Sun protection for water sports - here are my favorites
15.7.2026
Translation: machine translated
Are you looking for the right sun protection for stand-up paddling, kayaking, surfing or foiling? I've tried a few sunscreens. Not all of them convinced me.
Water sports without sun protection? A clear no-go. Unless you want to walk around looking like a roasted chicken that's been grilled for too long. And risk sunburn and long-term skin damage. Because the reflections of the water intensify the sun's effects. If there's also a light breeze, you often don't even notice how strong the UV radiation is affecting your skin.
It's best to wear a UV-protective shirt. This way, you reduce the area where you can get sunburn right from the start. Here are three of my favorites:
You still need good sunscreen. And that's not so easy to find. I tried a lot of things until I finally found the sun protection that really works for water sports.
What the sunscreen should do
So that the cream doesn't spread as an oily, shimmering film on the water, the sun protection must be waterproof. This goes without saying, but since I see this greasy layer very often, I'll mention it just in case.
For sun protection factor, I go for SPF 50. Only on cloudy days or early in the morning can it be 30. I also want a cream that is easy to spread, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy film on my hands after application. Otherwise, the paddle slips in my hands when stand-up paddling or kayaking. That's annoying and can cause an unwanted fall into the water.
That's why I prefer to rely on UV-protective clothing and the Nomad Face Stick, which will hopefully be available again soon.
Sunscreen for lakes and rivers
The cream should be as gentle as possible on the waters. Sounds simple, but it's not. Because sunscreen labeled "reef safe" or "coral-friendly" is not automatically good for local waters, especially since there is no official certification. Often, creams are considered reef-safe if they do not contain octinoxate and oxybenzone. Octocrylene is also a controversial chemical UV filter, but it is also found in some sunscreens declared as coral-friendly.
The effects of sunscreens on swimming lakes are still little researched. According to the Oekotoxzentrum, however, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide without nanoparticles currently seem to cause the least damage.
The following sticks are mineral, but I haven't tested them yet and can't judge how well they protect. They are best suited for re-applying to the face.
And for the holidays?
I actually thought I had found the perfect cream for a seaside holiday in Portugal. The Skinnies Conquer SPF 50. It is supposed to be water-repellent and very economical, as it – like a concentrate – contains no water. Once applied, it promises four hours of protection. A pea-sized drop for face, neck and ears is enough to "conquer even the toughest outdoor elements", the description says. The cream with a mixture of mineral and chemical filters is not supposed to leave a greasy film on the skin.
As great as the description sounds, the cream is not for me. Admittedly, the first time I apply it, I don't follow the instructions and apply far too much. The cream doesn't absorb and leaves a sticky feeling. I didn't expect that.
The next attempt with the prescribed amount is also sobering. Although the cream absorbs, the layer is so thin that I can't judge whether I have covered all skin areas. I find the smell anything but pleasant.
But what really puts the cream out of the running for me is the stubborn, greasy film it leaves on my hands after application. Even with soap, I can't get it completely off. Only after rubbing with a terry towel and rubbing in the sand can my hands grip the paddle safely again. And I only got a grip on the carbon foilboard again after the sand hand scrub.
The next attempt
Since I also like to use products from Jean & Len, I'm testing their Sensitive sunscreen. And I'm very satisfied. It absorbs quickly and even after long sessions in and on the water, my skin shows no sign of redness. The residues on my hands after applying the cream wash off well. Here too, some soap is needed, but the tedious rubbing with a terry towel and sand is eliminated.
Since the spray bottle is a bit large for my limited travel luggage, I'm taking the baby and kids version in the small tube with me on holiday. Children's sunscreen is generally also suitable for adults. It is often less perfumed and offers high UV protection.
Another favorite that I also tried in the baby and children's version is Mawaii sunscreen. From past holidays, I can also recommend the Paediprotect Sea Sunscreen, which, although it seems a bit oily, absorbs quickly and doesn't clog my pores.
For re-applying at the beach, I use the Sun Bum Original Stick. I like the smell and consistency when applying, but I prefer SPF 50 for summer days on the water. And this stick unfortunately only has a protection factor of 30.
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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