Ah, is there anything better than a sunny day at the beach? Maybe a sunny day at the beach, plus some hot sex? Yeah…that’s definitely better.
Of course, while the romantic roll-in-the-sand as waves wash over you scene may look steamy in movies, anyone who’s given it a go knows it’s not quite so cinematic IRL. You get sand in places you really never wanted sand to go, ocean waves suddenly feel more treacherous than alluring, and logistically, it’s challenging to pull off.
Not to mention, as Alyssa Dweck, M.D. and coauthor of V Is for Vagina, pointed out in a previous interview, sex on the beach can be a vaginal infection waiting to happen for her, when sand sneaks into your nether-regions. And, although getting busy in the ocean may seem like a clever call (no one can see what you’re doing under the water, right?), for the sake of her vagina, Dweck advises against this, too. Water washes away natural lubricants, which could potentially leading to micro-abrasions and UTIs. (No thank you!)
But that doesn’t mean ALL beach sex is unpleasant or unsafe—there are plenty of viable ways to get frisky. For starters, make sure you bring an extra large towel or beach chair to use as a barrier against any sand-in-vagina debacles (and an extra one for concealment). Plus, in some cases, standing positions can be great options, too.
Of course, it bares noting that public sex is illegal pretty much everywhere—so unless you’re on a private beach, well, proceed with caution.
Now that we got that out of the way: To cause some commotion in the ocean or near…the ocean…give these positions a spin.
1. THE WAVE MAKER
While a roll in the sand may not be the best way to go, some action on a beach towel is a great alternative. One of the simplest options is this seated position, which you can easily do on the comfort of a towel, while still maintaining an air of subtlety.
Simply have your partner sit down, and have her back into your lap. Push that bathing suit to the side, and enter her. Are you having sex or just sitting together?…The beach will never know.
2. SURFER GIRL ON TOP
To avoid getting even the tiniest speck of sand all up in your business, go for good ol’ girl-on-top. Lie down on a towel, have her climb on top, and go to town.
Granted, this isn’t exactly the most subtle position, even with a towel covering. So reserve this position for a nighttime sex sesh, or when the beach is totally empty.
3. BAE WATCH
This position is perfect when you want to cozy up and “watch the sunset” together—either in a beach chair or sitting on the edge of an empty lifeguard tower. The best part: With the help of a covering blanket, it will look like she’s just sweetly sitting on your lap, enjoying the gorgeous view—rather than having a mind-blowing orgasm.
Sit down, then have her back up onto you, sitting between your legs. Drape a towel or blanket over the two of you for ultimate privacy. Bonus: Sneak a hand inside the blanket for a little clitoris-stimulation.
4. SEASIDE SPOON
Oh how cute, you two are cuddling on a beach towel…oh wait.
With a towel covering your bodies (at least the lower half) lie on your sides facing the same direction. Bend your knees and have her push her butt back toward you, for easier access to her vagina and clit.
5. THE OYSTER SHELL
This variation on spoon is another great option for sex on the sand. It’s a little more romantic, since you get to face each other—plus it’ll be easier to spot any incoming beachgoers.
To do it, lie on your sides and facing one another, with a towel covering. Spread her legs slightly to allow you to partner to slip past her bathing suit bottoms, and enter her. Then close her legs so the part of his shaft that’s outside can press against her clit.
6. THE CAVE DWELLER
Have you ever been on a beach with lots of cool caves you can explore? Yeah, those make for great sex-scapes. Just find a secluded spot, slide her bikini to the side, and try to contain your moans (they echo in a cave, duh!).
To do it, have her bend slightly at the waist and rest her hands against her shins, or on a cave wall. Enter her from behind, and hold her hips for support while thrusting. Oh and make sure you get your hands on her clit!
7. SALTY FOREPLAY
Although you’re probably best off avoiding oceanic sex, there’s nothing wrong with a little foreplay in the waves.
Since the ocean provides plenty of protection from wandering eyes, go for a swim and feel free to get as handsy as you desire. One great option: Jump into your partner’s arms, wrap your legs around, and grind your pelvis against hers. If things escalate from there…hey, that’s on you.
This article originally appeared on Women’s Health US.
