Surfing and Sunglasses: Protecting Your Eyes Between Sets
Australia is a nation of surfers. From Bondi to Bells Beach, Margaret River to Noosa, our coastline is a surfer's paradise. But while we suit up, wax up, and paddle out, most surfers forget about protecting their eyes between sets. Here's why it matters.
UV Exposure on the Water Is Amplified
When you're in the ocean, you're getting UV from multiple directions:
- Direct sunlight from above — The obvious source.
- Reflected UV off the water surface — Water reflects up to 25% of UV radiation back at you.
- Scattered UV from the sky — Even when you're facing away from the sun.
This means your eyes are receiving significantly more UV exposure in the water than on land. Factor in that surfing sessions can last hours, and the cumulative exposure becomes substantial.
Surfer's Eye: Pterygium
Pterygium, commonly called "surfer's eye," is a fleshy growth on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white of your eye). It's caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation, wind, and salt — exactly the conditions surfers face every session.
Symptoms include:
- Redness and irritation
- A visible growth on the eye
- Blurred vision if the growth extends over the pupil
- Gritty, dry eye sensation
In advanced cases, surgery is required. Prevention through UV protection is far better than treatment.
When to Wear Sunglasses
Obviously, you can't wear standard sunglasses while surfing (though surf-specific eyewear does exist). But there are plenty of times around your surf session when sunglasses should be on:
- Waiting on the beach before and between sessions
- Watching the lineup to check conditions
- Walking to and from the break
- Post-surf hangouts on the beach or at the café
- Driving to and from the coast
Collectively, these moments can add up to more time than the actual surf session.
Salt Water and Your Sunglasses
The beach environment is harsh on eyewear. Salt spray, sand, and moisture conspire to damage lenses and corrode frames. If your sunglasses are coming to the beach regularly, you need:
- Corrosion-resistant frames — Metal frames corrode in salt air. Carbon fibre, like in the Voyager Blue, is naturally resistant to salt and moisture.
- A rinse routine — Rinse your sunglasses with fresh water after every beach day to remove salt crystals that can scratch lenses.
- Proper storage — Don't leave them sitting in the sun on your towel. A case protects against sand and heat.
Durable Frames for Beach Life
If you're a regular surfer, your sunglasses need to be tough. They'll get sat on, dropped in sand, thrown in a wet bag, and generally treated like the rest of your beach gear. Carbon fibre's crushproof nature makes it ideal for the beach lifestyle — it handles abuse that would destroy plastic or metal frames.
Protect Your Eyes, Extend Your Surf Career
Your vision is precious — and it's the foundation of every great wave you catch. Protect your eyes between sets, and they'll keep serving you in the lineup for decades to come. Check out the ShadyMate Voyager range for sunglasses built for the Australian coastal lifestyle.
