Did you know that the popular Shibumi Shades are allowed in Myrtle Beach, SC? What to know
Shibumi Shades may be banned during Myrtle Beach’s peak tourist season, but if you’re here for spring break, you can let those shades fly.
Myrtle Beach allows shading devices that measure less than 12 feet by 12 feet through Memorial Day. That includes Shibumi Shades, according to city spokesperson Mark Kruea by email. After that, which is considered peak season, only umbrellas are allowed through Labor Day.
Shibumi Shades, which span 10 to 15 feet and fly overhead with two poles on either side, come in two sizes, according to the company’s website.
The shades are made in North Carolina, but they haven’t been welcomed on all South Carolina beaches.
In 2023, the owners of the shades asked Horry County, which manages 14 miles of beaches, to loosen restrictions on when the shades can be used, adding that the popularity of the shades are soaring. Horry County bans all shading devices, except for those designed for infants and small children, year round.
The owners also had asked Myrtle Beach officials to amend its policy. Myrtle Beach implemented its shading device rule in 2014 ahead of the summer months.
Shibumi Shades are barred for safety concerns. Tents and shading devices block access and visibility to the water’s edge, affecting public safety and enjoyment of the beach, the city’s website said.
