Sunglasses

There are sunglasses that are specific to water sports, especially whitewater kayaking. For most sea kayakers, any decent sport sunglasses will do. Ensure that the sunglasses have complete UV absorption.

Lenses are plastic or glass. The toughest lenses are polycarbonate. If you get polycarbonate, look for UV400 - these have the highest UV absorption rating. Glass lenses should be shatter resistant.

The best sunglasses for kayaking are polarized. This reduces the glare on the water surface allowing you to see more of what's below the surface. Most polarized sunglasses use light plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are difficult to polarize. However, there are a few polycarbonate laminated lenses that have a polarization layer in them.

Make sure you have a retention band or string to secure the sunglasses. They tend not to float and if they come off - their gone. If you get a band, there are some that have a float on them as well.

Note that wrap-around sunglasses are generally better than conventional sunglasses when it comes to getting rid of glare and light from the side. Mountaineering glasses often have side covers that do the same.

See also Prescription eyewear.