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Top tip Want to get bigger bass and sound from a small portable speaker? Simply place it in an empty plastic bucket facing outward to amplify your tunes.

AT THE BEACH

Sunnies with sound! JBL SoundGear Frames

The annual pilgrimage to the beach is an Aussie summertime staple, and packing essentials like

For more private listening, earbuds are a good option, but why not look cool while discreetly enjoying your music – and protect your peepers from UV rays at the same time – with a pair of JBL SoundGear Frames ? These super-stylish audio sunglasses have ultra-thin rectangular speakers tucked away in the arms, along with a mic array for when you need to make or take a call. There’s little sound leakage to disturb others (unless you’ve pumped up the volume), and the open design keeps you aware of external sounds at all times. Simply open the arms to turn them on

sunscreen, towels, hats, and bathers is second nature. And with the right tech in your bag, you can turn a day in the sun and surf into something even more special. Words Bec Summer

and connect to your smartphone, and enjoy up to eight hours of play time, with a two-hour top-up taking just ten minutes. Choose between two styles – round or squared – which are also suitable for prescription lenses if required, and sport 1P54 splash protection.

Your smartphone has a camera, but mounting it on the end of a surfboard isn’t Beach cam GoPro Hero 4K Action Cam

A trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without your favourite music adding ambience, or firing up a party. That’s why a portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have addition to any beach bag. Indeed, many are designed with this very purpose in mind, boasting strong waterproofing and sand resistance. A big speaker is fine if you have a stretch of beach to yourself, but if there’s a crowd, it’s always polite to be mindful of others and not disrupt their day with booming bass. A compact and highly portable speaker like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a cracking choice for more discreet listening, but don’t be fooled by its size – it can still get mighty loud when it needs to. Bring the tunes UE Miniroll Portable Bluetooth Speaker

the best idea. That’s why the GoPro Hero 4K Action Camera is perfect for capturing dynamic footage in stunning 4K resolution, whether you’re on a board or the beach. This pocket-sized camera can be submerged up to five metres for shooting underwater while snorkelling, or mounted to the aforementioned surfboard for some gnarly POV footage. Or, simply use it to capture a memento of your day at the beach. Frame the shot, hit the shutter button, and let in-app image

This IP67 rated speaker is ready to roll when you hit the surf, and can withstand a dunking in one metre of water for up to 30 minutes. Attach it to a belt or bathers with the hookable strap, or it can join you in the water atop a dedicated floatie accessory (sold separately). And a 40-metre Bluetooth range means you can leave your phone on the towel and still receive a strong connection during a paddle in the shallows.

stabilisation smooth any shaky-cam effect. You’ll get up to 60 minutes of continuous recording from a full charge. If you want an affordable, basic action camera from a reputable brand, the Hero is your ideal beach buddy.

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