When you're kayaking, you're exposed to the elements and have no natural protection from the sun. Wearing sunglasses can help to not only shield your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, but can also enhance your kayaking experience by letting you see the water and surrounding landscapes better. If you're having a hard time selecting the right pair of sunglasses for your next kayaking expedition, third-party kayaking critics have selected some of the best sunglasses on the market.
Kaenon Hard Kore
Kaenon's sunglasses come recommended by Canoe & Kayak magazine. The magazine praises its design, saying it blends "high-clarity performance" with "deluxe style." The lenses include polarizing elements, which help screen out glare so you can see under the water. Additional features include ergonomic rubber pads and tips to help keep the glasses fitted to your head while you're paddling, plus ultralight plastic which can make a big difference on very long kayaking trips.
SeaSpecs Extreme Surf Sunglasse
For kayaking whitewater courses or other very strenuous waterways, it helps to have sunglasses designed to stay secure. These glasses from SeaSpecs are fitted with a security strap so they won't go anywhere, which earned the product praise from the Wavelength magazine online. Features include impact-resistant, non-polarized lenses that screen out all UVB and UVA rays, as well as molded nylon frames that enhance strength while keeping the weight down. A full wraparound design helps keep your entire eye area shielded and guard against water sprays.
Kaenon Jetty And Georgia Sunglasses
These kayaking sunglasses are ideal for paddlers who are style-conscious and don't want to settle on unisex glasses, reports Canoe & Kayak magazine. The men's and women's version feature Italian-made frames that don't sacrifice looks for durability, and gets you "the best protection," says the magazine. The lenses are also polarized, which minimizes the glare caused by the sun reflecting off the waterways.
Julbo Explorer Alti Arc
The sunglasses from Julbo come recommended by expedition kayaker Tom Briggs in Canoe & Kayak UK magazine. He recommends them for even the most extreme kayaking environments, including paddling in the arctic. Features include a security strap that doesn't let the glasses fall while you're kayaking. In addition, the lenses have an anti-fog treatment, anti-glare polarization and a photochromic chemical treatment. The latter feature means that the glasses automatically lighten or darken, depending on how bright the sun is.
References
- Canoe & Kayak: C&K's 2010 Holiday Gift Guide; Editors of Canoe & Kayak; November 2010
- Wavelength Magazine Online: Spring 2010 New Gear Review; Editors of Wavelength; March 2010
- Canoe & Kayak: Travel Gear Gift Guide; Editors of Canoe & Kayak; November 2007
- Canoe & Kayak UK: Expedition Climber: Denali; Tom Briggs; March 2009
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