SUN SAFETY AND OUR TECHNICAL FEATURES

Sun safety is a critical consideration for anyone spending time outdoors. When surfing or engaging in water sports or time at the beach, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays do not just come from above, but also reflect off the water’s surface, intensifying exposure and increasing the risk of skin damage, eye injury, and long-term health consequences. 

Wearing protective clothing, sunscreens and a surf hat while you’re in the water is the best way to protect yourself. Here at Moon Doggie we are passionate about making these items more functional and fancy. Our hats are specially designed to stay on while you surf or face the elements, shielding as much of your face as possible, preventing sun damage and also glare to the eyes.

Below are just some reasons to invest in sun safe gear:

YOUR LIFE

 Globally, approximately 58,000 to 69,000 people die from skin cancer annually, with a significant portion of these deaths attributed to melanoma. According to Cancer Council Australia, around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, and melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australians, with over 17,000 new cases diagnosed each year. 

YOUR SKIN

UV damage also plays a massive role in premature ageing of the skin, responsible for around 80% of visible signs such as wrinkles, sunspots, and leathery skin. This damage accumulates over time, and much of it can be prevented with consistent protection—like a surf hat.

YOUR EYES

Your eyes aren’t immune either. Repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (basically sunburn of the eye). For surfers, who spend hours looking toward the horizon under direct and reflected sunlight, a wide-brimmed surf hat can significantly reduce UV radiation reaching the eyes and face.

YOUR KIDS

It’s also super important to look out for the groms. Kids’ skin is way more sensitive, and they tend to get way more sun than adults. Getting them into the habit of wearing a surf hat early means they’re way less likely to deal with serious sun damage down the track. Whether it’s you or the whole family heading out for a paddle, a surf hat should be as essential as your board and wax.