SUMMER'S scorch and sizzle has prompted Lake Cathie's Reg Mckay to exhibit his sun-blocking product throughout the Hastings.
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Mr Mckay saw the need for the Sunshader Chair after a recent skin cancer operation in Sydney.
He was stunned to see most of those in recovery were women aged in their thirties.
"The lounge was filled with all these young women who had undergone terrible surgery to various parts of their bodies," Mr Mckay says.
"But we all had the same story - if only we'd known the danger of not having proper protection from the sun."
Mr Mckay created the Sunshader Chair in 2011 because he wanted to keep playing outdoors with his grandchildren, despite the restrictions of multiple rounds of surgery to remove cancers.
It weighs just five kilograms and can be erected or collapsed in a couple of quick steps.
Over time he has amended the design so it can be easily used by larger people or mums who need to feed children.
Plus it's got plenty of pockets for storage, and can safely store valuables while the user is having a swim.
As its creator says, "it's a bit harder to steal from it than just rifling through someone's towel".
Mr Mckay saw the difference the Sunshader could make on the Mid North Coast during trips to the beach with his grandchildren.
"I see very few umbrellas up here when I'm at the beach," he said.
"Everyone's just out there baking in the sun.
"That's why I knew I had to get the chairs going up here."
The Sunshader is made to Australian Standards with the frame heavy duy power coated high-tensile steel. Each one can has a weight capacity of 130 kg.
Mr Mckay's wife Helen recently let him know the chair has the added benefit of casting a shadow for another person to use.
"I can go anywhere and just put it down and put it up," he said.
Sunshaders cost $80 and will be sold at Wauchope Community Market on December 5, Port Macquarie Art Society Market on December 6, Foreshore Market at Westport Park on December 12 and Laurieton Riverwalk Market on December 20.
Alternatively, the chairs are available with an additional $6 delivery charge by phoning 0413 058 065 or emailing jarpac@netspeed.com.au