Sun Protection
Purpose
Sun exposure is one of the most overlooked hazards in water sports. UV radiation reflects off water and sand, intensifying exposure significantly — you can burn badly on a cloudy day. Extended time at the surface between dives or during snorkeling trips adds up quickly. Protecting your skin is important both for your health and for the long-term condition of your skin. All of our sunscreen products are free from oxy-benzone and other chemicals that are harmful to the reef and other marine life. A rashguard or UV shirt is another great option to keep your skin protected without using sunscreen, and you don't have to worry about it washing off our skin while scuba diving or snorkeling.
Rashguards / UV Shirts / Sun Shirts
Sun Protection
A rashguard, also referred to as a UV shirt or sun shirt, is the most effective and reef-safe form of sun protection available. Look for garments rated UPF 50+, which blocks over 98% of UV radiation — far more reliably than any sunscreen. UV shirts dry quickly, are comfortable in and out of the water, and can be worn over a swimsuit or under a wetsuit as a base layer. Long-sleeve options protect the arms and back of the hands, which are particularly prone to burning while snorkeling. They also prevent chafing from wetsuit seams. We recommend UV shirts as a first line of defence for anyone spending extended time on the water. Excellent for wearing on their own while snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, boarding, laying at the beach, or just enjoying the outdoors during a sunny day.
Thermal Protection
If you're looking for extra warmth while enjoying your water sports activities, a rashguard will provide a very small amount of extra thermal protection. Worn on its own, it will provide a negligible amount of thermal protection. If worn under a wetsuit, it will create a nice barrier between your skin and the wetsuit, as well as the water that enters the wetsuit, so you may find it will provide a small amount of extra thermal protection.
Fit
Rashguards in general fit on the small side. You want them to be snug, but comfortable. If they are worn too loose, you'll find that once they are wet, they are flapping around all over the place, especially if worn on their own. If you're wearing it as a regular tshirt for use on the surface, you can go a bit looser if you like. Please read the description for each of our rashguard products for advice on how each one fits.
Comfort
The material has a bit of stretch to it making it easy and comfortable for activities where you are moving around a lot. Also breathes nicely so overheating while wearing is not usually an issue, even with long-sleeve styles.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
For exposed skin not covered by a UV shirt, choose a reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to damage coral reefs and are banned in some dive destinations including Hawaii, Palau, and parts of the Caribbean. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them gentler on sensitive skin as well as the marine environment. Apply generously and reapply after extended water time. Check out this article by Stream2Sea regarding sunscreen ingredients.
Additional Tips
Don't forget the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and the backs of your hands — common burn spots for snorkelers. UV-rated swim hats, neck gaiters, or neoprene hoods provide scalp and ear protection. Polarized UV-protective sunglasses reduce glare and eye fatigue on the surface. Check the UV index before heading out and plan accordingly — peak UV hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.