How to Keep a Beach Blanket From Blowing Away

Read the wind first

Stand where you plan to lay out and feel which way the wind comes from. Onshore wind blows from the water; offshore blows toward it.

Lay the blanket so the short edge faces the wind. Less edge to catch, less flapping.

Pin the windward edge

Put your first two weights on the edge facing the wind: fill those two corner pockets with a big scoop of sand each.

Then unfold the rest downwind. The blanket will lay itself out instead of blowing up at you.

Pockets, then stakes

Fill all four corner pockets. On most days that is enough.

On gusty days, push the four ABS stakes through the corner loops at a 45° angle, leaning away from the blanket. Wet sand holds stakes much better than dry, so dig down a few inches first.

Use your gear

Coolers, bags and shoes are free weights. Put the heaviest items along the windward edge and the middle.

Avoid placing lightweight towels on top — they become sails.

Pack up the smart way

Empty the downwind pockets first, fold toward the wind, then tip the last two pockets out. The blanket folds in on itself instead of flying off.