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Mike Haney gives us a beach update from Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach, SC. This is one of the most popular areas along the Grand Strand. Much of the music, culture, dancing, & resorts that had such a hay day along Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk community moved northward after the Pavilion & Boardwalk were developed.
This is also where builder turned inventor, Mike Haney, moved. He’s a self-described beach bum that enjoys the coastal life. So much so, that he had one of the biggest beach inventions in the last twenty years: The Hammerhead Mike’s Spike.
The Mike’s Spike is a pile-driving design that secures your sun umbrella holder into the sand. Why has this invention been so meaningful? Several coastal communities (North Myrtle & Myrtle Beach cities, being two of them) restrict tents & wind shade providers due to lack of room, people leaving tents on the beach, & safety reasons (namely debris flying in the wind). The restrictions during the heart of the warm weather months when the crowds are at the largest has provided Mike’s Spikes a great niche.
It goes easily into the sand within seconds & secures your umbrella so that you can enjoy the sand, water, & sun securely.
Mike’s Spikes, a specialized beach umbrella anchor, is a solution designed to secure beach umbrellas and prevent them from being blown away by the wind. Invented by Mike Haney, this product has become a staple for beachgoers, ensuring their umbrellas stay firmly planted in the sand.
Design and Features
Mike’s Spikes is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The anchor consists of a carbon steel spike with a powder-coated finish, which makes it durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. The device is equipped with a two-pound drive-weight that helps in securing it into the sand with minimal effort. One of the standout features is its large nylon wing screw, which ensures that the umbrella stays in place once installed. The dimensions of Mike’s Spikes are 27 inches in length and 3-3/8 inches in diameter, weighing approximately four pounds (Jesse Brown’s Outdoors).
Installation
One of the key selling points of Mike’s Spikes is its ease of installation. Users can set up their umbrella in less than 60 seconds, thanks to the pile-drive mechanism. This feature not only makes it convenient but also safe, as it significantly reduces the chances of umbrellas becoming airborne and potentially causing injuries. The stabilizing fins provide an extra level of security, ensuring the anchor remains firm in various types of sand (Jesse Brown’s Outdoors).
Multifunctionality
While primarily designed for beach umbrellas, Mike’s Spikes also doubles as an anchor for surf fishing rods. The top of the spike has a notch that can securely hold medium-sized fishing rods up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, making it a versatile tool for beach activities. This multifunctionality adds to the product’s appeal, making it a useful addition to any beachgoer’s gear (Jesse Brown’s Outdoors).
Availability and Community Impact
Mike’s Spikes is available for purchase at various outdoor and beach gear retailers, including Jesse Brown’s Outdoors. The product has garnered positive reviews from users who appreciate its reliability and ease of use. Mike Haney, the inventor, has been a long-time customer of Jesse Brown’s and has contributed to the Carolina Outdoors radio program, sharing beach reports and personal stories. His involvement with the community and dedication to improving beach safety has made Mike’s Spikes a trusted name among beach enthusiasts (Jesse Brown’s Outdoors).
Safety and Environmental Considerations
In response to concerns about beach safety and environmental impact, many beaches have banned tents and canopies due to issues with discarded items and unsecured structures. Mike’s Spikes addresses these concerns by providing a secure method to anchor umbrellas, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and environmental hazards. This has made it a preferred choice for many beachgoers who prioritize safety and environmental responsibility (Jesse Brown’s Outdoors).
In summary, Mike’s Spikes is a reliable, easy-to-use beach umbrella anchor that has gained popularity for its effectiveness and multifunctionality. Whether for securing an umbrella or a fishing rod, this product ensures a safe and enjoyable beach experience.
The host of the Carolina Outdoors demonstrated on-air the tamp style of Mike’s Spikes. Plus, a bit of the beach is on-hand at Charlotte’s beach store, Jesse Brown’s. We have a sand display with Mike’s Spikes inside it. We’re glad to demonstrate the product so that you are ready to use it as soon as you arrive at your beach destination.