The Washington herald., 1911-07-23
HOW WEUROPEANSENJOY
THEIR SURF BATHING

more fiimsy than are seen on Lnls sluo
of the Atlantic, the effect often argues
strongly in favor of separate bathing.
Even more striking is the usual garb
OF the Englishman in the water. It con-
sists practically of the familiar swimming
tights of the American boy, and the
American visitor who dons such an ap-
parel for the first time and steps forth
from the bathhouse or tent feels more
like seeking the seclusion Of netghbortng
bushes than plunging into the breakers
that await
The bathing machine which Is IN use
at most European resorts is in keeping
with the idea of privacy Of the ocean
bath, the batter being enabled to step
Immediately into the surf from his or
her dressing rooms. instead Of being COM
pelled to walk across wide expanse
OF beach, as at Coney Island or Atlantic
City.
Upon some parts Of the Continental
coast. however. as at Trouvi11e, the bath
houses. because of the abruptly slopins
nature Of the beach, are stationary. In
such cases, the bather is given a peignoir,
or covering, that generally consists of a
white muslin sheet, enveloping the figure
from head to foot during the walk from
the bathhouse to the waters edge Upon
leaving the surf, the bather is once more
enveloped in this sheet, and in It returns
to the little dressing room.
At Folkstone, In England, Is a man.
moth bathing machine, that Is pushed out
into any desired depth. Similar to It,
but smaller, Is the moving bridge" at
st. Malo, France. which runs on
track laid into the ocean, and takes
party out into the depths.
Customs at ostend.
Ostend, Belgium, Is probably the finest
and most sought European sea resort,
having a magnificent stretch of beach.
There bathing is altogether from ina
chine or movable houses, that are push
ed into and drawn out Of the water.
Beach masters are IN charge Of the ina
chimes at Ostend- frequently they will
draw them IN or out of the water while
the occupants are dressing or undressing,
often giving them rude Jolta.
A similar custom prevails at Trouville.
on the French coast There, as at os-
tend the bathsr u charged separately
for the various necessities or luxurie1
Of the bath. For francs he may have
large van near the surf. or for s5
centimes can obtain q less desirable
bathing box. II he wishes a towel, It
will cost him 10 centimes. and . peignoir,
or enveloping sheet. calls for Is centimes.
In any event. he Ii obliged to have q
bathing costume costing at least rs
centimes.
The amusernents to be indufged IN after
the bath at European ssashores are by
no means as varied or elaborate as at
ours
At each French resort there Is usually
casino, where the middle-aged and
elderly man find charms to sooth the
hurt of rushing hours. There Is gen.
orally little theater. where the most
accomplished Partisan artists appear
during the season, as well as other fea-
lures that appeal to the seeker OF the
airy summer pastime. Horse racing Is
also feature of most French summer
resorts.
The average Englishman at the sea-
shore does not care to exert himself to
find amusement. After his bath Ia done
and the bath Is taken moro as q duty
than a pleasure--he sits himself In
comfortable chair upon the sands and
waits for entertainment TO come to
him.
He win cheerfuliy accept the crudest
sort OF undertaking In the entertainment
line. Wondering minstrel troupes are
common along the beach lines OF Eng
iish resorts, and while their performs
nnces are mors or less raw. they are
generally aeeeptahlA