A beach is a stretch of land along the shoreline of a body of water. It consists of an accumulation of finely grained sediment, usually sand or pebbles. Beaches are formed by the action of waves and currents, tidal movements, and erosion by wind.
Beaches are also formed by glaciers, which deposit sediment when they flow into the sea. Some beaches are formed from sand eroded from rocky reefs just offshore, while others are sand from distant inland sources such as mountains and deserts. The composition of a beach depends upon the type and amount of sediment in the surrounding area, the speed and turbidity of moving water and wind, and the state of compaction or erosion of the sediment. Sediments that are tightly compacted resist erosion better than loose, easily erodible material. Beaches with established vegetative cover, such as sand-dune plants with complex network root systems, help to stabilize dunes and prevent their movement inland by slowing the fluid flow and increasing the resistance of the surface layer to erosion.
Most beaches are made of sand, which is created by rock and mineral fragments being broken down into tiny particles by the pounding force of waves and the constant tidal motions of the ocean. The sediments are carried by the waves and the currents of the sea to the coast, where they settle and form a thin layer at the bottom of the water. Beaches are usually composed of fine, white sand, although they can be made of other colors as well.
Many factors influence the formation and evolution of a beach, including the characteristics of the surrounding marine ecosystem, the local climate, and human activities. For example, the removal of vegetation for agricultural or residential development can change surface wind patterns and increase erosion rates on the beach. This can lead to the creation of lagoons, deltas, and other coastal features such as rocky or cliffy coasts.
Some beaches are contaminated with pollutants such as raw sewage, oil spills, and garbage from inland cities and towns that wash up on the shore after strong storms. Other sources of pollution include plastic bags, bottles and cans, as well as fishing gear, boats, and other recreational vehicles.
If you want to go paddle boarding, I would recommend finding a calm day with little to no wind. This will make your experience much more enjoyable! If you do have to paddle on a windy day, try to pick an early morning or evening. That way, you can get back in before the winds start to pick up again. Make sure you also pick a spot that has plenty of parking. Parking lots at the beach tend to fill up pretty quickly on summer days. So, make sure to park far away from the beach entrance and bring your own vehicle or ride in a group so that you can find a spot. Lastly, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat!