Why Sunglasses Are Basically Superheroes for Your Eyes?
Sunglasses can be the ultimate fashion statement piece and let’s be real, they complete that cool, outdoorsy “I kayak on weekends” aesthetic but, they’re also a serious piece of safety gear. Yup, they’re not just a style flex, you’re protecting your vision and eyes like a boss.
If you've ever spent a sunny day on the water, sunlight bouncing off the surface like a mirror, turning your enjoyable paddle into eye strain train. That’s not just annoying, it's exhausting for your eyes and can cause headaches. Makes for a grumpy paddler.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause eye diseases and increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and those tongue-twisting little growths on your cornea called pterygiums (say that three times fast).
And it’s not just your eyes at risk, the skin around them is the thinnest and most delicate skin! Without sunglasses, you’re basically giving the sun a free pass to age you faster.
(Yes, I know you’ve been to Sephora for that Estée Lauder’s anti wrinkle miracle eye cream. Don’t deny it, your receipts know the truth…but also, same!)
Talking about wrinkles, the squint struggle is real! Squinting is a natural reflex to reduce both intense brightness and the discomfort that comes from all the glare and reflection. You know what else helps with reducing the amount of glare from surfaces like water? Polarized lenses.
Polarized sun lenses have a special filter through the lens that helps block horizontal glare (the annoying kind that bounces off water, roads, and cars) but lets in vertical light meaning you see richer, clearer colours.
Imagine you’re on a kayaking trip, everyone’s ooh-ing and aah-ing at the seaweed, fish and dare I say a whale… but, you can’t see a thing because you opted out of polarized sunglasses. Tragic.
Cheap Sunglasses: The Shady Truth
Here’s the tea: the budget sunglasses that claim “100% UV protection” technically are but, only for a hot minute. That UV coating is a topical layer that washes off faster than you can say “I kayak surf”.
Your eyes will dilate due to the tinted lens (to see better in the dark), letting all the harmful light and rays in. So instead of protecting your eyes, you’re giving out a one-way ticket to sunburn city.
So yes, a good pair of sunnies might cost a little more upfront but, your eyes (and future wrinkle-free selfies) will thank you.
The Bottom Line
Sunglasses aren’t just a style choice, they’re an investment in your eye health, your skin, and your ability to look effortlessly cool while doing it.
So go ahead, splurge a little. Protect those peepers, avoid the squint, and keep paddling.
Kayaker Pro Tip
When choosing sunglasses for kayaking, go for:
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Polarization – polarization comes in a couple of different colours to enhance your vision. Grey is the most natural and also the darkest. Brown has yellow hues so it tends to brighten things up. The brown are great for overcast days or lower light situations, but are also good for brighter days.
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Wrap-around and well fitted frames – to block side glare from the sun and splashes from water
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Floating sunglasses - Goodr has their signature floating sunglasses
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Glasses retainers and straps – because we’ve all lost a pair to the deep blue at some point. Be sure to check out the floating straps from chums
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Cleaning product - make sure to pack with you a good microfibre cloth to clean those water marks off the lenses
Treat your sunglasses like the rest of your gear! After a day on the water, especially salty ocean water, give them a good rinse with clean, cool water. It keeps the lenses sparkling and protects the coatings. As well as helps prevent hinges and screws from corroding and potentially seizing up.
Author Kim Dawson Licensed Optician, PC level 1 instructor, kayak guide and aspiring kayak surfer.