Best Ways To Protect Your Skin When Go Paddleboarding

You can acquire some much-needed vitamin D by paddling around in the open ocean while enjoying some heathy rays of sunshine. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can be dangerous and lead to long-term health issues, even if the sun feels great on our skin.

 

UV radiations are amplified by the water’s reflection, and this is harmful to our skin. This is why it's important to exercise extreme caution and use every available means of sun protection whenever you go paddleboarding

 

When it comes to paddle boarding in the sun, we've got you covered with these helpful tips!

 

 

Why You Need To Protect Your Skin While Paddle Boarding

 

The skin is our largest body organ, and it's just as important to care for it as any other organ. Skin cancer is now being diagnosed in an increasing number of people each year as a result of people not taking adequate precautions to protect their skin. However, you can prevent skin problem by adhering to a few simple sun precautions, which we'll go over in this post.

 

 

BEST WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN WHEN YOU GO PADDLEBOARDING

 

 

Apply Sunscreen

 

Sunscreen should be at the very top of your list for protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, which must be applied before you step outside. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you plan on paddling for a long period of time.

 

Sunscreens that protect us against UVA and UVB wavelengths are known as broad-spectrum sunscreens. The majority of skin cancers and sunburns are caused by UVB rays, which cause cellular damage to our skin. On the other hand, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays age the skin and permanently destroy it.

 

In terms of SPF (sun protection factor), broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or greater are the best option. In order to prevent the sun's rays from reaching your skin, zinc oxide sunscreens cover your skin with a physical barrier. It is  popular among surfers and paddle boarders because of its water-resistant characteristics and how effective it is at safeguarding the skin of those frequently in the water.

 

Spray sunscreens are also a great option for families with young children. For many people, simply spraying their bodies with sunscreen and gently rubbing it in is an easier, less time-consuming alternative to other sunscreens.

 

 

Wear A Hat

 

The sun can do serious damage to the top of your head if it shines directly on it. However, a wide-brimmed hat can effectively safeguard your head, including your face, neck, and ears.

 

Roll-down back flap hats are another wonderful option. They shield your face from the sun, as well as the back of your neck. And most of them are composed of swim-friendly materials. In order to avoid getting burned even when wearing your favorite sun hat, it’s critical to reapply sunscreen frequently to your face and surrounding areas. Even your scalp, for additional protection.

 

 

Wear UV-Protective Clothes

 

The use of UV-protective clothes is another effective way of shielding your skin from the sun's harmful rays. A rash guard, or sun protection shirt, has long sleeves that fully cover the upper half of your body and shield you from the sun's rays. When it comes to protecting your legs from the sun, UV-protected leggings are a terrific alternative. Go for a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+ when selecting UV-protective clothes. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures how much UV light can pass through the fabric. In terms of sun protection, products with UPF ratings of 30 – 49 are considered decent, while those with UPF ratings of 50+ are considered great.

 

 

Wear Sunglasses

 

Sunglasses with full UV protection are an essential piece of equipment to have with you on a paddle board. You can protect your eyes and the skin around them from harmful sun radiation by wearing sunglasses.

 

 

Here Are Some Additional Tips:

 

Here are a few additional sun safety tips to keep in mind while stand-up paddle boarding. 

 

 

Avoid Mid-Day Paddles If Possible

 

It’s advisable to avoid the sun throughout the middle of the day as much as possible. Avoid paddling between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to avoid sun-related problems like sunburn, heatstroke, or dehydration. Instead, schedule your trip for either the sunrise or sunset.

 

During the hottest months of the year, extra care should be taken to avoid heatstroke. Wearing a high-quality wetsuit with a high UPF rating will protect your skin from the sun even in the winter.

 

Seek Shade As Much As Possible Or Pick A Route With Lots Of It

 

In addition to cooling you down, staying in the shade can help protect you from harmful UV rays. It’s important to remember that even in shady regions, UV radiation can reach our skin due of reflections from water and luminous items like your board or nearby boats.

 

 

Ensure You Stay Hydrated

 

When paddling in hot weather, dehydration can be a serious issue. Rehydrating on a regular basis is critical because we are primarily composed of water. Just like any other physical activity, you'll sweat and end up losing fluids while paddle boarding. Excessive exposure to the sun or strenuous exercise in hot weather can result in heat stroke, which can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids.

 

Paddling with insulated water bottles is an excellent choice. Because they are eco-friendly and can withstand prolonged exposure to sunshine. You can be rest assured your water will remain chilled.

 

Paddle boarders can also benefit from the usage of hydration packs, which are generally used while hiking. In addition to being simpler to sip from, having the water right with you, allows you to carry more water than would normally be possible.

 

 

Stay Protected!

 

While paddle boarding is a great way to have fun and exercise at the same time, it's crucial to remember to take the required safety precautions to protect our skin and eyes from the sun. Remember to always use sunscreen and other protective gear.

 

Don't forget to always stay protected, and have fun!