Wave Goodbye to Summer with this Bounty of Beach GIFs

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and with it comes the ceremonial end of summer (even though the calendar technically claims the season for three more weeks). And while there’s plenty to eagerly anticipate and romanticize about fall — like crisp air, crunchy leaves, cozy scarves, and ample pumpkin spice — it’s always hard to wave goodbye to summer. The beach is a particularly steadfast symbol of summer, so it deserves its own tribute of surf- and sand-filled GIFs.

WARNING: Wistfully viewing these beach GIFs may cause salty liquid to fill your eyes and wet your cheeks. But that’s just ocean mist, right? Yeah, let’s go with that.

OK, ready to take a look?

It seems like just yesterday it was early summer and you were refreshingly dipping your toes into your first of many beach trips.

And now the sun is suddenly setting on your favorite season.

So, where did summer go? Well, if times flies when you’re having fun, it blurs by at warp speed when you’re at the beach.

That’s because the beach holds fun activities and special moments for everyone. Maybe the beach is where you gather to lay out with your best friends…

Synchronized swimming has nothing on synchronized sunbathing.

Share a stick of gum with that special someone…

“This taste ought to get things moving.”

Or simply sip a drink all by yourself.

The beach is perfect for quiet cuddles…

Turnt-up parties…

And sweet spins in the sand.

The beach is the only place in the world where bonfires…

…and ocean dances are equally lit.

Some seek the beach’s serene stage to shimmy like no one’s watching…

Frolic like a world champion…

Or practice routines that aren’t yet perfect.

At least it’s easy to bury your head in the sand when you’re embarrassed.

Yet despite the beach’s reputation for being relaxing, it can catch even its savviest visitors off guard.

So try to stay on your toes — or at least help beach newbies land on their feet.

I know what you’re thinking. How have we waded this deep into an article about beach GIFs without mentioning surfing? So let’s let ’er rip.

Yes, surfing is, hands down, the beach’s most iconic sport. Whether you’re shredding solo…

Boarding with bros…

Competing with your favorite frenemy…

Or just playing with the boys.

OK, maybe volleyball is a close second when it comes to the top gun of beach sports.

So, if you have other plans for this weekend, cancel them and find a way to make it to the beach one last time this summer.

Drop on in…

Or cruise in hot.

It really doesn’t matter how you get there, as long as your presence is strong once you arrive.

Savor the end of summer with one last salty dance.

Or just chill with your dogs.

Because after this weekend, it’s peace out till next year.

Greg Schindler loves bad puns, sports (mainly college jai alai), fancy popcorn, and mentioning that he’s never seen Ghostbusters or Die Hard, as if that makes him interesting or something. Check him out on Twitter @Schindizzle.