Sitting here with squinty, watery eyes, looking like a druggo, after enjoying 30+ knots and saltwater spray everywhere yesterday.

Anybody got any recommendations on suitable eye protection when windsurfing? Something more closely fitting and secure than sunglasses, but not bulky like a ski mask. Strap, as opposed to over-ear arms would seem appropriate.

Sea specs?

Select to expand quote

Hydrosurf said..
Sea specs?

+1. The "Classic" version.

My wife uses them for foiling (free foiling, so failry low speed), I have used them for winging, also low speed sort of thing, they stay on pretty well and work well when you keep them relatively dry.

They seem OK when wet, if allowed to "wind" dry out. Never used them Windsurfing though. I'd be a bit worried about crashing, but others might have different experiences.

k.

Ugly Fish. I bought a pair of prescription safety glasses for work. They come with a strap that can be clipped in instead of the arms.
I now use with the strap for windsurfing - they're great and not bulky

Walmart $5 polarized sunglasses with a plastic frame encircling the lens, the frames can crack at the top center on each lens, but then just super glue back and they do not crack again. Tie a string to both arms as a tether, easy to remove to blow off saltwater drops before they dry.

Protecting your eyes is worth spending money on, tried both the Lip sunglasses, great lens and don't get fogged up in the salt water, more recently a Maui Jim model, also great lens, with good vision when covered in salt spray, I prefer them over the Lip glasses for comfort under a helmet, they do a water sports version with a strap that keeps them on without a helmet. I've also had some of the cheaper versions, they work ok for general sailing but visability when covered with salt spray not as good, maybe the coating wears off quickly. Sailing fast Eckas you need to see where you're going.

Ps also check out the Bartz optics sea spray googles, cheaper and maybe a better option for the full on days, they have a sunglasses style version with head strap too

Does anyone use a Gath helmet with a visor?
Am going to pick one up when we are in OZ at the end of the year. Got the same problem and was thinking a helmet might be the go.
Have tried plenty of sunnies but they just fog up.
Sorry, eckas if I am highjacking your threat, just thought it might be worth throwing it out there.

Gath, full face visor

Select to expand quote

kato said..
Gath, full face visor

It's a little bit too futuristic for me. I was thinking about getting the 1/2 visor. I also think it might get a little bit claustrophobic when getting barrelled. Might be completely wrong and maybe I can pull off the style but not sure. Also glare off the water might be a problem with a 1/2 visor.

Select to expand quote

AUS4 said..

Hey , if it lets me know when the water is shallower than my fin , I'll give it a go .

Select to expand quote

Imax1 said..

AUS4 said..

Hey , if it lets me know when the water is shallower than my fin , I'll give it a go .

It would need to give prior warning though so you could get out of there..

Plus 1 for Ugly fish. I've got polarised ones with a reading glass segment in the bottom $190?.
You have a choice of eye strengths for the reading area. You can get them single lens too.
.I get the optometrist to drill a hole in one arm.You can then thread one of those rings through or just use fishing line to attach a normal glass tie. Use it to tie to your gear so you can't lose them in a wipeout.

Select to expand quote

Henners said..
Does anyone use a Gath helmet with a visor?
Have tried plenty of sunnies but they just fog up.

Modified my old Gath with a polarised "mega sun glasses" from eBay, which may look a bit weird but keeps sun off my whole face, as well as stopping glare. Having gaps at both sides allows good ventilation, so no fog. Just attached by velcro so has a small string safety leash in case it gets ripped off in a wipeout.

Select to expand quote

Sandee said..

Henners said..
Does anyone use a Gath helmet with a visor?
Have tried plenty of sunnies but they just fog up.

Modified my old Gath with a polarised "mega sun glasses" from eBay, which may look a bit weird but keeps sun off my whole face, as well as stopping glare. Having gaps at both sides allows good ventilation, so no fog. Just attached by velcro so has a small string safety leash in case it gets ripped off in a wipeout.

I need prescription glasses and I add polarized lenses which make a big difference on the water. I used these wrap around for a while www.wearsurfglasses.com/store/mormaii-floater-prescription, these also work well and cost about half www.ray-ban.com/usa/customize/rb-2132-new-wayfarer-sunglasses