The sun, the sea, the sand. Such a perfect summer picture, until you realize you’re running after your shawl, and your paper cups have flown halfway towards the road. Picnics by the beach shouldn’t be this chaotic, and nor should camping.
Beach picnics should be about relaxing and fun. Not stressing over what flew to where. Do you know what is worse? Seeing your canopy being blown by the wind, now, that is definitely worse. Then, you stop and think, “Are there really canopies out there that can withstand windy beaches?” The answer to that is yes. You just haven’t found it yet.
In this article, I will give you the best of the best options for a canopy that you can use on windy beaches. And if by the end you still feel like you haven’t found your perfect canopy match, don’t you fret. At the end of this article, I will give you some tips on the qualities you should look for in a canopy that helps stabilize it in windy beaches.
Two best canopies for windy beaches
I’ve done my research, had a bunch of trials and errors, but in the end I managed to narrow it down to just two canopies I find best for windy beaches. Here they are:
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Canopy
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Canopy
- Sand pockets included for extra wind proofing
- Large bottom base
Lightspeed Outdoors’ canopy is the first on my list of the best canopies out there for beaches with a relatively stronger breeze. It is because of the durability of the materials they used, and the additional features that anchor it to the sand. The canopy has two color themes to choose from, the Aqua and Blue, which comes with a maximum UPF 50+ sun protection. It also has a spacious interior with an additional 40” porch area that will surely fit two adults and kids. It’s a perfect canopy for a starting family. Aside from that, the canopy was made with a pop-up design that easily puts and takes down the shelter together in a matter of seconds. Imagine, no more tent poles to thread through while the rest of canopy flaps with the wind.
The Cabana Beach Canopy also comes with three mesh windows, maximizing the ventilation of the canopy. Don’t worry, you can still have your privacy whenever you want since the windows have their own shade. Other additional features include three sandbags on the outside and stakes that are essential in keeping it weighed down from strong winds; and it three inside pockets for your miscellaneous items. The wall material is breathable polyester with a water-resistant coating protecting you, not only from the sun but also from sudden drizzles.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 4.1 ft (LxWxH)
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Floor Area: 53.8 ft2
- Floor Material: Polyethylene (PE)
- Material of the Poles: Fiberglass
Alvantor Beach Canopy
- Affordable option
- Easy to set up
- Sand pockets for wind proofing
Alvantor is a cheaper beach canopy that is also durable and windproof. It only comes in a beautiful teal color with a 50+ UPF UV protection. The walls and floors are made from water resistant material, so it does not only protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, but also from unsuspected rain, appearing on your beach day. It has an automatic hub mechanic system that allows you to put up the canopy in 30 seconds or less. Taking it down is equally easy since it can be clasped with your hands. There will be no unnecessary battle of dismantling your canopies when all you want to do is go home.
Alvantor has a good ventilation system with its three-side mesh found in the lower part of the canopy. It has a good anchor system with three sand pockets and four extra sand bags tied outside the canopy. Four stakes are included to provide extra support and stability. What’s also good about this canopy is its versatility. Aside from being a canopy, it can be used as a beach umbrella and canopy, providing a cool shade throughout the entire day. The company also offers a one year warranty should there be any issues regarding this item.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.9 x 4.4 ft
- Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Qualities to Look into When Buying Beach Canopies
If you think the options above don’t match your liking, you can look up in Amazon for more options or take a trip to your local department store. Aside from the cost that would fit your budget, here are the things you should look into when you decide to purchase a beach canopy, especially when the beach you’re going to is quite windy.
Sun Protection
Even though beaches are for tanning and the hot summer sun, it doesn’t mean that you should allow your skin to soak in the harmful UV rays. Many beach canopies now have UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor that measures the effectiveness of fabric against UV rays from the sun. Choose the fabrics in the category of excellent UV protection. It should be within the UPF range of 40-50+ which blocks 97.5%-98.0% of UV.
Source: Sungrubbies.com
Material of the Poles
The material of the pole will dictate whether the canopy would easily break since it gives the structure of the canopy. Avoid aluminum since it tends to break easily, and go for materials like steel and fiberglass.
Easy Set-up
Setting up a canopy is hard and laborious enough without the wind constantly blowing the fabric. So choose a canopy that has a pop-up system for easy set-up and take-down. Numerous canopies now have this feature so it is not hard to find one with an easy set-up mechanism.
Ventilation
Having a good ventilation system actually adds to the resistance of the canopy to strong winds. It allows the wind to pass freely. The bigger the mesh of the canopy, the more wind resistant your canopy is. But, also make sure that it has a roll-up shade for times that you need to change or if you want privacy.
Stakes and Sand Pockets
Stakes and sand pockets/bags are essential in weighing down your canopy. Most beach canopies include these things together with a carry bag upon purchase. So, make sure to check it out. You can also buy additional stakes or one with better quality if you have extra money in your budget.
Size
Consider the size of the canopy and the number of people that will be using it. This is hard to do when you’re shopping online. Good thing, most online sellers would indicate the dimensions of the canopy so you will have a rough estimate of its size. Make sure that you and your companions are comfortable, and not look like a tin of sardines, during your day out.