Going to the beach is great fun on a sunny day. Sunscreen, hats and umbrellas are all good forms of sun, but there are other alternatives that offer more functionality and added protection from the sun’s harmful rays. A beach sun shade also known as a beach or sun tent is a great way to keep the sun off your body and still enjoy the wonderful beach weather.
What is a beach sun shade?
Sun tents and shades are a less well known form of sun protection for beach goers or any time you and your family are out in the open exposed to the sun. While there are many different designs and models of sun canopy, most typically resemble a camping tent. One difference is that a tent has four walls, a floor and a zip up door and a sun shade has at most 3 sides, sometimes a floor and sometimes a window. This design allows a user to put a chair on the floor of the shade and block out strong sunrays while still keeping their feet in the sand. Another difference is that sun shades are coated with UV protected polyester and can repel rays of up to 45spf.
How much do they cost?
Just like a car, boat or anything else you buy, features, size and materials used will factor in on the price of a sun shade. Models with UV coating, three walls and floor retail online for about 40 to 60 dollars. A model with more features like a gabled front for more extended sun protection, extra supports, and/or thicker material will make the difference in price.
More advanced models such as a Kelty sun shade can go for about 140 to 200 bucks. These sun shades have numerous features like adjustable heights, 40 to 65 sq ft of floor space; 190T 450 millimeter polyurethane coated polyester material and are applicable to a wide range of outdoor activities. A model such as this is for avid outdoorsmen and hardcore sports enthusiasts, or overkill for the fair weather beach goer.
Where can I get one?
A reasonably priced and adequate beach sun shade for the average person can be found online and in brick and mortar locations. Retailers like Eddie Bower and REI have quality beach shades for fewer than 100 dollars. They also do business online where prices are often lower. Many camping tent makers also make lines of sun tents and shades such as Coleman. Eureka is another good manufacturer carried by the popular retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods. Their model retails for 60 bucks and comes with features like an extended gable, fully collapsible wall, windows, added structural support and sandbags for weight.
June 30, 2010
Canopies