We have been here for 21/2 weeks and while we have seen lots of people with their own chairs and umbrellas none were in the front row. They seem to set up near the trees by the Perch or towards the back of the beach. You are certainly correct in that on the very windy days the umbrellas are not opened. We experienced this several days over the past 10 days. Perhaps you could set up in the area near the Watersports. It is less crowded and you may be able to get closer to the water.