Which sunglasses for water sports?
Much more than just a fashion accessory for the beach, sunglasses protect against UV rays. This protection is essential for water sports enthusiasts, especially since the light and glare on the water are often intense. Whether you love sailing, windsurfing, sport fishing or canyoning, discover our advice in this article for choosing the right pair of sunglasses for your water sport.
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Which sun protection category for water sports?
As on snow, the sun's rays become more harmful when they reflect off water. The water's surface acts like a mirror and creates intense brightness, which can be dangerous for the skin and, of course, for the eyes.
To protect yourself from overexposure to ultraviolet rays, it is essential to choose quality lenses with a protection level suited to this kind of environment. Also called the “category”, the protection index indicates the level of protection of tinted lenses, which protect the eyes by filtering out harmful light rays. It must be shown on your sunglasses or on the information leaflet that comes with them.
There are 5 protection categories, ranked from 0 (the weakest in terms of percentage of light filtered) to 4 (the strongest). For water sports, at sea or on a lake, we recommend choosing lenses with a high category:
- category 3, shown by the symbol of an intense sun with 16 rays;
- category 4, represented by a sun above two mountain peaks and two waves.
The benefits of choosing photochromic lenses
Whatever water sport you practice, remember to check the weather forecast before heading out. At sea, the weather can be changeable, and a bright blue sky can turn cloudy in no time. In these conditions, knowing which sport sunglasses to choose can become a real headache. Rather than carrying several pairs with different levels of protection, why not choose photochromic lenses?
This very specific type of lens tints according to the amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays it receives. When UV exposure on the water is strong, photochromic lenses gradually darken. Conversely, when the light is lower, they gradually return to their clear state. A real plus out on the waves, whether the sun is shy or not!
Available on many Bollé sunglasses models, Phantom photochromic lenses offer exceptional optical clarity and adapt to a wide range of light transmission. In their Phantom+ version, they also feature high-performance polarization.
Against glare on the water: polarized lenses
Beyond UV rays that are harmful to the eyes, one of the main problems for water sports enthusiasts is glare on the water. When the sun reflects off the waves, it creates countless flashes of light that can disrupt your vision. Developed to counter this effect, polarized lenses eliminate most annoying reflections. They make shapes and colors sharper by enhancing relief and contrast.
Very useful when driving, they are also recommended for mountain sports and water sports. By eliminating light reflections that blur vision, polarized lenses help reduce eye strain and improve visual acuity. On a boat, on a windsurf board or when swimming, they provide real visual comfort that supports your performance.
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The essential ally against splashes: hydrophobic treatment
Water sports inevitably mean splashes! A small detail that can quickly become annoying if the lenses of your sunglasses are covered in droplets that won't go away.
Rather than stopping regularly to wipe your sunglasses so you can see clearly, Bollé offers lenses with a hydrophobic treatment that helps water drops run off. No more marks: you can enjoy your water activities with complete peace of mind.
Sunglasses frames for water sports: wraparound and grippy
Beyond the choice of lenses, the frame is just as important when practicing a sport. This is even more true for water sports, where water can make your glasses slip off your face in the blink of an eye. That's why your frame must have temples and nose pads that grip the skin.
Designed for the needs of athletes, Bollé frames feature Thermogrip® technology: a high-grip thermoplastic rubber applied to the inside of the temples. It stops the glasses from slipping and keeps them perfectly in place.
Finally, Bollé also advises choosing sunglasses that cover the sides, to best protect you from light and splashes. Some models of Bollé water sports sunglasses can also be fitted with a floating option.