Episode Details

S4, June 29th, 2024

During the summer the Carolina Outdoors loves a visit from self-described beach bum & inventor & founder of the famed Hammerhead, Pile-Driving, sun umbrella holder, Mike’s Spikes, Mike Haney.  Host of the Carolina Outdoors, Bill Bartee visits with Haney this week with a summertime Ocean Drive, SC, beach report (It’s HOT!) & about the invention & it’s impact on safety for beach goers.Show Highlights:

• Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach, SC is one of the most popular areas along the Grand Strand.
• The Mike’s Spike is a pile-driving design that secures your sun umbrella holder into the sand.
• Several coastal communities (North Myrtle & Myrtle Beach cities, being two of them) restrict tents & wind shade providers due to lack of room
• 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.
• Thankfully the rip currents affecting NC and FL haven’t been prevalent in SC

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​ (