For stand-up paddling and kayaking: these sunglasses don’t submerge
24.6.2025
Translation: Julia Graham
If you’re a fan of SUP, kayaking or inflatable boating, you’ll know the dilemma. You want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but don’t want to lose your sunglasses. I’ve just tested tested this floating pair and brought it safetly back to shore.
It can happen very quickly. A clumsy head movement or an unplanned jump from your SUP into the water and your sunglasses sink to the depths. They’d lie there next to other, previously sunken sunglasses, completely useless in the slush and darkness. If you regularly dive in Swiss lakes, you’ll be familiar with the phenomenon of underwater sunglasses graveyards. And have already brought one or two specimens to the surface.
So, what’s the solution? Floating sunglasses. However, in the past, these often looked chunky because they had extra volume on the sides for improved buoyancy. In contrast, the Komodo from Invu, a brand of the Swiss Eyewear Group, has an understated, sporty look. I’d be happy to sport them on an SUP as well as in the beach cafe. So, it’s time to put them to the test.
Looks like good quality
The glasses are lightweight and look high quality. Once on, they sit securely. The wrap-around design ensures that no rays manage to get past the sides. I think this is really important, as light comes from all angles due to reflections on the water.
The glasses come in a lightweight case, which protects them from scratches in your bag.
Source: Siri Schubert
Polarised lenses for water sports
Simply put, polarised lenses reduce reflections on the surface of the water. This makes them great for water sports. These type of glasses give you a better view of what’s happening under the surface of the water. For instance, whether there’s an obstacle in the form of a branch or stone.
In terms of UV protection, the Komodo falls into filter category three. This means that 82 to 92 per cent of the light is absorbed. Filter category three is generally suitable for outdoor sports, especially for light-coloured water surfaces as well as beaches and mountains.
In practice: the glasses hover just below the surface
If you want to see for yourself, watch the video to observe how the glasses behave after a fall into the water.
In actual fact, they don’t sink and instead float on the surface for you to grab. Since upthrust and downforce are roughly balanced, you shouldn’t use a glasses strap, as the additional weight can cause the sunglasses to sink. Unless you opt for a buoyant neoprene strap. But don’t take your glasses off for too long in the water. Otherwise they risk floating away quickly in light winds and waves.
In a nutshell
These glasses are optimised for water sports
Invu’s Komodo glasses passed the test. They fit well and keep harmful UV radiation away from the eyes. I like the sporty look, so I’d even wear them at the beach cafe and not just for exercise.
Filter category three glasses are ideal for water sports. Polarised lenses prevent annoying reflections and I can easily see obstacles under water.
I’m satisfied with the buoyancy of these glasses. Even when I throw them into the water with force, they don’t sink. However, it’s best not to let them out of your sight for too long, as they float just below the surface and can quickly drift away. If I could award half points, I’d deduct half a point for this. That being said, other glasses with more buoyancy are also bulkier and less suitable for the beach cafe and the promenade.
Pro
- Good fit
- Sporty look
- Good buoyancy
- UV protection and polarised lenses
Contra
- Not very visible in the water
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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