Apr

SPF – Just what does the adventure sports community need to know?

Mark Pawlak Category

Of all the sportspeople, adventure sports and extreme sports fans are perhaps those most ‘out there’. Typically, our passion for sports leaves us braving the elements, often for hours on end. And we all know about sun damage. For us, there is no hiding from the sun, especially when we are always chasing it.

Seeking out its rays, bathing in its warmth, and pushing ourselves through its heat are all very well. But beware: it’s a dangerous partner.

So dangerous in fact, that charity CancerUK says: “Non melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the UK each year.”

And the most common cause? Long-term exposure to the sun.

The good news is, it’s preventable. There’s no reason not to be out windsurfing, skiing or cycling, for hours on end. Just read these well-advised tips. Just a minute could help.

Try to avoid the midday sun (it’s at its strongest between 11am and 3pm).
Cover up with clothing; a cap or a hat can keep the most powerful rays at bay – just think of your clothing as factor 100 sunscreen!
Look for SPF protection layers on clothing – close-weave fabrics protect best.
Skin types react differently to the sun, so find out which type you have.
Use creams to protect your skin: check they are in date, consider how much protection you should have, and investigate UVB/UVA rays – the sun emits both.
Apply before you go out, not afterwards.
Re-apply frequently, thickly, spread it round and don’t forget the less obvious places – just how many times have we all forgot to do our feet!
If you are out on your board or climbing mountains, rafting or canoeing, always look for a waterproof cream – remember, these still need to be topped-up.

The sun’s temperature is roughly 5,500C, little wonder you feel like a radiator after a day’s kitesurfing!

So cover up and enjoy; summer’s on its way.

Cancer UK’s SunSmart website is a great resource. But for interactive skin/SPF advice visit the NIVEA page, it has a funky interface, too.

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 194 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

Mark Pawlak April 30, 2010 at 2:23 pm
The sun’s shining right now, so I’m off out on my bike for a longer ride. I try and pack a small bottle because when the weather is so good, I find I’m out for hours on end. Early summer for UK bring it on!
Tim B April 30, 2010 at 2:29 pm
My top tip is that you make sure if you are doing any watersport that you don’t put sun screen on and just jump straight into the water, it will start dripping off your forehead into your eyes and you won’t be able to see where you are going!

Put some sun screen on – wait for it to go into your skin – then jump into the water. Will mean you’ll get a nice tan rather than be burnt and blind!
Lucy G May 3, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I’ve been windsurfing and surfing for almost a decade now and still haven’t found the perfect prevention for stinging eyes and a burn forehead! I usually end up smearing my lip sunblock over my face, as it’s much more waterproof and doesn’t drip into your eyes. But if you don’t go in for the ‘high gloss’ look, I’ve heard that Pro-sport is a good bet; I’ve just sent for a free trial from the website so I’ll let you know!
Mark Pawlak May 4, 2010 at 1:41 pm
For people with sensitive skin using SPF always seems to be a problem. The SPF needs a certain amount of oily substance so it can ‘bond’ with the cream. So it seems people with sensitive skin always have a problem.

I have started using a bit of moisturiser first, than putting on suncream afterwards. The first X-Sports test with NIVEA UK will see us trial a whole rage of products. Should be good.
Paul May 7, 2010 at 10:59 am
I’ve just returned to the UK after 6 months in the Australian sun, surfing, sailing, walking and swimming. I think if there’s anywhere in the world where you need to protect yourself – its there! The country is so captivating and beacons you to explore – you just can not be outdoors!

One tip I learnt the hard way, was to apply sun block before you go into the direct sun light. I think its advised that you let the sun block soak in for about 15 minutes, especially if your going into the water – there’s nothing worse than salt water and sun block in your eyes!