Beach Shelters

Beach shelters are a great addition for any family going outdoors. There are many styles to choose from.

For families who want to go to the beach any time of the year, it is important that they are protected from the warmer sun in hot seasons, or screened from the cooler winds in cold seasons. Here we will show you the many varieties of beach shelters that are available, and they come in many shapes and forms. These can range from screen shades that cover you like a large towel, to the medium sized beach tripods that can sit two people, to the larger versions such as cabanas which can house more than 4 people in comfort. The main categories of them are:

Beach Umbrellas

Beach parasols are your most basic form of cover. The advantage of these is that they are easily portable, can be left in the trunk of a car, and can be placed easily on the ground once you are settled into the sand. If you own a business, they can also double up as a cafe umbrella, or covering for a beach cart. Featured styles also have a tilting mechanism, so they can be faced at any angle into the sun.

Beach Canopy

These can come in the form of tripods, so they are more easily assembled to be strong and durable. Canopies can be made to be very light and portable, some weighing only about 11 lbs. The advantage of canopies is that they block the maximum amount of UV ray from the sun, while allowing maximum ventilation. All the fabrics can be made from coated nylon with adjustable tension straps. The poles must also be heavy duty and shock proof. Most frames of the structure are made with high grade aluminum, so they are lightweight but still tough. Common manufacturers of these designs are ABO who produce their ABOGear line of products, Kelty, SKLZ and Volcom, who are all trusted brands which have been in business for a long time.

Beach Tents

Tents can be used for longer periods or for the times when you will need to place things on the ground, as they provide ground cover. Beach tents will have less ventilation as a basic beach canopy. However, they will provide more protection from the coastal elements if you have children, and as an added bonus you will be able to keep them inside the tent, so they do not wander away. They can either be sold as water proof, or shower proof depending on the material used as the finish. Tents finished with acrylic is normally referred to just water resistant, but any model finished with silicone, can usually be considered water proof. It is also worth looking at versions which are aerodomes, which give added functionality against the wind.

Beach Cabanas

Beach cabanas are more up market and are the expensive variety. Cabanas are usually associated with canopy and chairs in one, or they sometimes be referred to as a gazebo, depending on the size. Some varieties come with a complete set, so may take some time to setup. However, most feature separate kits, so you can decide what to bring to the coast. Beach cabanas will most likely be sold in larger sizes to fit a few people under shade.

Shade Umbrellas

Shade umbrellas tend to have a lower SPF value, so they let more of the sunlight through. However, they are also very light and portable, and are suitable to users who still require some sunlight, rather than a full sun block. Some parasols are easily retractable to make them convenient, but some can take longer to assemble to become more sturdy.

A concise definition of shelters can be found at wikipedia.org

When choosing the right shelters for the coast, consider these aspects, in order of importance.

1) Sun protection factor, SPF.
This is the most important factor when selecting the right shelters to take outdoors for your family. Most shelters should be 50 SPF or higher to protect your family from the harsh UV rays.

2) Durability
You would want your structure to last a long time. Ensure that all materials are rust proof and can withstand that harsh conditions such as heat stress and salt. Check that your kit includes additional pegs or sand pockets for those days when the wind is higher. For the fabric, check if they are protected from stain and mildew.

3) Portability
If the outdoor shelters purchased are too heavy, chances are that you will leave it at home, and just bring an umbrella. It is important that the kit is light enough to be packed by most members of the family, so keep this in mind when choosing the correct kits. Also check that they are sold with a strong carry bag with straps. The poles of the structure should be modular so they can be dismantled and stored in the car.

4) Price
Always choose a model within your budget. With these shelters, what you pay is what you get. However, if there are features that you do not need, then only spend on the basics. If all you need is shade over your head, then you do will not require one with built in seats or ground cover.