Yes, It’s Loud. Yes, Beaches Are Banning It. Here’s Why I’m Still Team Shibumi

First, a bit about what they are and how they work. A Shibumi shade, which comes in a range of Instagram-worthy colors, is basically a rounded canopy that’s threaded and anchored by an arch-like pole. Set-up is easy and relies on sand already found at the beach to stay properly secure. (Simply fill the carry tote that stores the shade and position it at the center.) It also relies on wind and occasionally needs to be repositioned to catch the breeze. (The brand recently came out with Wind Assist for no-wind days.)

But why is it ruffling feathers as endless summer beach days approach? Well, for one thing, the Shibumi can be noisy. When the canopy gets flapping, it sounds a bit like someone constantly shaking out a towel, which has the tendency to piss off other beach-goers. Shibumi also takes up a fairly large footprint in the sand. (The amount of shade provided with the classic is about 150 square feet of coverage; the mini Shibumi clocks in at 75 square feet.)

Still, the core issue—and the reason these sun shades are getting banned at various beaches—has to do with public safety. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, crowds are at their peak and if you get a row of them, it can impact visibility and water access for lifeguards who are just trying to do their job. (It’s worth noting that beach tents are also included in the ban; so are oversized beach umbrellas, per this policy for Myrtle Beach.)

But (but!) I can’t leave this discussion without conveying that my experience with Shibumi was so positive. To be frank, I don’t remember the sound of the shade. What I do remember is the easy set-up, the ample shade that was provided, not to mention the subtle breeze versus the stale air inside a super-hot beach tent. In terms of the footprint, it didn’t feel any larger than a typical group of umbrellas. Additionally, it meant that most of our party—definitely the kids—could all easily (and equally) center their towels beside each other, minus any parental worries about who had a shoulder peeking out in the sun.

In terms of public safety, horror stories related to poorly anchored beach umbrellas live rent-free in my head. (I was once at a NJ beach where medics had to be called after an umbrella head-bonking incident.) Visibility for lifeguards is a separate issue, but even Myrtle Beach—where policies seem to be the most stringent—has acknowledged that wind-powered shades like the Shibumi weren’t around when blanket policies were created. They’re even considering a trial period in the future (though not for 2026) to allow them and see how it goes.

I will acknowledge that I used my Shibumi on a beach that’s beloved for it’s lack of crowds. Is there the potential for things to get more complicated with a sea of sun shades? Sure.

For the many, many people who own a Shibumi—me!—and still want to use it, the company now has a full list of beaches that won’t accept them in the FAQ section on their website so that beach-goers can plan ahead. They also seem to have enhanced their product with a new Quiet Canopy that has a “softer, more pleasing sound at all wind speeds.” Proof they’re listening and making tweaks.

Will I add a beach umbrella to my summer arsenal? Perhaps. But a Shibumi is still my #2 beach essential. Sunscreen is forever and always #1.