How to Build a Bonfire Safely

      Bonfires are a great memory for summer parties, bonfires also can be dangerous if not properly attended to. So here is some tips and advices on how to safely have a bonfire on the beach. 

1. Pick a location: 
Make sure that its a safe distance away from any bushes, dry wood, brush, etc. 

2. Dig a shallow hole: 
Digging a shallow hole will help starting the fire easier and protect the flames from the wind. I usually dig the shallow hole about 6-10 inches in the ground or sand. 

3. Build a brick or stone wall around the hole:
The bricks or stones will help protect the flames from spreading outside the pit and from the wind. I would build the stone wall up to about a foot above the ground. 

4. Gather all your dry wood, twigs, unwanted wood, and your kindling:
Place all of your wood and kindling next to the fire pit. Then place all of your kindling in first, then arrange the sticks, twigs or wood standing like a pyramid over the kindling.

5. Ignition: Starting your Fire
Ignite the kindling with a lighter or a flint and let the fire do its job. There are three parts to a fire; heat, fuel and oxidizer (oxygen). The more fuel (wood) you add to the fire, the more heat it will produce and more oxygen it will burn. 

6. Be Careful and always have a plan:
Make sure you don't leave the fire unattended or build it to big. Make sure you have a plan to put out the fire incase it gets out of hand. 

7.Put out the fire:
When you're ready to go back in, dump water over the fire, throw sand on it, stomp on it, or otherwise extinguish it completely. By the time you leave, it should be cool to the touch.

Newt's Surf Co. 

www.newtssurfco.com 

Newt's Surf Co. www.newtssurfco.com

Camping on the Beach

Here is some good advice for Camping on the Beach.

1. Make a checklist of all the stuff you want to take down with you. (Example: Surfboards, tent, sleeping bags, food, water, towels, etc.) Then check off each one as you pack it in the car. Double check

2. Check the weather!!! Make sure that the weather is good (sunny, high of 75, light breeze) or favorable to you, you don't want to set up your campsite to have it rain on you.

3. Have an idea where you want to go and camp at. When you get there make you set up the campsite away from the high tide water line, so your campsite doesn't get flooded with sea water. I always recommend about 50 yards from the water.

4. Bonfires! Bonfires are awesome, but make sure you dig a hole so the fire can sit in. Then build a rock pile around it, to protect the fire from the wind. Please don't start a wildfire, make sure you build your bonfire in a safe area, with not much dry bushes and trees are around you.

5. Make sure to bring some good friends and a camera so that you can make this adventure into a memory that will last.

Newt's Surf Co. 
www.newtssurfco.com