Beach Umbrella
From LoveToKnow Swimsuits
Can any of us really afford to forego the protection of a beach umbrella when spending a day in the sand and surf?
Why Bother with a Beach Umbrella?
With incidences of skin cancer on the increase, a beach umbrella should be on everyone's list of what to bring for a day of fun in the sun. Even if you wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, it's still possible to get burned by those relentless rays from the sun, and a nice patch of shady sand sure comes in handy on a hot sunny afternoon.
Features to Look For
Purchasing the very first sun shade you find might just leave you with a flimsy shelter that blows over with the first strong breeze. Better to do a bit of research first to find out what makes a really high quality beach umbrella, one that will be worth the money you pay for it and give you years of service.
Shades
Lets begin with the shade itself. Nylon, and cotton canvas are the two main materials of choice for beach umbrella construction. Heavy nylon can be just as durable as thick cotton canvas, but it has the dual advantages of weighing less, and drying faster after those summer showers that can pop up so quickly.
Nylon is also more fade resistant, so if bright colors and patterns are important to you, a nylon beach umbrella has further advantage over canvas.
Poles
Now let's talk about poles. Poles, or stakes as they are sometimes referred to are available in both wood and metal. Wooden poles have been used for years, but they can wear out with repeated use. Today, one-inch thick steel poles are the material of choice for greater durability.
Sizes
Size matters! Do you need a beach umbrella just for yourself, or one you can share? A six foot width umbrella is a decent size for one person, especially if you like to have room to stretch out, but if you plan on bringing a friend, look for one with at least an eight foot spread.
UV Protection
Not all beach umbrellas are created equal under the sun. If you are especially prone to burning, even when you wear sunscreen, then you'll want to purchase an umbrella made with UV protective material. Some manufacturers offer shades with sun protection factors of 35.
Accessories
Have you ever staked your umbrella into the sand and gone swimming, only to return and find it has blown away clear to the other end of the beach?
Never head to the beach without your Sand Blaster. These tools are used to hammer your pole into the ground, and make set up easier when you find yourself on compacted sand.
A handy sand screw can also help you anchor your pole more securely, keeping your shade right where you want it. It works exactly like a cork screw. Just twist the extended handle while applying a bit of pressure toward the ground. Once you're in, simply slide the pole into the base and you're finished!
Smart Style
The basic shade and pole style is perfectly serviceable, but if you want a bit more comfort, try adding a clamp-on beach umbrella to your favorite beach chair or lounger.
Conclusion
So now you know what to look for when you go shopping. Any umbrella that combines durability, safety, and convenience should be well worth the price tag it carrys, so be choosey and pick the best model you can afford. You'll be glad you did.
Places to Shop
You'll find a terrific selection of beach umbrellas and other related items at the following vendors.
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