Sun, surf, and… sunburn? No thanks. Finding a sunblock that can keep up with the demands of surfing is tough. It needs to stay put in the water, protect against intense UV rays, and ideally, be kind to the ocean. I’ve tried a bunch of different sunscreens over the years, some were great, some were… not so much. So, I’ve compiled a list of sunblocks that stand up to the test.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen: Great for daily use, water-resistant, reef-friendly.
- Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer: Offers slight tint, mineral-based, very water resistant.
- Surf Mud Pro Zinc Sunscreen: Heavy-duty protection, designed for long sessions, noticeable tint.
- Kokua Sunscreen Hawaiian SPF 50: Lightweight feel, broad spectrum protection, reef-safe formula.
- Badger Balm Baby Sunscreen: Gentle formula, good for sensitive skin, provides mineral protection.
Top 5 Best Sunblock for Surfers
1. Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen
Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen is a reliable option for surfers looking for daily protection. This sunscreen is designed to be water-resistant and reef-friendly, making it a solid choice for both your skin and the ocean. I found it’s great for everyday wear, even when you’re not hitting the waves.
Pros:
- ✅ Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- ✅ Reef-friendly formula
- ✅ Lightweight and non-greasy
Cons:
- ❌ May leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones
- ❌ Scent might not appeal to everyone
- ❌ Requires reapplication after extended water exposure
Verdict: A good all-around sunscreen for surfers who need reliable daily protection and prefer a lightweight feel.
2. Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer
Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides excellent water resistance. The slight tint helps to blend in, avoiding the dreaded white cast. It’s become one of my go-to’s for long days at the beach because it stays put and doesn’t feel heavy.
Pros:
- ✅ Very water-resistant
- ✅ Mineral-based and reef-safe
- ✅ Slight tint helps to blend into the skin
Cons:
- ❌ Can feel a bit thick upon application
- ❌ Tint might not match all skin tones perfectly
- ❌ Can be slightly drying for some skin types
Verdict: Ideal for surfers seeking high water resistance and a natural tint to minimize white cast.
3. Surf Mud Pro Zinc Sunscreen
Surf Mud Pro Zinc Sunscreen is all about heavy-duty protection for serious surfers. It’s designed to stay on during long sessions and provides a noticeable barrier against the sun. The tint is quite dark, which is great for avoiding a ghostly look, but might not suit everyone’s preference.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely water-resistant
- ✅ Provides a strong physical barrier against the sun
- ✅ Designed for long surfing sessions
Cons:
- ❌ Can be difficult to wash off
- ❌ The dark tint may not be suitable for all skin tones
- ❌ Can feel heavy and thick on the skin
Verdict: Best for surfers who need maximum protection and don’t mind a tinted, heavy-duty sunscreen.
4. Kokua Sunscreen Hawaiian SPF 50
Kokua Sunscreen Hawaiian SPF 50 offers a lightweight feel with broad spectrum protection. This sunscreen is reef-safe and designed to be gentle on the skin. I appreciate that it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a thick layer of goo, which is a common problem with high-SPF sunscreens.
Pros:
- ✅ Lightweight and non-greasy
- ✅ Broad spectrum SPF 50 protection
- ✅ Reef-safe formula
Cons:
- ❌ Might need more frequent reapplication compared to zinc-based options
- ❌ Can be a bit pricier than other sunscreens
- ❌ Scent is subtle but may not appeal to everyone
Verdict: A great choice for surfers who want a lightweight, reef-safe sunscreen with reliable broad spectrum protection.
5. Badger Balm Baby Sunscreen
Badger Balm Baby Sunscreen is a gentle and effective mineral sunscreen that’s great for sensitive skin. Don’t let the “baby” label fool you – it provides excellent protection for adults too. I’ve used it on days when my skin is feeling particularly sensitive, and it never disappoints.
Pros:
- ✅ Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- ✅ Mineral-based protection
- ✅ Water-resistant
Cons:
- ❌ Can leave a noticeable white cast
- ❌ May feel slightly thick on the skin
- ❌ Needs to be applied thoroughly to avoid streaking
Verdict: Ideal for surfers with sensitive skin who need a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen that provides reliable protection.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right sunblock for surfing can make or break your session. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Water Resistance: Look for sunscreens labeled as “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant.” Check how long the protection lasts (e.g., 80 minutes) and reapply accordingly.
- SPF: A broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Ingredients: Mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are generally considered safer for the environment. Avoid chemical sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs.
- Skin Type: If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas. For oily skin, look for non-comedogenic options to avoid breakouts.
- Application: Apply sunscreen liberally at least 15-20 minutes before hitting the water. Don’t forget to cover often-missed areas like your ears, neck, and the back of your hands.
- Tint: Consider tinted sunscreens to avoid the white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens.
- Reef Safe: Choose products that are labeled reef safe. This usually means they are free of chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
FAQs
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen while surfing?
A: Reapply every 80 minutes, or immediately after toweling off.
Q: What does “reef-safe” sunscreen mean?
A: It means the sunscreen is formulated without chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs.
Q: Can I use regular sunscreen for surfing?
A: You can, but it might not be as effective. Surfing requires water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF to withstand prolonged exposure to the sun and water.
Q: Are mineral sunscreens better than chemical sunscreens?
A: Mineral sunscreens are often considered better because they are gentler on the skin and more environmentally friendly. They work by creating a physical barrier against the sun, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays.
Q: How much sunscreen should I apply?
A: As a general guideline, use about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your entire body. Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect sunblock for surfing involves balancing protection, water resistance, and environmental considerations. Whether you prioritize a lightweight feel, maximum water resistance, or a gentle formula for sensitive skin, there’s a sunblock on this list that will help you stay protected while you enjoy the waves. Remember to reapply regularly and choose reef-safe options to help protect our oceans.
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