I am not sure what type of umbrella you would have, but I'm thinking the Club O umbrella would be more sturday and able to handle the winds better than what you could comfortably carry. When the umbrellas are stuck in the sand, you can adjust them yourself to block the sun. I think they would be more effective, but not sure. As someone else brought up, in considering the safety of others around you, it might be best to have the Club O umbrella, and not worry about your umbrella being blown over and striking someone.