Windbreaks can be a useful addition to your items to bring to the beach, if you need to stop the wind of sand from blowing into your area, but still want to bask in the sun. Many manufacturer provide a customized service that allow you to design your own patterns for the fabric. In this section we will review what features to look for before purchasing this item.
The fabric chosen for windbreaks are important. It must be strong enough to not rip in the event of a powerful gust of wind, and it must also be finished with a UV resistant coat to prevent fading in the sun after continuous use. Most materials are protected against the buildup of mould and mildew. However, even after some regular use, without a proper clean, they will still build up. Be sure to wipe down the sails after every use, especially if it has gotten wet or hit with wet mud. Tightly woven cotton is usually used for the main sails, but for more expensive varieties, acrylic materials are used to make them light, but still keeping them strong.
To make it easier to setup, look for windbreaks that are supplied with poles that have pointed ends. Most come tapered and can be pushed into the sand with ease. The poles can either be made with solid wood, or fiberglass for light weight and durability. Fiberglass has the added advantage that it can flex in the wind, provide extra insurance against any cracks or breakage in strong winds.
The size of the overall coverage is entirely up to the consumer. Most structures are made approximately 30 inches in height. The width can be chosen in multiple sheets of up to 90 inches or more. For a wider coverage, one could easily add 5 or more poles to provide over 150 inches of coverage. Bear in mind that as more fabric is used, the less likely it can be stored in a carry bag. You would want it to be easily portable, with a shoulder strap.
As an added feature, some windbreaks come with pockets to let you put your beach items inside. Not only does this keep your valuables safe, it can also add to the overall stability of the structure. Some models also come with sand pockets near the bottom of the structure so you can weigh it down to keep it from falling over.