A day at the beach is probably the best way to enjoy summer. Waves rush, the sun shines – only the wind blows the umbrella away. This is important to avoid because, in addition to sunscreen, the parasol is primarily used to protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays. UV radiation is usually particularly high in summer and is indicated by the German Weather Service with the UV index.
According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, you should take protective measures for your skin if the UV index is level three. It’s always worth taking a look at the UV index if you want to enjoy the day in the fresh air. On Monday, June 19, 2023, according to the weather service, it was well above this across the whole of Germany. Reason enough to take a parasol with you to the beach. All that’s missing is the right model.
What distinguishes a good parasol from a bad one is the tip that you stick into the sand. In cheap models it is usually only tapered. Better models offer a drill-like head that can be twisted into the sand. This allows the umbrella to be anchored deeper in the sand, which provides a little more security in windy conditions.
Models that can be attached to the ground with pegs or sandbags go even further. Otherwise, the difference between cheap parasols and slightly more expensive parasols is their head section. This can be tilted and rotated with better parasols, so you don’t have to reposition the parasol as the sun gets lower throughout the day.
One such parasol is this model from Sekey. Its drill tip is ten centimeters long, and the height of the rest of the umbrella is 1.55 meters when erected. According to the manufacturer, when unfolded it has a diameter of 1.80 meters. This should cast a shadow for two adults. According to the manufacturer, it blocks 99.99 percent of UV rays. Sekey also states that the head of the umbrella can be rotated and tilted. Of course, the height of the umbrella is also adjustable. A carrying bag is included.
The SportBrella Premiere takes a slightly different path. This is a kind of hybrid between a parasol and a beach shelter. The pole of the parasol is stuck sideways into the sand. At the back of the umbrella there are additional loops for pegs that you attach to the sand, providing even more security on windy days. Of course, this means that the advantages of the umbrella over the beach shelter are lost, because sitting on a chair underneath is no longer possible due to this structure.
At least two adults can fit under it on a towel thanks to the generous umbrella diameter of 244 centimeters. However, it is likely that you will need to position the parasol differently throughout the day as the sun moves. Umbrellas with an adjustable head section are ahead here. As far as protection against UV radiation is concerned, the manufacturer specifies a textile sun protection of UPF 50. This means that 98 percent of UV radiation does not come through the fabric of the umbrella. Of course, a carrying bag is included in delivery.
The most expensive parasol in this comparison is the model from Sunphio. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not reveal what UV protection factor the umbrella offers. All he says is that the umbrella has four layers that block UV radiation and are supposed to be windproof. What makes the umbrella special is its security options. A kind of anchor with three points serves as a base for a sandy beach, which is intended to guarantee a particularly high level of support. On very windy days you can attach the umbrella to three loops using pegs. Of course, the height of the umbrella can also be adjusted and can be rotated and tilted – when the pegs are not used. A carrying bag is included.
If you already own a parasol that you know likes to fly away, an umbrella stand is worth considering. Here you can choose from an attachment or an inflatable umbrella stand. The advantage of the inflatable umbrella stand is that it can also be used on pebble beaches. Once filled with air, simply weigh it down with sand or stones (maximum 15 kilograms) and then insert the umbrella. A small pump is included so that you don’t run out of air in the heat.
If you are going to the sandy beach, you can also buy an attachment for the umbrella. Here you have the choice between an anchor or spike, like the Sunphio model, or a drill attachment, which we already know from the Sekey parasol. However, you should prefer the anchor or trident, simply because it is also suitable for lawns if you want to set up the umbrella in the garden, camping or fishing.
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