Abstract: A sandshell umbrella is selectively collapsible and foldable so as to form in an erect position a generally sandshell-shaped shelter which is supported by struts at any desired height. The sandshell side walls are formed by a sheet of material which is relatively flexible and is supported by S-shaped struts formed generally of two similarly shaped and sized curved members, which are attached by a foldable joint so that the overall structure can be folded. An upper cross bar separates the two pairs of S-shaped struts at a top portion at an end of each of the S-shaped struts, and a lower cross bar separates the bottom ends of the S-shaped struts; the upper bar being generally shorter than the lower cross bar. Also, a cross support is disposed intermediate the upper and lower cross bars, so as to support the S-shaped strut members at their mid-sections. Each of the cross bars and the cross support member are foldable about a middle portion thereof.