Joe- One use of a windscreen is, guess what, to block wind, e.g. when cool sea breeze kicks up. That's what we did this past weekend, just a couple panels part way up to keep the wifey warm. It can be cool even this time of year, especially when it blows 20-30 mph out of the southeast like it did on Sunday! Didn't block any views since it was perpendicular to water's edge. Obviously there are inconsiderate people on the beach, as there are everywhere.