Gear Store: Sunscreen

Surfski paddlers face intense UV exposure from above and from water reflection below. A comprehensive sun protection strategy combines a high-SPF mineral sunscreen, a sun stick for nose and ears, SPF lip balm, and arm sleeves for extended coverage.

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Zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it. They block UVA and UVB immediately on application, resist sweat, and are reef-safe by default.

Face SPF 50+ — Mineral

Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50

100% zinc oxide, water resistant 80 minutes. Trusted brand with 4,000+ reviews. Won’t sting eyes in sweat-heavy conditions. A go-to for constant sun and spray exposure.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Face SPF 50+ — Clean Formula

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral

Clean mineral formula at FDA maximum water resistance (80 min). Free of harmful chemicals. Safe for sensitive skin and reef ecosystems. 3,500+ reviews from outdoor athletes.

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Face SPF 50+ — No White Cast

FRE Mineral Face SPF 50

Ultra-sheer zinc formula designed specifically for sweating athletes. Applies clear, absorbs quickly, and stays put during hard paddling without the dreaded white cast.

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Water-resistant sport sunscreens maintain their protection factor through immersion, sweat, and ocean spray — standard sunscreens do not. The FDA’s highest water-resistance rating is 80 minutes.

Body SPF 50+ — Sport

EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 Body

Dermatologist-recommended zinc oxide formula, water and sweat resistant 80 minutes. 4.6 stars from 6,000+ reviews. The 8 oz tube provides excellent value for regular paddlers.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Body SPF 50+ — Classic

Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 Lotion

One of the best-selling sport sunscreens on Amazon with 15,000+ reviews. Reliable water-resistant protection that stays effective through hard paddling workouts.

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Body SPF 50+ — Spray

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Spray

Oxybenzone-free spray for quick pre-paddle application. SPF 50 water-resistant coverage that handles repeated ocean exposure. Twin-pack offers great value for high-volume paddlers.

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Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned in Hawaii and other ocean destinations for their harmful effects on coral reefs. Mineral-only sunscreens are reef-safe by definition.

Reef-Safe — Zinc Oxide

Thrive Natural Care Reef Safe SPF 50

Hawaii Reef Act 104 compliant. 23.5% non-nano zinc oxide in recycled-content packaging. For paddlers who care about the marine environments they paddle through.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Reef-Safe — Ocean-Friendly

Project Reef SPF 50 Mineral

Formulated specifically for ocean users. Non-nano zinc oxide, ocean-bound recycled packaging. One of the most genuinely eco-conscious options available.

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Reef-Safe — Biodegradable

Coral Safe Reef Safe SPF 50

Compliant with Hawaii and Mexico reef protection laws. Biodegradable, oxybenzone and octinoxate free. Water resistant 80 minutes with a clean zinc oxide base.

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Sun sticks apply precisely to nose, ears, and face with no dripping or smearing. The wax-based formula stays put through spray and sweat far better than lotions applied to the same areas.

Sun Stick — Reef-Safe

All Good Butter Stick SPF 50

A cult favorite among ocean athletes. Thick beeswax formula stays on face and nose through extended ocean spray. Reef-friendly zinc oxide. 3,500+ reviews.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Sun Stick — Hypoallergenic

Coppertone Pure & Simple Stick SPF 50

Hypoallergenic mineral stick for precise protection on nose, ears, and face. Water resistant. Small enough to stash in a PFD pocket for mid-paddle reapplication.

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Sun Stick — Non-Greasy

Neutrogena Beach Defense Stick SPF 50

10,000+ reviews. Non-greasy, water-resistant SPF 50 formula. 1.5 oz size offers better value than travel sticks for regular paddlers who go through product quickly.

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Lips burn faster than any other exposed skin and are difficult to shade. A water-resistant SPF lip balm is one of the smallest, cheapest, and most-overlooked pieces of paddling sun protection.

Lip SPF — Zinc Oxide

EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36+

Dermatologist-recommended zinc oxide lip balm. Water resistant 80 minutes. Moisturizes as it protects, preventing cracked lips from prolonged ocean, sun, and wind exposure.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Lip SPF — High SPF

Rubber Ducky Lip Balm SPF 44

SPF 44 water-resistant formula built for active outdoor use. Vitamin E and natural moisturizers keep lips conditioned during long surfski sessions in sun, wind, and salt spray.

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Lip SPF — Everyday

EOS Sun Protect SPF 30

Water-resistant SPF 30 from a trusted brand. Small, inexpensive, and effective for everyday training sun protection. Easy round applicator fits any pocket.

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Arm sleeves provide full UPF 50+ coverage without lotion — easy to put on, easy to take off, and just as effective. A great option for paddlers who want arm protection while keeping their torso in a short-sleeve or tank.

Arm Sleeves — 4 Pairs

HOPESHINE UPF 50+ Arm Sleeves

3D seamless weaving blocks 99.8% of UV rays. An effective alternative to rashguards for paddlers who want arm protection without overheating the torso. Four pairs per pack.

⭐ Editor’s Pick

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Arm Sleeves — Fishing/Paddle

Filthy Anglers Fishing UV Sleeves

100% moisture-wicking polyester, UPF 50+ coverage for the full arm. Designed to stay in place during the repetitive catch-and-pull of ocean paddling.

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Arm Sleeves — Compression

B-Driven Sports UV Arm Sleeves

Compression support plus UPF 50+ protection. Dual benefit for paddlers who want sun coverage and forearm support during long-distance surfski training.

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