Canopy on the beach

Mango,

Your reply doesn't surprise me much. Actually it has no effect. That's because I consider myself a seasoned target here on SoWal who stands my ground.

But this gang up on the occasional visitor attitude here on SoWal for whatever reason is flat out wrong.

I'm use to it by now (being ganged up on).

You as an official SoWal moderator should try your best to elevate the dialogues that do take place.

It is more passion than meaness.

This is true, but BMBV does make a point.

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

Me, me,me,me,me,me,me........................................jeesh.......

Florida is the SUNSHINE State.......what are you doing here???

I'm more curious with how savethebeach is saving the beach.

I'd be interested in seeing Savethe beach's resume.

Mango,

Your reply doesn't surprise me much. Actually it has no effect. That's because I consider myself a seasoned target here on SoWal who stands my ground.

But this gang up on the occasional visitor attitude here on SoWal for whatever reason is flat out wrong.

I'm use to it by now (being ganged up on).

You as an official SoWal moderator should try your best to elevate the dialogues that do take place.

There was no need to elevate this conversation. It was elevated quite nicely by the 15 or so posters (with less than 50 posts) who kindly had the passion to come express their opinion. Your argument about being ganged up on was baseless just by the showing on this thread by wonderful tourists who care deeply about our beaches and the environment.

Hmm, so do trolls use canopies instead of bridges at the beach?

I think so...

Hmm, so do trolls use canopies instead of bridges at the beach?

You need to join the Troll Patrol

You need to join the Troll Patrol

OMFG this is the best thing I've found on the internet all day. JohnR will be drooling.

I believe we are currently infested with the following:

The Contrarian Troll. A sophisticated breed, Contrarian Trolls frequent boards whose predominant opinions are contrary to their own. A forum dominated by those who support firearms and knife rights, for example, will invariably be visited by Contrarian Trolls espousing their beliefs in the benefits of gun control. It is important to distinguish between dissenters and actual Contrarian Trolls, however; the Contrarian is not categorized as a troll because of his or her dissenting opinions, but due to the manner in which he or she behaves:

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number One: The most important indicator of a poster's Contrarian Troll status is his constant use of subtle and not-so-subtle insults, a technique intended to make people angry. Contrarians will resist the urge to be insulting at first, but as their post count increases, they become more and more abusive of those with whom they disagree. Most often they initiate the insults in the course of what has been a civil, if heated, debate to that point.

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number Two: Constant references to the forum membership as monolithic. "You guys are all just [descriptor]." "You're a lynch mob." "You all just want to ridicule anyone who disagrees with you."

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number Three: Intellectual dishonesty. This is only a mild indicator that is not limited to trolls, but Contrarians display it to a high degree. They will lie about things they've said, pull posts out of context in a manner that changes their meanings significantly, and generally ignore any points for which they have no ready answers.

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number Four: Accusing the accusers. When confronted with their trolling, trolls immediately respond that it is the accusers who are trolls (see Natural Predators below). Often the Contrarian will single out his most vocal opponent and claim that while he can respect his other opponents, this one in particular is beneath his notice.

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number Five: Attempts to condescend. Pursued by Troll Bashers (see Natural Predators below), the Contrarian will seek refuge in condescending remarks that repeatedly scorn his or her critics as beneath notice – all the while continuing to respond to them.

– Contrarian Warning Sign Number Six: One distinctive mark of Contrarian Trolls is that every thread in which they dissent quickly devolves into a debate about who is trolling whom. In the course of such a debate the Contrarian will display many of the other Warning Signs mentioned above.
Contrarian warning sign behaviors may be shared by other breeds.

Oh me!!! I'll play. I'll bet that most of the tents are unoccupied AND I'll even go as far as saying there will be a bunch of crap stored in them as the folks are either in the water or back at their rentals.

Let's see a number of 5 to 1 maybe?

hmmm....I'm starting to rethink my numbers. 20% seems low, I would think it would be more like 35%.

And if you factor in the time of day, say around lunch, I think that number would go up to 80%.

I can't wait to see the pictures.

I have to say, I am a reformed tent person. Until 3 years ago we used to leave it up, we didn't know any better. Now, if we want shade, we get beach service. This year, I made my son move his chair from under the umbrella because the cooler was in the sun.

I do think its great that the word is getting out. Having said that, I think there are a lot of local people who work on the beach that need to help spread the news. When I told one family of the rules, they told me the lifeguard said it was ok and they were going to leave it up.

I'm with you KT. very curious about the outcome of SJ's beach/tent observations. I am fairly sure most tents will be with no people in them. just stuff and lots of it. we do like our stuff, don't we?

what is wrong with toting a beach umbrella for the day, or hiring beach service? it can't cost any more than an impractical tent.

if you have concerns about skin cancer, I would strongly recommend staying off the beach during peak hours (10-3). common sense goes a long, long way.

funny how visitors like to bake during peak hours, just next to their tents packed with coolers and stuff, while most locals and more experienced/aware visitors are staying cool inside during this same time, especially during the hotter months. or if we do venture out in mid-day, it isn't for very long, and it is with much sunblock, hats, etc. the sun is not kind to your skin we have learned. but tents are not the answer of course. who wants to wag one of these out to a gorgeous shoreline?

I'm with you KT. very curious about the outcome of SJ's beach/tent observations. I am fairly sure most tents will be with no people in them. just stuff and lots of it. we do like our stuff, don't we?

what is wrong with toting a beach umbrella for the day, or hiring beach service? it can't cost any more than an impractical tent.

if you have concerns about skin cancer, I would strongly recommend staying off the beach during peak hours (10-3). common sense goes a long, long way.

funny how visitors like to bake during peak hours, just next to their tents packed with coolers and stuff, while most locals are staying cool inside during this same time, especially during the hotter months. or if we do venture out in mid-day, it isn't for very long, and it is with much sunblock, hats, etc. the sun is not kind to your skin we have learned. but tents are not the answer of course. who wants to wag one of these out to a gorgeous shoreline?

Not me. I take only what I can carry in two hands/arms. Chair, SMALL unbrella, SMALL cooler, beach bag containing book, SUNSCREEN, cigs (yes, I pick up every stinkin' butt). If I need more liquor, that's why I bring kids...to fetch it for me.

I'm with you KT. very curious about the outcome of SJ's beach/tent observations. I am fairly sure most tents will be with no people in them. just stuff and lots of it. we do like our stuff, don't we?

what is wrong with toting a beach umbrella for the day, or hiring beach service? it can't cost any more than an impractical tent.

if you have concerns about skin cancer, I would strongly recommend staying off the beach during peak hours (10-3). common sense goes a long, long way.

funny how visitors like to bake during peak hours, just next to their tents packed with coolers and stuff, while most locals are staying cool inside during this same time, especially during the hotter months. or if we do venture out in mid-day, it isn't for very long, and it is with much sunblock, hats, etc. the sun is not kind to your skin we have learned. but tents are not the answer of course. who wants to wag one of these out to a gorgeous shoreline?

Oh, this is so true. 10-3 is the time to hang out at home and eat Cheez-its.

Oh, this is so true. 10-3 is the time to hang out at home and eat Cheez-its.

OMG, have y'all tried the new ranch flavored ones? so good.
Make believe those are cheez-its, not popcorn.

but tents are not the answer of course. who wants to wag one of these out to a gorgeous shoreline?

Not me either, I much prefer this look.

Not me. I take only what I can carry in two hands/arms. Chair, SMALL unbrella, SMALL cooler, beach bag containing book, SUNSCREEN, cigs (yes, I pick up every stinkin' butt). If I need more liquor, that's why I bring kids...to fetch it for me.

you got it down to a fine art girlfriend. the only reason I may bring a tad more stuff is when driving the beach truck loaded with food and vino. but that's usually night time.

funny, when we do go to the beach on foot (whether here in SoWal or other Fla beaches we love to visit) we hardly take a thing besides ourselves, a towel, bottle of water, snack, and small bottle of sun block. if its very hot, we'll tote an umbrella or hire beach service. when we are in need of something else, like real food and/or alcoholic beverages, its time to head up to the beach bar or restaurant. or home for a long nap so we can get up and play some more.

wonder if tents are banned from any fla beaches yet? I have seen the effects of storms during the day or night and how they become mangled masses of litter in the water and dunes, etc.

Oh, this is so true. 10-3 is the time to hang out at home and eat Cheez-its.

and/or cheese doritoes. and a real coke on ice.


yes minnie dear - love the look!!! if only!!!

you got it down to a fine art girlfriend. the only reason I may bring a tad more stuff is when driving the beach truck loaded with food and vino. but that's usually night time.

funny, when we do go to the beach on foot (whether here in SoWal or other Fla beaches we love to visit) we hardly take a thing besides ourselves, a towel, bottle of water, snack, and small bottle of sun block. if its very hot, we'll tote an umbrella or hire beach service. when we are in need of something else, like real food and/or alcoholic beverages, its time to head up to the beach bar or restaurant. or home for a long nap so we can get up and play some more.

wonder if tents are banned from any fla beaches yet? I have seen the effects of storms during the day or night and how they become mangled masses of litter in the water and dunes, etc.

I forgot to say that if any of those kids wanna take toys, THEY have to carry them to and from. Funny, by about day 3, the toys don't make the trip.

You are so right, DD. By Day 3 our grandkiddos were just saying "No thanks" to hauling even a towel to the beach.

Every man, woman and child should have a Backpack Beach Chair from www.weareverchair.com . You wear it like a backpack, and you can stuff your beach towel into the folded-up seat, and load your book, snacks, kids' toys, and/or even a (small) boombox (not to be played loud enough for anyone to hear, of course) into the pouch section on back of the chair. You will still have a free arm or two to carry a small child and/or an umbrealla or soft cooler with a strap.

I set my alarm for 5:30-5:45 am when I'm down there, get up, take a look out at the beach, then go set up our chairs and umbrella around 6:00 am. Otherwise, the rental chair vendors (which start setting up around that time) tend to take all of the waterfront spots that were not already claimed by the PermaTents. This then gives me a couple of quiet early morning hours to sit by the shore and read without distractions (work e-mails on the Blackberry) or demands for attention (my 2-year old who insists on spending all of her beach time in Eastern Lake).

Every man, woman and child should have a Backpack Beach Chair from www.weareverchair.com . You wear it like a backpack, and you can stuff your beach towel into the folded-up seat, and load your book, snacks, kids' toys, and/or even a (small) boombox (not to be played loud enough for anyone to hear, of course) into the pouch section on back of the chair. You will still have a free arm or two to carry a small child and/or an umbrealla or soft cooler with a strap.

I set my alarm for 5:30-5:45 am when I'm down there, get up, take a look out at the beach, then go set up our chairs and umbrella around 6:00 am. Otherwise, the rental chair vendors (which start setting up around that time) tend to take all of the waterfront spots that were not already claimed by the PermaTents. This then gives me a couple of quiet early morning hours to sit by the shore and read without distractions (work e-mails on the Blackberry) or demands for attention (my 2-year old who insists on spending all of her beach time in Eastern Lake).

Sounds good except the email part. Here's the chair link - http://www.riobrands.com/beach/chair-SC529-50.htm#50

For the beach to be such a peaceful place to visit and live, it certainly seems to bring out alot of angst to keep it peaceful.

Without our angst, this place would look like PCB and Destin by next week. Since some people are starting to get the message, I think our "angst" is working. I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable.

Spend an early morning here pulling tents, chairs, and umbrellas out of the lake, pick up an entire large garbage bag of trash every time you go to the beach or try to take a walk on the beach at night without tripping over all this crap, and get back to us about your angst.

trolls?????

Wait , wait ,wait a minute. This has been an interesting discussion. I happen to agree with those who espouse the "leave it like you found it" position. But this is a forum -- where ideas (even ones with which you may disagree) are discussed. No need to talk down to those who have a different opinion. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Shouldn't this be a place where we are allowed to express any point of view -- even an unpopular one.


You dont have to call people trolls just because they dont agree with you.

Can't we all disagree without being disagreeable?

Here is what one North Carolina beach town has decided to do:

Ocean Isle Beach is one town with a new law this summer: no cabanas or tents on the beach.
The Ocean Isle Beach Board of Commissioners in September banned all canopies, cabanas and tents from the beach. Umbrellas are still permitted, and all personal items have to be off the beach at night.
Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said the board of commissioners decided on the ban after cabanas were consistently left on the strand.
Smith said she has received positive and negative feedback so far about the ban.
"It's certainly not our intent to be unfriendly to our visitors at all," she said. "The intent was to protect what they're coming here to enjoy."

Here is what one North Carolina beach town has decided to do:

Ocean Isle Beach is one town with a new law this summer: no cabanas or tents on the beach.
The Ocean Isle Beach Board of Commissioners in September banned all canopies, cabanas and tents from the beach. Umbrellas are still permitted, and all personal items have to be off the beach at night.
Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said the board of commissioners decided on the ban after cabanas were consistently left on the strand.
Smith said she has received positive and negative feedback so far about the ban.
"It's certainly not our intent to be unfriendly to our visitors at all," she said. "The intent was to protect what they're coming here to enjoy."

I think that's a very progressive and admirable approach to protecting their natural resources. if people must erect a cabana to claim their spot on the beach then they will have to find another beach. then more room will be left for folks who appreciate the beauty of a cabana-free beach environment.

I mean really. must we keep getting bigger and more stuff, and then put it on a beach?