Crossword Genius

As worn by a novice in flat seaside areas? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sandals

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'seaside areas?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'as worn by a novice in flat' is the wordplay.
'worn' is an anagram indicator (worn can mean damaged).
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'novice' becomes 'L' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'flat' becomes 'nds' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'a'+'l'='al'
'al' inserted into 'nds' is 'ndals'.
'as' with letters rearranged gives 'sa'.
'sa'+'ndals'='SANDALS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sandals that I've seen before include "Light open shoes" , "Soles strapped to the feet" , "Open footwear" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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