What Are the Critical Features to Consider When Choosing Sunglasses for Water Sports Activities?

When it comes to selecting the ideal sunglasses for water sports activities, there are several key features to consider. Can you provide insights on:
Product Details: What are the important specifications and materials to look for in high-quality water sports sunglasses?

Lens Type: How do different lens materials and coatings (e.g., polarized, mirrored, UV protection) impact performance and visibility on the water?

Eyes and Face Protection: What features ensure maximum protection against harmful UV rays, glare, and potential impacts while engaging in water sports?

Floating Systems: How effective are the various floating systems in preventing sunglasses from sinking, and what are the best designs available?

Antifog System: How important is an antifog system for water sports sunglasses, and what are the best antifog technologies currently on the market?

Water Repellent: How do water repellent coatings enhance the performance of sunglasses in wet conditions, and what should you look for in these coatings?

I'm also open to hearing recommendations for brands and manufacturers that excel in these areas.

Thanks, have a nice day

I use polarized sunglasses with a string on the back (croakies). No other coating.

G'day becarefoil buy OAKLEY Polarised Water Jackets. I've still have the same pair since 2003 - I was lucky OAKLEY gave me a pair for FREE way back in 2003 when I got introduced to Downwind Paddling on a 18ft Prone Paddleboard by Jamie Mitchell.

The same pair are like $1,121. in todays money BUT Great Value For Your Dollars

WTF? I have a set of the original Oakley Water Jackets, hardly used them
I might have to put them on eBay ??

Sounds like market research which is fine, good place for it. Try the search function to see people's recommendations and experiences.

i use lip glasses and under a helmet the head string works well enough. Without a helmet they have the neck attachment

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camerongraham said..
WTF? I have a set of the original Oakley Water Jackets, hardly used them
I might have to put them on eBay ??

I looked it up. Yeah, prices are mad high for second hand on these.

The downside of eye wear for me is that the sunscreen on my face will coat the lens after a few wipe outs making them worthless.

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windwakerider said..
The downside of eye wear for me is that the sunscreen on my face will coat the lens after a few wipe outs making them worthless.

Wear a surf hat of your choice. I use a Dakine baseball style cap with ear covers.

Apply sunscreen to everywhere below your glasses before you head to the beach giving it time to dry properly (as is specified in the instructions). No sunscreen running into your eyes or onto your glasses.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Riding foils with polarised lenses totally interfered with depth perception for me and the other foilers I know. Particularly bad in waves, chop and downwind.

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windwakerider said..
The downside of eye wear for me is that the sunscreen on my face will coat the lens after a few wipe outs making them worthless.

G'day windwakerider you're just using the wrong sunscreen! I have not used sunscreen now for like 40 years already. All in does is make your eyes burn, makes your face sweet and have messy fingers and you get sunburnt more easier with sunscreen.

Use a Sun Block GEL this is The S@#t mate. Very Easy to apply sinks straight into the skin no sweaty face no sticky fingers with no fogging of the sunglasses. I've been using Sun Block GEL for 40 years already and have never looked back spending a life time in the Sun.

LIP
great product
Great warranty

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AnyBoard said..
Riding foils with polarised lenses totally interfered with depth perception for me and the other foilers I know. Particularly bad in waves, chop and downwind.

Totally agree with this. I wear polarized glasses everywhere but not when I'm downwinding. They allow you to see through the surface of the water which in turn makes it difficult to read the ever changing bumps. I wear regular sunglasses unless I fall and then remove them and stow them in my vest as they obscure my vision when wet.

The polarized thing is interesting - I have had days where the lighting makes it impossible to see where the surface level is which makes it hard to gauge height