Slick shades protect the peepers
Keoki Galas, a ballroom dance instructor, was the first person we saw surfing in lightweight but sturdy wraparound SeaSpecs Surf sunglasses, which provide 100 percent UVA/UVB protection, have ventilated frames to prevent fogging, “and help keep the wind out of eyes,” Galas says. Equipped with an all-important adjustable strap (use it — the glasses don’t float), the polarized shades come in a broad spectrum of colors for $41.95 at Downing Hawaii, founded by big-wave pioneer George Downing and specializing in custom boards by son Keone. Located at 3021 Waialae Ave.; call 737-9696 or visit Downingsurf.com.
Save skin with the right sunscreen
In Hawaii, we should be wearing sunscreen all day, every day, says Jay L. Grekin, a dermatologist at Straub Clinic & Hospital. “Make sure the label says ‘broad-spectrum,’ which protects against both kinds of ultraviolet rays — UVB, which causes sunburn, and UVA, which ages skin, comes through the car windshield and is present from sunrise to sunset,” Grekin says. Both contribute to skin cancer, but SPF (sun protection factor) measures resistance only to UVBs.
For the beach, pool or water park, Grekin adds, “Choose an SPF of at least 30, make sure the label says ‘water resistant 80 minutes,’ and you’re good to go.”
Forget 80 minutes: Surfer and Pilates instructor Cristal Mortensen goes for a trifecta of sunscreen protection for when she’s out in the waves for hours at a time. She applies three layers of different sunscreens selected after years of trial and error. “I prefer natural minerals to synthetic chemicals,” Mortensen says, “but what works best in my experience is a mix of mostly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide plus a few chemicals.”
Mortensen’s base layer is Watermans SPF 50+ Sunscreen in a skin-tone face stick ($17; it also comes in a clear liquid). Over this, she applies Raw Elements SPF 30+, another skin-tone face stick with 22.75 percent zinc oxide (also $17). The top layer is Vertra Elemental Resistance SPF 35 face stick in natural beige with 24 percent titanium dioxide ($23; also available in bright colors).
All three are broad-spectrum, water-resistant for 80 minutes and sold at Surf N Sea, 62-595 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Visit Surfnsea.com or call 637-9887.
Lightweight rash guard allows range of movement
A rash guard with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) tag means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Newer models also come with stretchy Spandex, permitting a fuller, freer range of movement. I love the lightweight, wind-resistant warmth of my 50+ UPF sleeveless top from Sweet Water Wear, a local company, and am hankering for its long-sleeve version in hot pink and silver for $56 at Hawaiian South Shore, 320 Ward Ave.; visit hawaiiansouthshore.com or call 597-9055.
Men’s versions are available at Blue Planet Surf, 540 Ward Ave.; visit blueplanetsurf.com or call 596-7755.
Sporty leggings make fine surfwear
Sleek UPF-rated leggings have been popular among paddlers for years and are now trending among surfers in bright prints or basic black, like these 50+ UPF nylon-Spandex capris from Sweet Water Wear. They also protect thighs from wax scabs. A back zip pocket holds keys or wax. Find them for $80 at Hawaiian South Shore; visit hawaiiansouthshore.com or call 597-9055.
Kids’ safari hat delivers style in the shade
Honolulu Star-Advertiser colleague Nina Wu says her 4-year-old son actually wears his Sun Protection Zone Safari hat with 50+ UPF. And no wonder, as sharks circle the brim and darken when exposed to sun, a cute reminder that it’s time for sunscreen (it also comes in pink with flower shapes). In addition to a broad, shade-casting brim, the adorable floppy hat has mesh panels for ventilation and a chin strap with Velcro fastener.
There’s also an adult version, the Sun Protection Zone Booney Hat, in unisex tan with a pull-cord strap, $14.99. And it floats. At Costco stores or Costco.com.
