So what is a surfer to do? Will you be able to surf with your kids when they come of age? Will you have to quit going to the beach and shun the sun like some mole rat? Maybe not.
Luckily, the surf industry has noticed this trend of sun-related eye problems, and several companies have put out eyewear made specifically for surfing, skiing, kite boarding, or any outdoor sport that requires that glasses be not only light weight and secure, but they must also provide total protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
In all honesty, I would avoid any extra gear. A pair of baggies and a board, and I'm good. But to keep surfing, eye protection is an unfortunate requirement now. So in my quest to find the best protection for my eyes and future waveriding pursuits, I have personally tried surfing eyewear from three companies: Oakley, Sea Specs, and Barz, and based on my trials I recommend Sea Specs based on price, style, and security (or least likely to come off in the surf).
The following day saw the arrival of a good swell, and I was able to put my Specs through a real test. Under normal surfing conditions which included paddling, duckdiving, and riding small to medium sized waves, Sea Specs worked extremely well. The lenses stayed clear, and the frame remained securely on my head even after some minor wipeouts.
Overall, my surfing experience with Sea Specs was extremely positive. In bigger surf, I have found that Sea Specs come off if the wave catches you right or if you have a significant wipeout.
In contrast to the other brands I tried, I found Sea Specs to be both more advanced in terms of function and more stylish in terms of fashion (not that I would say they actually "stylish"). Barz are more like goggles, and I found them clumsy and unsightly. They do keep the salt water completely off you eyes which would be effective if your eyes need that level of protection. Oakley, didn’t fit quite as snug as Sea Specs, and they look a bit too “space man” for me. Therefore, in terms of fashion, function and price, I find Sea Spec to be the most effective “extreme surf sunglass” on the market.
According to the press release, Sea Specs utilizes polarized polycarbonate lenses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. They float in the ocean and are specially designed with an adjustable strap which prevents them from falling off. I found this to be true although I have not used them yet in any waves of consequence. However, most of us spend the bulk of our water time riding small to medium sized waves.
Costing about $70 (which I found to be the cheapest of the different glasses I tried), Sea Specs are a great form of protection for any water sports enthusiast. Obviously, if I had a choice, I would opt for nothing at all, but Sea Specs affords me a stylish solution to my problem.
