Summer is coming to a close, but it’s not too late to make it the best one yet. How do you have the greatest summer of all time? Well, the “Best Summer Ever” cast has nailed it, so take a cue from them. So far in the series, YouTubers Mike, Maddie, Ceara and Tom have traveled the world, from partying at music festivals to cooking up a storm at a BBQ competition in Nashville. Here, we’ve rounded up their ultimate summer tips so that you can have a blast, too…
1. Know your surf lingo
“Shakka” is surfer talk for “hello.” Now let’s go shred.
2. Learning to stand on a board is a must
Lay on the board and when you feel the wave pushing you and you have momentum, grab your rails and push up like a push-up. Lift your hips up, press off your back foot. Twist, bring your knee under and stand up! Easy, right?
3. Make a campfire
A campfire, friends and s’mores, and you’ve got yourself a party, my friend! Add a piña colada twist to your s’mores by layering in pineapple and coconut. Crazy!
4. Add hickory wood to your BBQ coals
This will leave you with that gorgeous outer pink rim on your meat. Leave the lid on as you cook – if you’re lookin’, you ain’t cookin’! Cue two hours of slow and low love, add some maple syrup, wrap loosely in foil and cook for another hour.
5. Always make a homemade BBQ rub
Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder for the base. Play around with flavors – cumin, ground coriander, and mustard powder are always a good call. Cover your meat in yellow mustard and add the rub on top!
6. Bug-proof your cocktails
Put a cupcake holder over your glass and stick a straw through it. Voila!
7. Decorate with floating candles
Fill up a big bowl with water, gently place tea candles on top and light them up. It’s simple, yet perfect for some outdoor atmospherics.
8. Build a water slide
Plastic sheets, soap and water are all the ingredients you need for a good time!
9. Stock up on floaties
If there’s one thing you need, it’s inflatables. Whether you’re filling a pool with all kinds or lazing on a lake, you’re guaranteed a great time.
10. Use your shoe as a peg hammer
Bash your tent peg in with your shoe to get it into the ground, nice and firm. Mission accomplished.
11. Hug everybody
Put yourself out there, share the love and hug EVERYBODY. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with you?
12. Always bring a raincoat
Outdoor parties and festivals are the ideal places to be YOU times a million. But, there’s always a chance of rain, so just remember to inject a dose of practicality (we’re talking waterproof ponchos and glittery galoshes) and you’re good to go.
13. Put up a gazebo
No sun? No worries! Save the picnic party by putting up a gazebo and continue to live it up with your friends. Problem solved.
14. Invite friends of friends
The best part of a party is meeting new people! Get your friends to bring some pals with them and you’re guaranteed a great time.
15. Place the DJ booth in front of the view
The heart of the party, you don’t want people to dance facing the DJ booth instead of the gorgeous view. Place the booth in front of that beautiful sunset and cue DJ selfies!
16. Film everything
Get the right equipment and you can use action cameras to capture anything! The best is trying different angles you’ve never thought of before. Half the fun is watching it back with your friends!
17. Lick your camera lens
If you don’t lick the lens of your action camera, watermarks won’t come off. So get right in there!
18. Make sure you record the sound
Take the waterproof backs off your action cameras and replace them with skeleton backs so you can hear exactly what’s going on. Great for when it’s attached to your bike wheel!
19. Don’t miss the sunset