When surfing, it's important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after being in the water or wiping dry with a towel. Water, sweat and friction can do this. Water, sweat, and friction can wash away sunscreen, so I recommend reapplying it every two hours or more often if needed. The use of water-resistant sunscreen formulations can also provide additional protection during aquatic activities.
When you go out to a surf session, try using sunscreen suitable for reefs or a zinc-based sunscreen stick. Because you may spend hours in the water each session and the sun may reflect off the ocean surface directly onto your skin, you run the risk of serious sunburn if you don't protect yourself properly. Apply sunscreen at least an hour before surfing and reapply it regularly, especially if you take breaks between sessions. Some sunscreens or sunscreen sticks can be thick and clog pores, which isn't ideal for long-term skin health.
To avoid this, consider carrying makeup remover or wipes with you. They are ideal for removing any sunscreen residue after surfing, ensuring that your skin stays fresh and doesn't feel heavy. This simple trick helps keep skin clean, soft and ready for the next wave, while protecting marine ecosystems from harmful chemicals. As an expert in the world of surfing, I have seen countless surfers make the same mistake when using a sun protection factor. In reality, SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreens offer similar protection: SPF 30 protects approximately 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98%.
For example, a white t-shirt provides an SPF of about 7, while a denim shirt provides an SPF of about 1700.
