5 Sunglasses Must-Haves to Complete Your Boating Look
Boating is an event enjoyed by many as the weather starts to get warmer. Whether you own a yacht or prefer a classic schooner, there’s no feeling like being out on the ocean.
Since the sun hits hard out on the open sea, it’s essential to think about eyewear before setting out. Sunglasses are like shoes—there are likely multiple pairs in your wardrobe with specific purposes. Look your best on the water by being prepared.
Sunglasses Must Haves for Boating
- UV Protection
Sunglasses are not just stylish; they are protective. Being in direct sunlight on a boat means your eyes are under constant assault. UV protective eyewear reduces eye strain in sunny conditions, and there is research to suggest they help prevent eye cancer. Just because lenses have a dark tint or be advertised as polarized does not guarantee UV protection. Sometimes it could only be one or the other.
Look for a label that explicitly states the glasses have 100 percent UV protection. Less reputable manufacturers may vaguely advertise the glasses have UV protection when they do not perform at a substantial level to actually protect your eyes. Newer sunglasses models have embedded UV protection, whereas older versions only have a thin UV coating. Over time, that coating can wear away, so it is essential to update your sunglasses collection with a higher-performing product.
- Field of Vision
In addition to UV protection, choosing the right sunglasses for optimal vision is vital. Water is a great surface to reflect sunlight, which means your eyes are hit from all angles, not just when you are looking in the sun’s direction.
To combat this, select polarized lenses that reduce glare. You will have a clearer vision of what lies beneath the water, which is critical if you are fishing or looking for hidden terrain. You don’t want to find yourself in an avoidable accident because your sight was impaired.
The shape of the lenses is something many people give little thought to outside of pure cosmetic desirability, but it is relevant to performance. A flatter lens tends to be better than a curved one as it prevents sight distortion. Overextended periods, this distortion can lead to headaches and fatigue. In short, leave the fisheye vision for the fishes.
- Style
Eye health is not the only variable to think about when selecting boating shades. If your boating trip is also a social experience, it is critical to dress to impress. It is not every day that most people get to go out on the water, so plenty of pictures are bound to be taken, and the photos will document your style for years to come.
Nothing impresses like a pair of designer glasses. Prada sunglasses are a great option for making your friends jealous. They have all the features you need for the occasion while also showcasing Prada’s legendary style.
Do not be the one caught squinting in all of the photos because you were ill-prepared. But be sure to apply enough sunscreen so that you are not left with raccoon eyes at the end of the day. UV protection is just as important for your skin as for your eyes.
- Lens Material
Sunglasses are made of either glass or plastic, with both options offering a quality of varying degrees. In general, glass lenses provide better clarity and are more resistant to scratches than low-end plastic. They are not very durable, though, so if you intend to use your sunglasses during physical activities, it may be best to go with plastic.
Plastic lenses are durable and can survive the test of time. Their impact resistance is a great feature but is unlikely to be needed on a boat. If you experience the risk of debris hitting your eyes at other times, then this might still be a useful feature.
High-end plastic lenses will have better scratch resistance than their cheaper counterparts, making them comparable to glass. However, these sunglasses are often more expensive.
- Enhance Your Experience
No matter the marine adventure, your choice of eyewear is not something to consider flippantly. The wrong sunglasses can greatly hinder your overall experience on a boat, while the right sunglasses can take your day to the next level. Use your new knowledge to make an informed decision regarding which new pair to spend your money on so that you aren’t stuck with something that performs poorly.
This was it for today. I hope you have found the article helpful.
Have a Good Day!
