Pop Up Beach Tents With UPF Provide Shade and Sun Protection

I'm not at all scientifically inclined, so this will be short.  There are plenty of articles about damage done by UVA and UVB rays.

UV, or ultra violet, radiation plays a part in skin cancer, cataracts and eye damage, wrinkles, and of course, sun burn.

SPF numbers will be found on Sunscreen and a high number is needed.  It is essential to wear a good sunscreen whenever you will be outside for any period of time.  And in Florida, it is necessary to wear always.  This is especially important when spending time near the water, where reflecting rays can be very harmful.  

Sunscreen combined with shade at the beach is double protection.

UPF protection applies to clothing and material.

For more information: Skin Cancer and UVA & UVB rays.

The tent shown above is the G4Free large pop-up tent.  The material is "anti UV", which means it blocks the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  It is also rated UPF 50+ which is high.

The UPF rating is used for clothing and material, whereas SPF is for the skin. UPF tells how much of the suns UV rays will be absorbed by the fabric and not transferred to the skin.

Between using a good sunscreen and sitting inside this tent for at least part of your trip to the beach, you will be well protected.  Include good sunglasses, hat and rash guard and you will be winning the sunburn battle!

When buying a beach tent or cabana, search for one that fits your needs.  Couples, singles and children will have varying requirements.

Look for something that can be anchored well and has good ventilation.  If the breeze can blow through, it is less likely to blow away.  Beaches tend to be windly.  Totally enclosed tents may be too hot.  Choose one with light colored fabric and a high UPF rating.

Set up and take down should be as easy as possible.  Read reviews from those who have already done it.  Especially practice the take down and folding of the tent.  You will be doing it in sandy, windy conditions when everyone is tired and ready to go home.  Having trouble with the tent could put a damper on an otherwise perfect day.

Don't want to lug a big tent to the beach but need someplace cool and shady for the little one to play? The Monobeach Baby Beach Tent is unique in that it can be sunken into the sand to become a little pool for baby to sit in.

As long as you have a pain and / or shovel to dig a little hole, I don't see why this wouldn't work.  Be sure to keep an eye on young children even in this little bit of water.

There are videos to show how to fold this tent and put back into carry case.

I have lived in Florida for over 30 years off and on.  I visit the beach, go boating and know a lot about  Florida's damaging sun and what it takes to stay safe outdoors.

Sunscreen products have expiration dates.  Most sunscreen will only last 1-2 years (FDA says at least 3) and then will not be as effective.  

Buy sunscreen from a local store so you can see the expiration date for yourself.  DO NOT BUY SUNSCREEN ONLINE unless they show or tell you what the expiration date is of the product you will receive.  In Florida sunscreen products are for sale everywhere from the grocery store to gas stations.

Apply sunscreen before leaving for the beach and not when you get there.  It will have time to sink into the skin.  I use Neutrogena SPF 30 on my face - and ears - don't forget the ears.  And I wear a hat always, even in the water.  The rest of my body gets an SPF 8 or 15 but I never stay long at the beach.  For an all day visit, use a higher SPF and re-apply after swimming.  

Buy special sensitive skin products for babies and young children.

Don't forget lips.  You need a high SPF lip balm.

Worst times of day to be out in the sun is between 10:00AM and 2:00PM, but here in Florida you will burn at almost any time the sun is out.

*Bring along a container of fresh water for rinsing feet, children, faces, whatever.  Also bring a lot of drinking water.

Where I live the beaches are heavily filled with locals and tourists year round.  Many, more affordable, rental homes and condos are located across the road from the beach.  This means visitors must walk a bit to get to the sand.  I have seen this type of wagon used all the time to help carry equipment such as coolers, towels, chairs, tents, and beach toys, to the seaside. 

This wagon can carry up to 150 pounds of gear and reviewers say it goes through the sand without a problem.  

Some rentals may include something like this for guests, so be sure to ask!