The lens is the most important part of any sunglass, and for water sports, this is even more relevant. Different materials and tints offer varying benefits, and understanding these can help you choose the perfect pair for your specific water sport needs.

Polarisation

If you’re engaging in any water sport, the short answer is: choose polarised lenses.

Polarised lenses work by blocking horizontal light rays (reflections) and are essential for reducing glare, which is the number one visual challenge on the water. The sun reflecting off the water’s surface creates intense glare that can make it difficult to see properly, whether you're paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. Polarised lenses allow your eyes to relax, reducing eye strain, and more long-term, eye fatigue. They will provide you with increased visibility with enhanced colour and contrast, and allow you to see below the surface

Imagine you're kayaking on a sunny day. With polarised lenses you would see rocks, fish, and other underwater features that would otherwise be obscured by the glare off the water.

Oakley Prizm Deep Water Polarised

The pinnacle of water sport lenses is Oakley’s Prizm™ Deep Water Polarised lenses. Designed to filter out the shades of blue that overwhelm your vision on open water, they improve colour contrast, boosting greens and reds to give you a better view of what’s going on down below. They keep whites bright, ensuring your vision is as accurate as possible.

Shop Oakley Prizm Deep Water Polarised Sunglasses
Photochromic

Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the surrounding light conditions. If you’re out paddling during sunrise or sunset when lighting conditions can change, these lenses transition from light to dark, providing optimal visibility throughout your adventure. They're also ideal for sports that involve frequent transitions between bright sunlight and shade, like canyoning or sailing near cliffs.

Lens Materials

The two most popular lens materials are polycarbonate and glass. Although glass has better visual clarity, polycarbonate strikes the perfect balance between safety and style. Polycarbonate lenses are far more lightweight than glass, and their impact and shatter resistance is crucial in protecting against unpredicted debris.

Hydrophobic lenses are a great choice for water sports as they repel water, allowing droplets to slide off quickly instead of smearing across your lenses. This ensures clear vision even when you’re constantly being splashed, or in and out of the water. They also reduce the chance of salt buildup, which can harm your lenses.

Prescription

If you wear prescription glasses, we have a wide range of prescription friendly frames suitable for water sports. Our in-house lab can fit custom made lenses to your prescription. Simply choose the frame you want, click ‘ADD PRESCRIPTION LENSES’ and follow the steps. This ensures that you get all the benefits from your sunglasses, without compromising on vision.


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Different lens colours can benefit different conditions and environments. Here is what we suggest to get the most out of your eyewear:

Copper/Amber

Softer-tinted, these lenses are perfect for varying light, as they enhance contrast. Copper lenses are beneficial when dealing with grey skies and low light environments, as they lighter shade brightens your surroundings, compared to a darker lens.

Grey

Neutral grey lenses are perfect for open waters where the sun is most intense. Outstanding glare reduction and true colour perception, make them ideal for long wear. Grey lenses offer the best brightness protection.

Yellow

Yellow lenses are made for low-light conditions, such as mornings, evenings, or dull, overcast days. They can counteract blue light and brighten your environment, when it is most needed.

Green

Green lenses can enhance contrast in murky water, making it easier to spot objects. Particularly useful for shallow water.


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The shape of your sunglasses is essential in water sports. Contoured frames hug your face and stay secure during active movements, reducing the chance of slipping. This is crucial on the water, as once they fall, they can be very difficult to retrieve.

Wrap-Around Sunglasses

Water sports are often fast-paced and unpredictable, meaning your sunglasses need to be secure, comfortable, and functional. We would recommend choosing frames that offer a wrap-around shape, these are the gold standard for water sports sunglasses. They minimise side glare, wind, and water splash, providing more complete protection. Look for frames that fit snug to your face, so they don’t fly off during sudden movements. Semi-rimless frames are also a great option. Lighter than full frames, they also give you the ability to look downward unobstructed.

Shop the Full Range of Wrap-Around Sunglasses

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Bollé’s hydrophobic lens coating repels water, preventing streaks and maintaining clear vision even when splashed.
The brand's hydrophobic and salt-resistant lens coatings help prevent water droplets and salt deposits from obstructing your view, ideal for activities like surfing and paddleboarding.
Nike sunglasses feature lightweight, flexible frames that provide both comfort and durability, essential for high-intensity activities.
Their lightweight yet durable O-Matter frames are built for both comfort and performance, with Unobtainium grips that increase adhesion when wet, ensuring the sunglasses stay secure during high-motion activities.
Revo’s lenses are treated with coatings that repel water and oil, keeping your vision clear even when splashed or exposed to sweat.
Their ImpactX photochromic lenses adapt to changing light conditions, ensuring optimal clarity whether it’s sunny or overcast.
SPECTRON HD 4 polarised lenses give exceptional vision and protection, whether you’re sailing inshore or on the high seas.
Waterproof and polarised with patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, these specialised sunglasses eliminate glare off the surface of the water, block 100% of UV rays, and even protect the skin around your eyes.

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Oakley Holbrook

- Prizm Deep Water Polarised is the one of the best open water lenses, filtering out shades of blue

- Oakley's iconic O-Matter material is lightweight and exceptionally robust

- Three point fit means they will remain snug to your face without affecting pressure points or compromising your eyesight

Oakley Split Shot

- Detachable strap reduces the chance of dropping, or them falling off

- Prizm Deep Water Polarised is the one of the best open water lenses, filtering out shades of blue

- Unobtanium nose pads and temples have no slip grip properties for a secure fit

Revo Jasper

- Blue water polarised lenses cut through glare impressively

- Wrap shape has provides extended coverage

- Lightweight yet robust