The Shade Ban No One Asked For

Shibumi was started  with one idea: Make Beach Days Effortless.

That meant no struggling with clunky tents. No wrestling with broken poles. No fugitive umbrellas propelling down the beach.  Just shade that floats on the ocean breeze and lets you soak it all in—sun, surf, and simplicity.

But in Myrtle Beach, our shade is banned every summer.

The city’s umbrellas-only rule—Memorial Day to Labor Day—was put in place back in 2014 to clear the beach of bulky tents that blocked views and cluttered the shore. 

Here’s the thing: Shibumi Shades didn’t exist yet. And when they arrived two years later, they were designed to solve those exact problems. 

Lightweight. Open. Wind-powered. They don’t block the view, crowd your neighbors, or blow down the beach.

So why are they still not allowed?

That’s a good question.  We believe in making beach days better for everyone. And we think it’s time the rules caught up to reality.

Packed umbrellas don’t shade the beach—they block it.

No walls, no clutter—just an open arch and a clear view of the ocean. Exactly as it should be.

99% of Beaches Say Yes to Shibumi.

Shibumi Shades are welcomed on nearly every U.S. beach, with public safety officials across the country giving them a thumbs-up. From Ocean City to Virginia Beach to Fort Lauderdale, beach patrols agree: Shibumi Shades don't block views or crowd the sand. As Fort Lauderdale’s Ocean Rescue Lieutenant puts it, “We get a lot of Shibumis. No issues with space or visibility. We’ve never had a problem.”

A ‘Safety’ Rule That’s Anything But Safe.

Myrtle Beach officials say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to traditional umbrellas, it’s definitely broken. From tragic stories like Tammy Perrault’s death in 2022 to countless others—like Rhonda Williams, Debra Willey, and Charlene Brownlee, who all faced serious injuries—umbrellas are proving more dangerous than they’re worth. In fact, over 3,100 people have been hurt by umbrellas in just the last decade. So, if the goal is to make the beach safer, maybe it’s time to rethink the shade.

Umbrellas Fail. Shibumi flows.

While others flip, fly, and flail, Shibumi Shades chill. We tested them in a NASCAR wind tunnel (Yes, really). Shibumi shades are safe, breezy, and built to stay put.

Here’s How You Can Make Waves

Email Your Council Members
Ask why Myrtle Beach is holding onto outdated rules when a safer, better shade option is already working nationwide. (Contact info below)

Mayor Brenda Bethune bbethune@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Lowder mlowder@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Council member Michael Chestnut mchestnut@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Council member Gregg Smith gsmith@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Spread the Word
Share this with everyone who loves the beach and wants to see Shibumi Shades on the sand this summer.

Vote for Change This November
 Your voice carries. Our local leaders should reflect the values — and safety — of the community they serve. If they’re not listening? Let’s make sure they hear us loud and clear at the ballot box.

Stay Informed
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Time to Leave Outdated Rules Behind and Get Back to What Matters—Enjoying the Beach.