If you’ve ever seen a dad trying to set up beach gear, you’ve probably also seen the frustration that comes with it: tugging at tangled fabric, sweating through an unclear setup, and then watching the umbrella tip over at the first gust of wind. I’ve been that guy. More times than I care to admit.
For years, beach days started off with stress. I’d lug our old gear down to the sand, thinking this time I’d finally get it right. But between the kids running off, sunscreen in my eyes, and anchors that either wouldn’t twist in or snapped under pressure, I found myself questioning why this was so hard. It wasn’t just inconvenient—it was embarrassing. And even once it was up, we’d still have to babysit it all day.
That’s where Handy was born. Not from a grand business plan, but from a series of windy afternoons and moments where I said, "There has to be a better way."
Agnes and I started tinkering. We tested prototypes, hammered stakes, redesigned the anchor (again and again), and chased umbrellas down more than a few beaches. But eventually, we built something that just worked—and kept working.
We didn’t invent the beach umbrella. We just fixed everything that’s wrong with it.
The Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System is different because it’s built for real life:
✨ Easy 10-second setup — With a built-in hammering mechanism that drives nearly two feet into the sand, there’s no digging, no twisting, and no confusion. You can do it one-handed. (I usually have a drink or a kid in the other.)
🌬️ Wind-resistant up to 30 mph — Tested to the new ASTM F3681 safety standard, it’s designed to stay put in serious gusts. No more leaning poles, no chasing gear down the beach.
🌞 Advanced UV protection — The UPF 55-rated canopy with a silver reflective top blocks 99% of harmful UV rays and keeps it up to 10°F cooler underneath. It’s made from 160gsm RPET fabric—over 33% thicker than standard umbrellas.
🚩 Planet-kind materials — Crafted from over 80 recycled plastic bottles, with a reinforced steel frame and fiberglass ribs. Because shade should protect more than just your skin.
🛋️ Convenient to carry — Packs up quickly into a padded, roomy bag that doesn’t fight you on the way in.
At its core, Handy was made for families like ours. It’s not just gear—it’s peace of mind, more time relaxing, and less time fumbling.
So if you’re wondering what a dad really wants this Father’s Day—it’s not another tie. It’s to finally sit down on the beach, take a breath, and know the shade isn’t going anywhere.
Here’s to easier beach days and better gear.
— Lysander, Handy Beach Goods Co-Founder, beach-day problem-solver, and dad
Disclaimer
While the Handy Beach Umbrella provides superior UV protection, no shade system offers 100% protection. Always use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and follow the American Cancer Society’s sun safety guidelines.
Also, proper setup is key. Please follow the provided instructions to ensure maximum wind resistance and safety
