Boardwalk Etiquette 101

If you are visiting a beach this summer (or anytime of year, for that matter), you might just find the opportunity to walk along the boardwalk. The boardwalk at the beach can be a fun adventure. There are so many shops and restaurants to check out along the way. Unfortunately, not all beach goers are interested in allowing you to have fun. Some of them are just outright rude. Before you make some major mistakes while walking along the boardwalk, let me introduce you to some basic rules of boardwalk etiquette.

While walking along the boardwalk, make sure to keep at a good pace. No one wants to see you running along, bumping into people, but people also don't want to deal with folks who walk slower than a turtle. A good, steady walk is the best idea.

I know it can be tempting to stop and stare at some hot babes or dudes along the boardwalk. However, it is not polite to just abruptly stop so you can stare. Also, it is kind of creepy, so just don't do it. It can sometimes be difficult to keep a steady pace when there are so many delicious treats tempting you: ice cream, funnel cake, popcorn, fudge, pizza, cheese fries, and on and on. However, you can't just stop in the middle of walking when there are plenty of people behind you. Furthermore, drooling at the food (or the hot babes or hot dudes) is totally unacceptable. So just keep it moving. Abrupt stops is just asking for someone to run into you.

At many boardwalks, there are ways to get around without having to walk. Some boardwalks offer trolleys or trains. Atlantic City even offers rolling chairs. A group of people can get in a cart and pay someone to actually roll them down the boardwalk. Ah, that is a lot of luxury for the boardwalk!

The one annoying aspect of these modes of transportation is people tend to not get out the way. Often, there is a specific section of the boardwalk designated for these "vehicles," but when the boardwalk is packed, people are forced to walk in those areas. That is OK, but if you hear the horn tooting, you need to get out the way!

Sure, it would be a great vacation story if you got hit by a boardwalk trolley. It would probably make a fabulous video for YouTube. During your hospital stay, you would most likely regret your decision to stay in the way though. So move it over, people!

While walking along the boardwalk, you will see many types of people. The ocean is one place where people can gather from all walks of life. You will see all ages, all races, and all economic backgrounds. Everyone is unified in one place just to have fun. You will find that as people, we all have so much in common. One of the main things we all have in common - no one likes a creeper.

Don't be that guy that is staring at any female wearing a skimpy outfit. You are at the beach. Many women are wearing skimpy outfits. Some women just jump right out the water and walk along the boardwalk in a bikini and no shoes. Now, in my opinion, these ladies are asking for attention, but they are not asking to be harrassed. Put your eyes back in your head and keep walking. Like I said, abrupt stops are not appreciated on the boardwalk.

Also, it is not appreciated if you get drunk and start making crude comments to women on the boardwalk. For that matter, it is frowned upon to be sober and make crude comments to women, too. I just choose to believe you are drunk when you act like a jerk. I am generous like that.

I know this is a pet peeve of mine and I've brought this up in past etiquette hubs, but do not feed the birds. Sure, sometimes it is an accident. Please, when you are getting your cheese fries or your hot dog from a boardwalk restaurant, try to hide from those little winged pests. I love birds as much as the next person, but birds at the beach are hard core about stealing your food. Try to remain as anonymous as humanly possible.

The worst action you can choose to do is actually purposely feed the birds while on the boardwalk. How dare you! Now none of us are safe! At least go to an area on the beach where no one is around and feed the birds there. Sometimes it is fun to feed the birds if you are not bothering anyone. What do you do if there is no space on the beach to feed the birds? Well, don't feed them. It is pretty simple.

Many beach boardwalks have rules against people using skateboards, skates, or bikes on the boardwalk during the day. Some boardwalks allow it during certain periods of time in the morning. Some boardwalks simply don't allow it at all.

If you are at a beach using a boardwalk that is not "bike friendly" or "skate friendly," deal with it. We all have to deal with rejection sometimes. It is a fact of life. So take your bike or skates or skateboard elsewhere. No one wants to walk along only to be almost knocked over by you. The rules are enforced for a reason.

With all these rules, you might wonder, can anyone have fun on the boardwalk? Why, of course! That is the reason boardwalk etiquette must exist. No one wants to have a fun time ruined by crazed, hungry birds or a drunk annoying guy on skates.

The beach is a great place for a vacation. Honestly, my favorite part of the beach experience is the boardwalk. Everyone loves to see all the sights: the amusement park rides, the weird boardwalk performers, the crazy t-shirt shops, the hermit crab displays, and the food... oh, the boardwalk food! It is such a wonderful place! So, if you mind all your boardwalk manners, I am sure you will have a great time this summer. Enjoy!

Copyright ©2012 Jeannieinabottle