Post
by TheJudge » Wed Jul 14, 2004 3:49 pm
Local marina's may be able to point you towards a sail shop. Blown-out sails are usually sold cheaper than new ones, but they are still rather expensive as shade.
Canvas painter's drop cloths are a cheaper way to go, but get expensive if you are covering a large area.
Parachutes and PVC - I know people love em, but I cant help but be entertained when someone's entire structure catches a big gulp of air during a windstorm and becomes a kite. They are also not UV protective, so dont think you wont turn into a lobster if you sit under a parachute all day without sunscreen.
Camo netting. almost any type will do, but the current military issue is called a Lightweight Camoflauge Screen System, or LCSS. The pieces come in either a hex or a diamond shape. Combining the hex and diamonds together makes for a bigger shade structure. The system comes with heavy duty fiberglass poles and spreaders to keep the net elevated, but in a wind, they will get knocked down quickly if you are not holding on to them. Also, the bigger the net, the heaver its going to be, so that may be a concern for some.
A few years ago some friends of mine covered a large dome with Tyvek. The stuff chemical exposure suits are made out of. Its almost completly indestructable and works well out on the playa, but can get pricey.
There are several other ideas out there. Just gotta look around.
"Be at one with the dust of the earth. This is primal union." - Lao Tsu
