Sun Hoodies for Water Sports

Post last modified:February 8, 2024
Reading time:16 mins read

The sun hoody market has gone crazy over the last couple of years. We've learned that covering up with UPF 50 clothing protects much better than using the best SPF 50 sunscreens. Plus it means spending less time applying and re-applying sunscreen. Jump to list of recommended sun hoodies. This post reviews the best sun hoodies I've found for kayaking, hiking, surfing and guiding whitewater rafting trips. Ideally, sun hoodies provide insulation from the sun while allowing for plenty of air flow and athletic movement. While some sun hoodies are better than others, choosing a specific sun hoody depends mostly upon the time spent in the water…

Best Sunscreens for Water Sports

Post last modified:February 8, 2024
Reading time:19 mins read

In this post we focus on the best zinc-based options for water-resistant sunscreens that are reef friendly. The research points towards these mineral based sunblocks being the safest options for humans and wildlife while also protecting skin from the sun when playing on rivers, lakes and the ocean. These sunscreens are all also ideal for kids and toddlers. Skip to recommended sunscreens. Read about making a DIY reef-friendly sunscreen. Do a little research and you will find the commercial sunscreen industry is full of dishonest claims. In the fall of 2021, an Environmental working group (EWG) peer-reviewed study of sunscreens concluded that most U.S. sunscreens provide inadequate…

What to Wear White Water Rafting

Post last modified:August 18, 2023
Reading time:23 mins read

Deciding what to wear on your white water rafting trip depends primarily upon the type of river trip and the time of year. However, almost no matter where you raft it is best to bring river attire for sun and cold. Even during the summer, a splashy day of rafting can turn cold when the sun goes behind some clouds. In this post we try to help you understand how to best use the items on your packing list and steer you towards some of our preferred gear options. We've broken down our list into essential items and later discuss additional options that can improve your rafting…

Homemade Zinc Sunscreen Recipe

Post last modified:April 4, 2024
Reading time:12 mins read

Make your own sunscreen with ingredients aimed at achieving SPF 50 protection, more reliably than many commercial alternatives. This natural formula combines zinc oxide for its broad-spectrum defense against UVA and UVB rays, with olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax for a skin-friendly and reef-safe blend. While exact SPF values are hard to guarantee, this DIY approach puts you in control of using trusted, non-toxic ingredients, offering a promising route to safer, high-SPF sun care. Problems with Commercial Sunscreens Finding a good sunscreen is challenging. Many store-bought sunscreens don't work as advertised. Consumer Reports and EWG (Environmental Working Group) each found significant lower SPF's than the manufactures'…