What to use instead of a beach umbrella?

When a beach umbrella isn't suitable, consider the following alternatives, ensuring a balance of shade, portability, and privacy:

1. Natural Shelter Prioritized
Reef/Rock Wall Shade: Utilize the shade of coastal rocks or cliffs, which provides cooler conditions than artificial shade (the shade is widest on the west side in the afternoon). Important: Ensure there is no risk of rockfall or high tide during low tide.
Mangrove/Coconut Grove: Forests with a tree density greater than 70% offer sun protection comparable to a UPF 30+ umbrella, and the sea breeze cools the trees. Don't: Do not hang a hammock, as this can damage the bark.

2. Lightweight Personal Sun Protection Equipment
Wide-Brim Canvas Hat + Sunscreen Face Scarf: Hat with a brim greater than 30cm (such as a Pathfinder wide-brimmed hat) and a back visor for UV protection; soak a face scarf in seawater and wrap around your neck for cooling.
Ultralight Canopy (2x2m): Use trekking poles or branches to support one corner, and press the other three sides against rocks to create a triangular sunshade. More wind-resistant than an umbrella. 

3. Terrain Modification
Sandcastle Shade Hole: Dig a deep L-shaped pit (2m long x 0.8m wide x 1m deep) in a dry sandy area. Place driftwood/surfboards across the top of the pit and cover with palm leaves for insulation. Suitable for: Temporary nap areas for children.
Sandbank Light Barrier: Build a 40cm high sandbank facing the sun and place bath towels diagonally against it to create a 45-degree shade.

4. Professional Equipment Alternatives
Surfboard Sunshade: Cover the top of a surfboard planted in the sand and unfold to create a canvas shelter (such as Matuse's sun protection kit).
Backpack-to-Sunshade Pole: Insert a heavy-duty backpack upright in the sand, hang a raincoat from the top, and secure it downwards to create an umbrella-like shade.

5. Smart Emergency Solution
Car Sunshade Extension: Attach a car's front windshield visor (silver reflective model) with magnetic clips and extend it against the car door to create a side awning. Buoyancy vest sun raft: Inflate two life jackets, top with a hard beach mat, and create a floating mini island sun raft (for calm waters).

6. Pseudo-alternatives to avoid
Ordinary umbrellas: The ribs are fragile and can be blown over and destroyed in a flash on the beach.
Transparent tarpaulin: With a UV transmittance of 70%, the longer you cover yourself, the more likely you'll get sunburned.
Cotton sheets: They absorb moisture, become heavy and stuffy, and attract sand that's difficult to clean.