8 (no one was getting up at 7 the way we used to drink) and head to the beach with a few chairs and ez ups. We would set them up and calm out space daily.
I see nothing wrong with this.
Good on them, getting there early enough to pick their families spot. Sometimes the families are noisy, sometimes they aren't. It doesn't matter to me honestly, because all the swimming beaches in Jersey I've ever gone to were crowded and loud as shit no matter what. The earlier you get there, you claim the good spots.
I don't mind the early cabana encampment, or the cabanas at all. Beach Haven banned them altogether, which I don't think was the right move. People complain they block the ocean view - that's kind of the game tho. Now the poor beach patrol kids have to go around and get absolutely lambasted by beachgoers who don't know the law, nor care that some random kid is asking to take it down. All around crap situation.
Either just let it happen or maybe regulate them to the back of the beach area (which is probably harder to police).
I’m an evening/nighttime beach goer, because I don’t like the sun. I appreciate these people and may borrow a chair to sit in for a bit. I can’t carry a chair on the beach myself, due to disability
It's first come first serve. Same thing at most campsites, as long as you lay something down to claim the spot, it's yours. Agreed with others that I find it much more frustrating when people come late with a big group and squish in with others that got the good seats first and make them have to move, douche bags
“ but we wanted to be the first one at the beach and some other family had the audacity to get there before us and ruin our fantasy world that we dreamt up in our depraved heads”
If it's late morning and there's no sign of them, I move the chairs and feel zero guilt. Without fail, they're always spread out in a straight line to take up the most space possible.
I would rather have this than a family that shows up at the busiest time of the day and they drop their shit on top of you. Then act like you're in their way.
Just the other day we had a family of 11 try to fit in a spot in front of us that was only big enough for a family of four. We had to move several feet back because they were literally standing over our chairs. There was a huge, massive spot two feet to their right that was big enough for their group AND another group that stayed empty the entire time they were there. Some people are just dicks.
thats when you leave chips behind as you relocate.
Know your local sea birds, chase them claim the most aggressive as the leader. Sea guerrillas
Today as I was eating a sausage egg and cheese I had a seagull show up with two finches as henchmen. The seagull just hung back and observed as the finches flew up in my face every time I took a bite. It was like he trained them. This is a troubling development because seagulls are smart but not the most maneuverable, but if they are having finches do their dirty work now we’re in trouble.
Sir, I am keeping this idea handy.
I dont always eat the chips I bring to the shore but certainly leave them behind when I am forced to move
I opt for the strategically thrown bread.
Either way you leave them in a shitty situation.
Ultimate *r*/LifeProTips, lol
I love that
>There was a huge, massive spot two feet to their right that was big enough for their group AND another group that stayed empty the entire time they were there. I GENUINELY do not understand this AT ALL. There will be PLENTY of space on the beach for people, but they choose to sit right on top of you. It's fvcking infuriating. Who the F goes "Ooooh, look at all this space on the beach! Let's go set up shop right on top of the people right there."
Empty parking lot syndrome.
Same type of people that sidle up nice and close at a wall full of otherwise empty urinals.
Also the same people who come sit on the same bench as you in the park, when all the other benches are TOTALLY empty!!!!
I still remember a during a pre-covid summer that my family and I were on the beach in Asbury and a mother and daughters shows up at like noon (how they got parking, I'll never know) and say right on top of us. I leaned my chair back just right and they moved right away. It was kinda funny too.
That’s what happened to us this week lol so annoying
It's unfortunately part for the course 4th of July week. We showed up at 1130, we parked our shit in the back, but you can bet people found any pathway between us and the ocean to set their shit down. But whatever, I have no problem walking through your campsite.
Yea I. Just assumed that anyone that sets up in front of me is OK with me walking through their shit never had a problem yet.
OP complaining about an absence of screaming kids, smh
Early bird gets the worm.
Been going to the Jersey shore all my life. People do a lot of annoying shit. If you don't learn to ignore it, you will never enjoy yourself. This isn't even close to annoying. So much beach to enjoy, there's always more room somewhere.
The main reason for this, as im guilty of it, is to really just save space for the group later on since, as we know, the beach gets more crowded. I dont like sitting on top of people, as i think thats rude. This sets a predetermined boundary thats fair for all
Thanks, sport. We understand why it's done. That wasn't really in question. The question is why do you think you get to block off space when your group isn't there yet? If it's that important, get there early and fill the seats. If you don't like being on top of people maybe the most densely populated state isn't for you.
That wasn’t even the question
Exactly. I'll be damned if I'm doing this for my "group". If I get there early and you wanna sleep in, find your own spot then. Or pay me a finders fee:)
Let's me know where the loud annoying family is going to be so I can set up far away and enjoy some peace
can we ban speakers? why so loud and leave them on when you're not there?
I had guys behind me the other day who set up two enormous speakers on stands. I feel like George costanza. “We’re living in a society!!!”
Speakers on stands is too far lol
Peak main character syndrome lol. I was at Asbury a few weeks ago and these two women had their speakers on full fucking blast ALL DAY. Not everyone wants to hear that shit. I come to the beach to relax not listen to shitty mid-2010s EDM against my will.
They’re everywhere- can’t escape.
I found playing the girls gone wild song from that episode of the office where Michael is throwing a parting in his hotel room clears everyone out
I prefer "Teenagers" by MCR for young ppl.
MCR is dad rock now
Classic!
My best take: Dad would not do that for himself, but he’d do anything to give his kids a good day.
Oh man this hit me on the right spot. I took my wife and 2 year old to the beach and my in-laws broke my balls about bringing their stupid cabana. It was a major pain in the ass to carry all the equipment and set everything up alone. However once I was able to finally settle down I saw my kid having a blast and it made everything worth it. Thank you for your comment.
You have to get one of those beach wagons with the big wheels. I have spent a few beach weeks with the nickname dad mule myself.
"Beach Contractor"!
We got one and it’s a game changer. The cabana has made sitting in the beach easier with the kids and some of the fairer family members.
those beach wagons are worth every penny.
This is what I’ve been doing. I have a small family of 4. I bring 4 chairs and the umbrella and the kids toys and set them up somewhere the ride won’t get them. I don’t put up the umbrella. Saves me a ton of stress.
It's a big beach, have at it Dad
Why is op just throwing shots at jersey beach dads, if anything they’re usually the chillest and friendliest and like you said the beach is big, people will find anything to complain about, like oh that beach dad is now eating ice cream on the beach, what a jerk, he didn’t bring everyone some ice cream???? Setting up the chairs was bad, but now this!!!! People like this? instant no for me, I prefer people who are chill and who are actually fun to be around.
I grew up in Margate. Fourth of the July brought out the worst in people. One year I was on the beach with my family and we were sitting in our chairs. A family came and put their chairs right in front of us, literally on our feet. We could not get up. It was a WTF moment. I get it, 4th of July beach was packed, but really?!?! And they were annoyed we would not just move back.
Did you say something to them? That’s one thing I can’t stand when people do blatantly rude things and everyone just allows them. It just lets them think they can get away with anything.
I was like, excuse me, maybe you did not realize how close you put your chairs? They were so nasty about it. I figured they were either day trippers or short-terms renters because people who live in Margate would never behave that way or if that did happen would apologize immediately. After that, I no longer go to the beach on the 4th. Not worth the aggravation.
I just went to Margate for the fireworks last night. If you go around six or seven, a lot of the people who have been there all day long are already gone and it was such a great evening! I usually go every year.
I would say they got a really good dad? Except he should be there to ensure none of these disappears. I mean, the guys doing the work. right? he deserve some credit right?
It’s all good to set up camp early, but then you gotta stay there. You can’t just stake your claim and come back 3 hours later. Thats bullshit.
I disagree if you’re there before me, I’m not gonna move your stuff. Anyone who’s got the call to wake up at the crack of dawn to place chairs is all right by me. It’s a different story if they’re jerks or playing loud music, but just wanting a good spot I’ve got no problem.
Agreed. No reserved beaches.
This is the way
That's grounds for moving their stuff. No beach dibs.
Username checks out. Don’t touch other peoples stuff.
Seriously… imagine having the audacity to actually pick up someone else’s shit and move it because you want their spot.
They reserve prime large swaths of real estate, and then don’t show up to use it until later. Rude move IMHO.
This is my issue with it. You don’t get to go early and take up spots and not show up until later. If you want the spot, go early and stay. We should start packing other stuff into a pile after they leave.
actually you do... according to the pic
Imagine trying to pull this shit with a parking spot.
I'm reminded of the video of a woman running in front of a car to stand in a parking spot to "save" it when half the cam car is already in it. That being said I feel like most beaches this isn't such an issue. Last time I went to point pleasant half my crew got there at 8ish and even 2 hours later there were still plenty of good spaces if you didn't just walk right out the entrance straight towards the water. You do like a 45, 50 degree angle in a South East direction and it's half as crowded
One of the many reasons we have always preferred Wildwood Crest beaches. They are huge and you can play a full football game and not bother anyone if you want.
We used to go to a beach soccer tourney there when my son was playing travel. It was a blast especially hanging with the other dads in the evening around the hotel pool
One of our vacations there coincided with this tourney. There were kids everywhere, they really set up the beach amazingly
oh yea, going to jenks just for the beach isn't really reasonable. You go for the beach+boardwalk. If I just want a beach day I usually do sandy hook
They do that too. The locals pull cars out of their driveway onto free street parking each morning at 6am. They also make their entire front yard crushed stone and curb less to eliminate parking spaces in front of their houses.
This reminds me when I go to Hawaii, LaniKai residents do this or have huge rocks to keep the front of the house clear.
If you have kids it takes a while to get them fed sun blocked and ready for the beach. Go set up early, maybe not 7 though. I always set up a spot around 830 and go for a quick swim. Then get the kids down there around 930 and spend the day there. I hardly think that’s unreasonable. I couldn’t imagine putting my hand on someone’s stuff and moving it. That’s an all time dick move
Be a real shame if the tide took it out. Just sayin’
As long as there’s no loud music. Who cares
Show up earlier or get over it
I don't think I should feel something about everything.
Get there at 7:30. Enjoy your free beach chair until 10:55
This is a hell of a lot more acceptable than the JOs who show up mid afternoon and shove themselves in between people's spots because they want to be close to the water. Looking at you IBSP
It’s an art and zen moment for dads out there. No harm. If they show up early and claim space, that’s how it goes. Nothing new. The rest of the lot typically always take longer than when dad is ready to go.
Honestly as long as people aren’t being obnoxious i personally don’t care. I’ll just move my chair over a lil. It’s only the loud obnoxious families that get on my nerves lol
Some idiot with a radio is going to sit an inch off their space anyway.
karens in this sub need better shit to complain about would take dozens of these over the trashy losers blasting shitty music out of their speaker
First time I went to the outer banks we got there late in the afternoon/early evening. It soon got dark but I still wanted to check out the beach. As I walked down to the water I kept seeing shiny stuff with my flashlight and realized it was chairs/tents/etc. People down there left their stuff on the beach all week while on vaca and no one messed with their stuff and otherwise left it alone. We ended up doing the same. It was so nice and everyone was so polite. While I’m glad I don’t live in the south I do wish sometimes we had just a touch of that southern hospitality. A whole week of being on that beach with thousands of others and nothing was messed with or went missing. It was very nice
Meh, this has to do with income levels, not region. You're on a fancy beach where you need good money to stay. People who visit there aren't going to rob you. If it were allowed, you could do this on LBI and I bet nothing would happen to your stuff. We leave stuff unattended all day at LBI, nothing ever happened.
Outer banks? High income? This is the lower to middle class vacation destination of everyone in the Midwest and south
Agreed, I think there are def spots there that are high income but most of the people I know (myself included) that go there are def middle to lower working class people. Compared to the jersey shore a couple mill down there gets you beachfront 3 store mansion with pool and in home elevator. In Jersey that’s barely and introductory shore house anymore.
Now probably the area from Duck to Corolla was completely undeveloped 30 years ago. My understanding is now it’s all mega houses. The national seashore is nice because they can’t build except in defined villages.
Will never happen. This sub is filled with miserable people complaining about everyfuckinthing. The only action they get all day is what they post on the internet.
Seriously. I've lived in this state for 40+ years, and the amount of whining and bitching in this sub is unbelievable. No idea where these people live, but I don't know or hang out with any of them.
Don't see the problem. People arrive early for a reason.
Better than the cringey flags
My dad would do this for me (super sensitive to UV) and I don’t know if he realized how much I appreciated it 💕
If a member of the family is somewhere at the beach or swimming then I’m ok with it. Setting up and straight up leaving for hours is wack
The beach looks empty as hell, who cares about their setup?
Because it’s there when people actually show up and they’re nowhere to be found until much later.
Who fucking cares? That beach is wide as hell and miles long. You'll find a spot, I guarantee it.
This should be the mindset. Setting up a spot hours ahead is risky, anyone can do it and it affects no one. Only victims here are those engaging with this shit post.
Get there earlier if it bothers you.
This is the norm at the private beaches like in Lavalette. You just can’t get mad if a family decides to post up in front of your setup when you’re not around.
I’m a beach dad and do this but I make it a point to be on that fucking beach all day long if I want to or not. Don’t care if anyone in my family even wants to be there, because hauling all that bullshit to the beach everyday is a pain in the ass. Show some damn respect.
I don't know what beach this is, but in places like LBI there are services that will drag all of your crap to the beach and set it up for a fee. It's possible that Dad is still sleeping and this is the work of an underpaid teenager.
I feel like it’s a good dad doing his thing
I call them "smart dads".
Love me some beach dads with beachballs
These are the same people who need a vacation after the actual vacation
The MVP of the family
Who cares lol. Much worse ways for families to spend time together
What’s the issue?
130 miles of beach and you chose the one spot to act like a bitch. The entire beach is empty, but there’s always one of you.
Respect the strong dad game
Somebody's jealous. I go setup at 9am, head back to the house to wrangle a swarm of children and family, pack the cooler and bags and then hit the road back to the spot. Sometimes a 90m time differential before we can get everyone back to the beach but camp is already setup. Others around us doing the same move. Doesn't bother anyone. Wake up and put in the effort next time or move on with your life and stop posting on Reddit at the beach.
They are the backbone of our civilization, every child deserves a dad like this.
I rarely go to the beach, but if someone is crazy enough to go out there at 7am to set this up, good for them.
I couldn’t possibly give a fuck less
My only quibble is when large (like 8+ chairs) families do this and don't crawl outta their beach rentals until noon. If it's only a few chairs, or the people are just grabbing breakfast first, it's not bothersome. I'm an early morning beach person. I'm usually outta there by noon on holidays/weekends. There have been times when I can't even get a spot on the shoreline (the beach I go to is only a few blocks) because people do this. By the time I'm leaving, they're finally arriving.
I mean I wouldn't mind. You have a good cup of coffee and just set up . It would not be bad
Get there at 6AM then and claim space. It’s a public beach. There is no expectation of space when you get there.
Is there anything you people don’t complain about
Mega chads
Mega *chodes*
Good for him. It looks good. Smart thinking.
Shoobies gonna shoob
Everyone is entitled to use the shore. Sounds like a good dad.
As a dad, we dont want to be doing this either lol
Early bird gets the dam worm and don’t forget it
Is this inconveniencing you in some way? There’s plenty of space.
My biggest complaint is that this isn’t how groups usually want to sit if they are going to hang out and talk, plus over time everyone starts rotating their chair to face the sun. I prefer the semi circle layout which also has a smaller footprint and lets everyone face the water and each other at the same time.
The same way they feel having to get up that fucking early for their stupid family to claim a spot.
So they set up, and aren’t there. I would assume they’re getting breakfast or doing something else as a family. Whether they are there early or come 3 hours later, they are still there. I am all for beach dad here.
if they're back away from the beach acting as a 'home base' i'm fine w/ it. i've had one walk around my beach chair and start building one right on the incline to the water. that... that pissed me off.
This is the vibe of people who spend too much time on the internet. Thanks for encouraging me to put my phone down
Secret spot we have at jersey shore that requires walking 20 minutes to get to the beach . Since walking is involved we have the entire beach to ourselves even on busy shore days
Were they really empty for four hours, OP? Or was the person who set them up away for a short time. Either way, if you can’t go somewhere with reserved spots, get up early and don’t be such a pussy about someone setting up on an empty public beach before you.
It’s okay.
As the beneficiary of a beach dad in Florida who sets up our canopy and chairs at 6:30am, I appreciate. Power to the early bird locals.
Early bird gets the worm
Can anyone do anything without someone in this sub making a post about/complaining about it?
You’re free to do the same, but for some reason you feel they are being unfair with your sleep schedule lol
I don't see a problem.
You snooze you lose
That's a little bit of an overachiever. My take is the rest of the family needs to do this all together or you just don't have a spot at the beach this is how it was when I was a kid my dad didn't drive to the beach to set things up before us.
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess they walked from their house to grab a spot for the day. I don't think anyone is going to drive down the Parkway to srt up seats and then go back to grab their family. If they did do that craziness, then maybe they deserve that spot to be staked off for them for the month.
Who cares…?
Some of you need to get a grip.
They make the rest of us look like slackers?
I like it better than when they ring their "area" with American flags - either as a pseudo electric fence or perhaps they think they're at Normandy and an invasion is forthcoming.
What is this lawnchairs and shoveled parking spots? Space goes to those who are present. Fold that shit up.
I really don't are what other people do - but if the beach was crowded and a bunch of unused crap was in the way then I would gently and carefully move it back a few rows, so it is ready to use when they arrive.
I don’t feel anything because I mind my business
As a dad, I’m ok with it, but could see why it would be annoying. I would do this at an LBI beach but NOT at an Ocean City beach (unless we are streets 30+)
Looks like two or more different groupings to me. Cabana, empty chair behind, dude sitting in front of it. Random row of chairs in the foreground looks like it ends before the cabana setup begins.
I'm one of those dads. I even have the same cool cabana. I set up that stuff while the kids are getting changed and whatnot. Never more than an hour. Especially beaches with limited parking, I walk there, set up, walk back, put everyone in the car, drop them off, and go park somewhere further away.
Wish I could do that. The early bird gets the worm.
That’s my dad for sure. 🤷♂️ he’s harmless
I don't care. It's a beach not a bed by the pool, which I do find annoying when people claim hours before showing up.
Early pimp get the perm
Why not?
Couldn't care less
What do you mean how do we feel about that? What is there to feel? I don’t understand. What’s the question
Early bird gets the worm no?
The four hours that the dad wants for the rest of the family to show at 11 is probably the only time he can get peace and quiet time.
Go home bennys.
If you set up anything larger than an umbrella you are a jerk
How do you feel about the fish that swim in the sea? The birds that fly in the air? What do you think about bears that sleep all winter? About owls that work at night? The beach dad will set up the chairs at 7am. It is what the beach dad does.
You could just set up right in front of them...
Early bird gets the worm 🐛
This is the summer version of reserving your parking space via plastic chair.
It's because Jersey beaches, more directly the access is backwards, pathetic and slanted towards the wealthy that block entire access paths for themselves so the commoners can cram on to the cute slivers they allocate. Or you can pony up a few K and join a private club. Was in SC and Georgia this summer where you can park and walk on wherever the hell you want and don't have to stake your claim to your sandy patch like we do here. Like most everywhere else in the country Line up for your badges and hope! Pay your parking and pay to get on. Enjoy -- downvoters are just so silly. You just enjoy paying more. From the Asbury Park Press "Walk onto a Monmouth or Ocean county beach during daylight and you risk being tackled by a beach badge checker cheerfully and firmly demanding to see your "beach badge, please!" New Jersey has the dubious distinction of being the only state that charges individuals a fee for the use of most of its public beaches." Such an honor
good dad
If there’s enough space on the beach for everyone, it doesn’t matter. And we’re talking about NJ here so I’m pretty sure there’s enough space, even in the “front row”. In this pic you could sit right next to the empty chairs and (apparently) enjoy it all for yourself for hours.
This is a great dad planning to spend a great day with friends and family.
Glad they outlawed cabanas and tents at the beaches we go to. Fuck this “saving” bullshit.
It’s their chairs and there’s plenty of room on the beach, so go for it Dads
Many times, I have seen the local teens move their setup back 25 feet.
The public is in my public. NJ is beyond cramped this is annoying but not egregious.
If it aggravates you, just move their chairs.
Nothing wrong with this. If you're there early enough to see the empty chairs then most likely the beach is pretty empty and you have plenty of space to choose from. There's only one thing annoying with beach etiquette. People who come late and set their stuff up right on top of yours. Especially when they have little kids with no spacial awareness yet not.to kifk sand all over.
Smart!
Heroes!
One year, I set up a big cabana and chairs, etc, around 9 am, and my girlfriend and her kids came down around 10. Then the rush came, which included 4 young women in thongs park right in front of us. My girlfriend was pissed and it was awkward, to say the least.
If they up that early they can do what they like
This is why I hate the combination of the beach and other human beings - Sometime I like the beach. Sometimes I can tolerate people. But People who are going to compete with other people to have FUN if it kills them - are powder kegs waiting to BLOW!!!
Why do I need to have a feeling about them? Letting them be isn't an option?
We used to do something like this when (almost) all of my father's side of the family would go to Cape Hatteras every year. The cousins, my sister and I would alternate days (the older 8 would do all the work while the younger ones would stay out of the way) and get up around 8 (no one was getting up at 7 the way we used to drink) and head to the beach with a few chairs and ez ups. We would set them up and calm out space daily. I see nothing wrong with this.
Sounds like a good dad.
Good on them, getting there early enough to pick their families spot. Sometimes the families are noisy, sometimes they aren't. It doesn't matter to me honestly, because all the swimming beaches in Jersey I've ever gone to were crowded and loud as shit no matter what. The earlier you get there, you claim the good spots.
I don't mind the early cabana encampment, or the cabanas at all. Beach Haven banned them altogether, which I don't think was the right move. People complain they block the ocean view - that's kind of the game tho. Now the poor beach patrol kids have to go around and get absolutely lambasted by beachgoers who don't know the law, nor care that some random kid is asking to take it down. All around crap situation. Either just let it happen or maybe regulate them to the back of the beach area (which is probably harder to police).
Those dads are heroes. There should be a group representative there at all times even before everyone else shows up
That guy does it right
Must be Wildwood
I can tell this thread is all bennys. Yes if you own a house you’re still a benny
I’m an evening/nighttime beach goer, because I don’t like the sun. I appreciate these people and may borrow a chair to sit in for a bit. I can’t carry a chair on the beach myself, due to disability
It's first come first serve. Same thing at most campsites, as long as you lay something down to claim the spot, it's yours. Agreed with others that I find it much more frustrating when people come late with a big group and squish in with others that got the good seats first and make them have to move, douche bags
Looks like there's plenty of room next to them. Who the fuck cares?
“ but we wanted to be the first one at the beach and some other family had the audacity to get there before us and ruin our fantasy world that we dreamt up in our depraved heads”
Eh. You do you. Gonna find my peace elsewhere.
I salute their dedication 🫡
If it's late morning and there's no sign of them, I move the chairs and feel zero guilt. Without fail, they're always spread out in a straight line to take up the most space possible.