Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Beach Chair

Beach Chairs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes such as, low seat beach chairs, high seat beachchairs, beach loungers, and small beach chairs, each catering to different kinds of beach goers. Along with the size and shape, beach chairs also come with an array of different kinds of special features such as, back pack beachchairs, folding beach chairs, beach chairs with cup holders, canopy beach chairs, and padded beach chairs.

Materials used in the beach chair frames are usually steel or aluminum. Aluminum beach chairs and steel beach chairs each have its own benefits. Fabrics may include marine grade acrylic which is treated to withstand fading and salty air. 

Beach chairs with web, mesh and quick dry fabrics offer features that are perfectly suited for the beach. Mesh chairs let the sand fall through so that you don't have to brush off your seat all of the time. Some popular mesh fabrics include ballistic nylon mesh, a material so strong that it was originally developed to be used for flak jackets for WWII airmen! Textilene, which is a heavy duty mesh which offers UV protection also. It is often used for solar shades. 

Quick dry fabrics can keep your towel dry so you don't have to keep sitting on it to prevent a soaking wet dripping seat. Feel free to sit on the quick dry fabric when you've just emerged from the ocean or lake after a great swim or floating in the waves. Just wait a few minutes and your chair will be warm and toasty. Quick dry fabrics are made from polyester, nylon, spandex and more. They're also sturdy.

Web chairs also dry quickly because they are usually made from a material that doesn't absorb any water. Built for strength and comfort, web chairs are throwbacks to the 60s and 70s with their large woven fabric strips in plaid designs like brown and white, blue and while and the famous green and white. Web chairs are also popular as lawn and deck chairs. Anyone who wants high seat chair will also enjoy a web chair. Seat heights for web chairs are at least 12 inches of the ground and some are made to be as high as 20".

Wood beach chairs are a special treat. They are as elegantly designed as they are heavy-duty. Solid ashwood and oakwood frames are common due to their hardwood strength and natural beauty when stained and varnished. 

How to Choose a Beach Umbrella 

When buying a beach umbrella one of the first things to consider is the amount of shaded area you want the umbrella to provide. Common sizes of beach umbrellas are 6 -7 ft umbrellas and 7-13 ft umbrellas. 6-7 foot beach umbrellas are generally built to accommodate 2 people, while 7-13 foot umbrellas can accommodate 4-5 people. Other important factors to consider are the type of umbrella: commercial, "regular consumer" for seasonal recreational use and beach umbrella vs patio or market umbrella. Knowledge of the umbrella materials will also help you make an informed buying decision.

The shade of the umbrella provides obvious sun protection but depending on the fabric, the sun's UVA and UVB rays can get through. This is where fabric material and protective coatings come into play. UPF 50 can be standard for a good quality umbrella. For total sun block, choose an umbrella that specifically states that it blocks 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays. These umbrellas have been tested in labs and are usually recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. UPF means that a fabric has been lab tested and SPF (sun Protection Factor) means that the sun protection is measured by the amount of time a person's skin is protected by the sun. SPF can be calculated by minutes a person's skin is likely to burn multiplied by the Sun Protection Factor, which gives you the maximum exposure time. SPF is normally associated with skin protection lotions.

Umbrellas are made to cater to different uses and locations. Market and Patio Umbrellas are generally used with an umbrella base. Customers include homeowners with pool areas, backyard decks and porches. This same style umbrella but with commercial grade construction is used by restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and hotels with outdoor seating on a patio, deck or other hard surface also. 

Commercial Umbrellas are also available for beach use. These umbrellas are dug into the sand and not used with an umbrella base. First choice is wood poles with pointed ends but aluminum and steel are other options. While hotels and beach resorts only buy commercial grade, also known as concession-grade umbrellas, many "regular" beach goers have learned that the initial investment in a commercial umbrella pays off. Commercial grade umbrellas are known to last up to 10 years. 

Clamp-on Umbrellas are great for on the spot personal shade. Simply clamp to your beach chair to shade your face, eyes and upper body. This fast and flexible option allows you to quickly react to the sun's glare for easy reading or to gaze ahead to the ocean while protecting your eyes from the sun's rays.

Clamp on umbrellas have an adjustable clamp that holds onto different size beach chairs with square or round shaped frames. All that is required is to turn the umbrella closure, a knob or thumb screw, to fit the size of your beach chair frame or even beach chair arm rest. Clamp-on beach umbrellas with a goose neck can be attached in several directions so you can follow the direction of the sun for shade all day.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long are umbrella poles?  

A: Non-commerical beach umbrella poles are about  72" for a 6 foot to 6.5 foot umbrella and 86" for an 8 foot umbrella. Most poles are two part poles, which means that one pole has to be inserted into the other and you must accommodate for the umbrella being dug into the sand at least 6 inches. Clamp on umbrellas have an overall height between 44" and 48" dending on the size of the canopy. 

Q: How long are commercial-beach umbrella poles?

A: Using well-known commerical umbrella brand Frankford as an example, their 6.5 and 7.5 umbrellas both have an iverall height of 93".

Q: Are fiberglass ribs better than steel ribs?

A: Beach umbrellas with fiberglass ribs are generally the gold standard for beach umbrellas because they will flex with the wind for maximum wind resistance. The exception is market-style beach umbrellas which may have wood-like resin or steel ribs that are painted to look like wood. These ribs are heavy-duty because they are usually rectangular with a 1 inch width and depth.   

Q: Do aluminum poles weigh less than steel poles?

A: Yes, if they are the same dimensions.

How to Choose a Beach Cart

When shopping for a beach cart, you should first consider what you will carry in it and what type of beach terrain is common in your area. If you will use the cart on beaches with deep sand with little rocks, you will benefit from big inflated tires, also called balloon wheels. Harder surfaces like pavement, grass, gravel and rocky beaches will do fine with more rigid plastic wheels. Usually, the rear wheels are larger than the front wheels for better steering and handling.

The next important factor is what will you carry in your beach cart? If you want to carry several beach chairs and an umbrella, look for a cart that allows you to easily hang the chairs on the cart and may even have an umbrella holder. Finally, you'll want to consider weight capacity. Certain beach carts are designed to carry larger quantities of light beach products, such as the Wonder Wheeler. Wonderwheelers can fit up to four chairs, an umbrella, coolers, towels and beach toys and have a weight capacity of 100 to 150 lbs. Other beach carts, such as the Wheeleez Beach Carts, are designed to carry heavier loads with fewer items through tough terrain such as deep sand and snow. The different models carry anywhere from 150 plus pounds up to over 200 lbs.

What is the Difference Between a Beach Tent and a Beach Shelter?

The main difference between a beach tent and a sun shelter is that a sun shelter's main purpose is to protect you from the sun. This doesn't mean that a beach tent won't also offer sun protection. 

We sell a wide selection of beach tents and sun shelters that can accommodate 2 adults seated in chairs or up to 5 people. Specialized beach tents like the Pop Up Pod stand high enough for an adult to stand up in and can be great for a photo shoot or private place to change clothes when camping or on the beach.  

For an important outdoor event, barbecue in a park or on the beach, the Frankford 10 foot x 10 foot  instant tent is great for large groups. It's commercial grade, sets up instantly and comes with a carry bag.

Important factors to consider when purchasing a tent or a shelter is the sun protection offered, time it takes for set-up, and the durability against weather conditions. Another type of beach protection, windscreens provide a wind barrier and block flying sand and dust. They are usually low enough to the ground to not block your view or the sun. 

What to Look For in the Perfect Beach Bag

Beach bags not only come in a wide range of sizes but zippers, inside pockets, outside pockets, long carry straps or short rope carry handles and the overall material used for the bag all will play a role in how you choose your ultimate beach bag.

For a no-worry bag, look for waterproof fabric. The Sailcloth bags have waterproof lining and zipper closures. These bags can handle a wet bathing suit or T-shirt, spilled water and even some splashes. Another option is buying a dry-bag. Dry bags come in small sizes for safekeeping of your mobile device or car keys. Other dry bags are larger and can hold clothes and shoes. Not only great for the beach, drybags are also perfect for camping and water sports.

Sand-Free bags are among our favorites. Their innovative design ensures that sand will not follow you to your car and home. CGear Sand-Free's unique patented weave is a "one-way sift" ensuring sand, dirt & dust will fall through to the ground below however particles underneath do not penetrate therefore creating a SAND-FREE experience. This extremely unique benefit is used by militaries around the world.

If you are looking for a beach bag to carry light beach gear like towels, sunscreen and your keys, and you're a fashionista, then the fabric decor and feel will be important. Canvas beach bags and beach totes are known for their durability and fashionable colors and patterns. They can be sporty or come in the classic rectangular shape with short carry handles. Then of course, there are all the different categories.

Do you want a beach tote or a beach bag that also doubles as a soft cooler? If so, shop beach cooler bags. Do you end up carrying everyone's stuff? If yes, then choose an extra large beach bag with durable fabric, strong stitching and lots of pockets, so you can stay organized and sane!

Deciding on the Best Beach Towel

At beachstore.com, we sell a lot of beach towels. We also get asked a lot of questions about them so we know what makes a beach towel great. We can tell you for certain that a beach towel has to feel as good as it looks. Also, you need way more than just two.

Having just one beach towel is not even an option. You always need one to drape over your chair, lay in the sand or lend to your friend who forgot theirs. The other towel is for drying off after a swim or a great game of beach tennis or Frisbee.

What To Consider When Choosing A Beach Towel 

Size: Beach towels are longer than bath towels as a rule but not always wider. A smaller size beach towel that is great for drying off and bringing along as your extra is 30" x 60". Beach towels that are 36" x 62" are considered average and a good all around size. Beach blankets are 50" plus wide and over 60 inches long. So if you want a beach towel for drying off or keeping warm, look for a wider beach towel. If you're looking for a beach towel mainly for laying on the sand, choose a longer beach towel. Create an inviting area for friends with a large beach towel or blanket.

Or better yet, a beach mat, may be the way to go. Beach mats offer a foundation on the ground keeping you off the sand, grass or concrete. Ideal for transporting, they usually roll up neatly and some come with a coordinating tote. They're sturdy design helps them stay flat on the ground eliminating the need for towel or sand stakes. Beach or floor mats are great for the sandy beach, picnics, tailgating, and sports games. Pretty much any place you are outside and want to stay clean off the ground. They can even work in the the house. 

Our Sand-Free line of innovative beach mats by CGear provide a large foundation for the ground without the bother of sand. These beach mats act like a rug with a smooth top layer for you to lay on. The sand sifts to the ground and disappears.

We also have chaise lounge covers that fit snugly on your beach lounger. 

Fabric look and feel: It's mandatory to have at least one cool, original colorful printed beach towel. Stripe towels are safe bets and pass the cool test. For more personality, choose vivid flowers, bright sun and landscape scenes or a psychedelic design.

Some printed beach towels feature the design only on the front and have a white, blank back. Beach towels with a design woven throughout the towel are called Jacquard beach towels. This means that the individual yarns are colored. The towel looks the same on both the front and back. In fact there is no front or back!

It may go without saying but 100% cotton is always best for absorbency and long-lasting value. What is the difference between velour and terry towel, you ask? Terry towels are comprised of thousands of looped yarns. Velour is knit or woven and sheared to create a fluffy, soft feel. Side by side, terry is more absorbent than velour but if you choose cotton for either, you're sure to be happy.

What does that mean to you? Heavy weight 100% cotton terry cloth towels can be extra absorbent, warm and are known for creating an overall sense of royalty, while velour towels have a plush, velvety feel and have a tendency to make you feel extra loved. We say you deserve both!

Kids beach towels feature extra bright colors and designs like sharks, super heroes, beach icons and picturesque art.

How to Choose a Body, Skim or Surf Board

Surf boards, body boards, and skim boards are designed to match the different styles of riding and the water conditions you expect to face.

Foam body boards are generally lighter and are made for lighter, more agile riders. They have a no-slip top and may have a slick bottom for fast gliding on the waves. Get a detachable wrist leash if the board doesn't come with one. Choose boards based on your weight and experience. Bat tails have a flat back with a bulb sticking out. The bulb increases your surface area, which can add speed in slower waves because you'll be more buoyant on the water. Crescent tails are good for beginner riders. The curves on the tail fit your hips and make jumping on more comfortable. The curved molding also holds you in better in rougher areas. Expect a wide variety of bright colors and cool design and sometimes two sided color boards.

Skim boards are for riding fast and are great for tricks. They can be constructed of  wood with a clear resin protective coat to enhance and preserve the genuine wood grain. Other wood boards have a foam, softer top coating for better grip. Boards weigh between 3 and 5 lbs with lengths from 30 inches to 36". The length and width of the board caters to the size and age of the rider.