Shibumi shade My father was chasing an umbrella down the beach on a windy Maine coast day. This is one of my earliest beach memories. I’m sure that I’m not alone in witnessing umbrellas being ripped from the beach and tumble into sunbathing neighbours despite my best efforts.
Even if your umbrella is stationary, you still spend most of your time chasing the tiny shade it offers, as if you were some insane sundial. The sunshade is better.
Sunshades provide consistent sun protection
Sunshades provide consistent sun protection over large areas while still allowing for comfortable headroom. It should be simple to transport, easy to set up and maintain its strength in windy conditions without collapsing.
We tested seven shades, and our two favorite, the Sun Ninja 4-Person Tent and Shibumi Shade, met all requirements. However, they are suitable for different situations. Sun Ninja is a shade that requires a lot of beach space, but can withstand variable wind conditions.
The Shibumi maximizes shade and doesn’t bother neighbors. However, the Shibumi requires constant coastal winds to function. It is more expensive. We have suggestions for those who need more protection from the wind.
Many shades, large footprint
This spandex canopy can be easily set up if you have enough space. It also provides great protection against the sun in all weather conditions. It does take up a lot of beach space, which can be annoying for neighbors.
The Sun Ninja 4 Person Tent can be used in all wind conditions. It is extremely comfortable to sit under, no matter how strong the sun shines. It also packs into a small carry case that you can easily toss over your shoulder. It is easy to put up the spandex canopy.
Stretch the four arms across the beach and fill the pouch at each end with plenty of sand. Next, place the four aluminum rods underneath the canopy. Lift and angle them until you achieve the right tension. Once you know how to do it, the whole process takes less than three minutes.
The Sun Ninja is a shade structure that can be used by four people. The company also sells an 8-person model. The Sun Ninja’s flexibility allows it to withstand gusts of up to 15 mph in both low and moderate winds without becoming a flimsy.
The tent makes you feel almost like you are living in a nomadic world of self-satisfaction, as you sit under it.
The Sun Ninja’s extended design means that you will undoubtedly take up a lot of beach relative to the shade you create (7 by 7 feet). This might not be appreciated if your beaches are crowded.
This shade can be set up in a matter of minutes with its simple, elegant design. The Shibumi fabric will float above you as long as there is a steady breeze. It provides enough sun protection for six people, without buckling, collapsing, or sagging.
- The Shibumi Shade is an ideal shade for beaches that have steady offshore breezes or even umbrella-tumbling gusts. The Shibumi doesn’t resist the wind. Its simple design makes it work. This is a natural choice considering that the shade was designed on the North Carolina Outer Banks’ breezy beaches.
- The Shibumi is made up of three parts: a 16-by-8-foot rectangular of parachute fabric and a high-strength aluminum tube (which folds up like an umbrella pole). It can be set up by one person in just a few minutes.
- The Shibumi was able to provide shade for six people in all conditions, including stiff winds up to 25 mph. High winds can produce more noise than you might think.
- The Shibumi Shade Mini, which is similar to the Shibumi Shade Mini, can be used for just one person. With a light onshore breeze most days, the Shibumi shade can be used as a blanket or a clothingline.
- This shade is more costly than the other choices, but the quality of the materials used–from aluminum poles that are usually reserved for camping tents to the parachute fabric–will ensure it will last for many more summers.
Budget selection
- The Sport-Brella is easy to set up and features the same basic design as a beach umbrella, but with tent flaps that provide more protection from sun and wind. The vent is also included, along with stakes and sandbags, to keep it from blowing away during stronger gusts.
- The Sport-Brella Premiere is our favorite beach umbrella. It offers at least some protection against the wind. The umbrella looks similar to a traditional umbrella, but it’s flipped on its side.
- Flaps are added to block more sun and wind. It can easily accommodate two people, but the footprint is small, so it’s a great choice for busy beaches. To prevent it from whizzing around on windy days, you will need to anchor it using stakes and sandbags.
- It has vents that can be opened to reduce drag. The steel pole makes it heavier than the Sun Ninja and the Shibumi. The Sport-Brella, even folded up, was 40 inches long and could not fit into one tester’s trunk.
The polyurethane canopy is lightweight and easy to set up.
- The Lightspeed Outdoors Bahia Quick Draw, like the Sport-Brella Premiere is designed to block sun and wind. The Bahia, like its name suggests, is much quicker to set up than the Sport-Brella. Lay out the shelter’s floor and then pull the two cords to release the poles.
- The attached polyurethane shell will protect you from the water-resistant plastic. If wind is your goal, you will need to stake down the corners and stabilize the overhang at the shelter’s opening. Finally, weigh the base down with three sandbags. It’s not as easy or quick as you might think. It won’t withstand a storm.
- At some point, you will need to get out of the sunshade. Be prepared!
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