Choosing the right sun protection for board sports

Budget Board Sports Tip

“Sunscreen is your invisible but essential gear.
Protect your skin, your eyes, and your environment to keep boarding for life.”

1. Why Sun Protection is Essential

In board sports, the sun, water, snow, and wind increase risks to your skin.
 Surfaces reflect up to:

  • 80% of UV rays on snow,

  • 25% on water,

  • 15% on sand.

Result: intense and prolonged exposure, even when it's cool or cloudy.

Good sun protection is your best health & performance reflex.


2. Sunscreens: How to Choose Wisely

Essential Criteria:

Criterion

Explanation

SPF Index

Choose SPF 50+ minimum for long sessions.

Water Resistance

Essential: “waterproof” or “very water resistant.”

Mineral Formula

Preferred over chemical filters: skin and ocean friendly.

Stick Format

Ideal for face, easy to apply in extreme conditions.

Fragrance-free / Alcohol-free

To avoid irritation with salt or sweat.

Apply 20 to 30 minutes before the session, then every 2 hours.

 

 3. Types of Protection

Type

Usage

Ideal for

Face & Body Sunscreen

Overall protection

Surf, wake, paddle, snow

High Protection Sun Stick

Sensitive areas (nose, cheekbones, lips)

Surf, kite, snow

SPF 50+ Lip Balm

Often forgotten lips

All riders

Sun Spray or Lotion

Quick application, large volumes

Beach, skate, paddle

Tinted / Colored Sunscreen

To visualize protected areas

Children & long sessions

Colored sticks are perfect for long sessions and cold water.


 4. Anti-UV Clothing

Why it's effective:

Lycra, technical tops, and anti-UV shorts block 98% of UV rays.
 They protect better than cream and do not pollute the water.

To prioritize:

  • Long-sleeve UPF 50+ Lycra: surf, kite, SUP.

  • Anti-UV cap / hat: paddle, foil, beach.

  • Anti-UV shorts or leggings: extended sessions.

  • UV400 polarized glasses: eye protection against glare.

Lycra doesn't replace sunscreen, but it complements it perfectly.

 

5. Protecting Your Eyes: A Vital Reflex

UV rays and reflections can damage the cornea and reduce vision long-term.

Choose:

  • Polarized glasses for the sea and bodies of water.

  • Anti-UV and anti-fog goggles for snow.

  • Straps / cords to avoid losing them in the water.

Reflection on water is as dangerous as reflection on snow.


6. After the Session: Repair and Hydrate

After each outing, your skin needs to recover and be nourished.

Essential care:

  • Pure aloe vera gel → soothes and repairs.

  • Moisturizing after-sun cream → nourishes the skin.

  • Thermal water → calms heat sensations.

  • Internal hydration → drink plenty of water!

Hydrated skin is skin ready for the next session.

7. Choosing Eco-responsible Protection

Budget Board Sports recommends products that are:

 -Biodegradable and nanoparticle-free,
 -Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate (harmful to corals),
 -Locally manufactured or with recyclable packaging.

Protecting your skin also means protecting the ocean