It’s no secret that, as surfers, we spend a lot of time in the sun. Regardless of where you surf, your skill, or what equipment you’re riding, we all are surfing under the same sun. According to a recent study from Southern Cross University in Australia, surfers, swimmers, and stand-up paddlers are six times more likely to develop skin cancer than others. In the study, over 180 surfers, swimmers, and stand-up paddlers were screened, and over 40 percent were identified as having premalignant or malignant skin cancers. Even if you’re not surfing under the unforgiving Australian sun, spending copious amounts of time in, on, and around the water puts you at a high-risk demographic for skin cancer. Since getting out of the water isn’t an option, dermatologists universally recommend taking sun protection measures when you paddle out or spend time on the water , including using sunscreen, hats, and UPF clothing.
Breaking Down the UV Index
Surfers, swimmers, and ocean lovers should all have a basic understanding of the UV index to better plan their outings on the water. Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, so it’s best to avoid over-exposure to UV rays. The UV index is a numerical scale from 0 to 11+. 1-2 on the UV index is considered safe and low. 3-7 is considered moderate to high, and sun protection is encouraged. 8+ is extremely high and should be avoided when possible. UV strength is not consistent throughout the day. During the early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the UV index falls sharply, giving surfers a safe window. Fortunately for surfers, the lowest points of the UV index typically coincide with gentle winds and clean conditions.
Types of Sunscreen for Surfers
Sunscreen is your last line of defense against harmful UV rays and should be something every surfer and ocean lover uses daily. Sunscreen works by combining ingredients to block or absorb UV rays before they can damage the skin. There are two types of sunscreens available: chemical absorbers and physical blockers. Chemical absorbers form a thin protective layer over the skin that absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin. Physical blockers are made from minerals ground into fine particles that rest on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays. When shopping for sunscreen for surfers, look into reef-safe options, especially when traveling in the tropics.
Reef Safe
Studies have shown that many sunscreens can cause “abrupt and complete bleaching of hard coral, even at extremely low concentrations.” Since these findings emerged in the scientific community, a global effort has been made to promote “reef-safe” sunscreens over those that cause irreparable harm to our oceans and reef systems. But how does the everyday consumer determine if their go-to sunscreen is reef safe? If you’re shopping for sunscreen for surfers or just looking for a good daily sunscreen that’s ocean and reef safe, stay away from chemical sunscreens. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, and Octocrylene negatively affect coral’s reproductive cycles. Instead, shop for physical blocker sunscreens like zinc oxide.
Beyond Sunscreen
Sunscreen is just one small piece in the larger sun protection puzzle. Surfers, swimmers, boaters, paddlers, and ocean lovers of all walks of life should be protecting themselves with UPF clothing. Studies show that UPF clothing is far more effective at blocking UV rays than sunscreen alone. While sunscreen alone either absorbs or blocks UV radiation, UPF clothing absorbs, blocks, and reflects it.
Ditch your boring UPF Lycra for the future of sun protection, the Oleu Boardshirt. The Oleu Boardshirt boasts industry-leading UPF 50+ quick dry fabric in a stylish and modern Aloha shirt style. With original prints and paddle-friendly low-profile snap closures, and drop tail design for low back protection, the Boardshirt is the ultimate form of surf sun protection.