Feeling the summer heat? Surfers, it's time to get ready for a day out in the sun.

As a surfer, you know that UV rays can be your worst enemy. But with the right sunscreen, you can battle those waves without worrying about sunburns and skin damage! In this blog post, we’ll discuss why sunscreen is so important for surfers and recommend some of our favorite products that are perfect for catching waves under the bright summer sun.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience catching big swells, this post has something for everyone to keep them looking their best all summer long — no matter how long they stay in the water! We'll cover everything from broad-spectrum SPF ratings to waterproof formulas designed specifically to help protect against harsh weather conditions; so make sure to check it out now!

Read on to find out which sunscreen is best for protecting your skin while you enjoy surfing activities on sunny days!

How We Choose the Best Sunscreen for Surfing

You want to protect your skin from the sun, but you don't know which sunscreen is best for surfing.

It can be tough to find a good sunscreen that's also reef-safe and doesn't irritate your skin. Chemical sunscreens are full of chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment.

I've done the research for you and found the best sunscreens for surfing. My picks are all reef-safe, non-irritating, and offer broad-spectrum protection.

Broad Spectrum, SPF 50, 6oz. - Twin Pack Water resistant up to 80 minutes, Reef-Friendly

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Are you an outdoor lover looking for superior sun protection with a lightweight feel?

Get the protection you need with Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray - a must-have for all outdoor activities.! This sunscreen is perfect for surfers who want to stay protected in the sun without being weighed down by a heavy lotion. The ‘twin pack’ comes with two 6oz bottles, so you can always have a spare on hand. Plus, each bottle is infused with Argan oil so that your skin won't just be protected–it will also feel silky and soft after application!

Whether you are taking in some waves or just enjoying a day at the beach, you don't have to worry about missing those important areas of coverage because this spray has an invisible clear finish and it's designed to provide even coverage every time. And when you are ready to move on to your next activity, rest assured that Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray will last for up to 80 minutes. Get superior sun protection today and say yes to fun in the sun!

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Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray is the ideal companion to take with you on your outdoor adventures. Made with Argan Oil, it's lightweight, non-greasy and won't weigh you down. Not only that, its unique spray can design allows you to apply it easily and quickly - no more struggling to twist off caps or open lids!

With a strong UVA and UVB protection rating, this sunscreen will keep your skin safe for up to 80 minutes of water resistance - meaning even the most active user can be confident in their protection. Whether you're at the beach or taking a hike in the woods, don't forget to grab a bottle of Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray for up to 80 minutes of worry-free fun in the sun!

Body Sunscreen With UVA and UVB Protection, Water Resistant Up To 80 Minutes, Non-Greasy, Oil Free Formula With Zinc Oxide, 3 Oz Tube

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Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves taking part in activities like swimming, surfing, running, or jogging? If so, EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is the perfect sunscreen for you! Mineral sunscreens like EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 offer up to 80 minutes of protection in the water. With Zinc Oxide and antioxidants included in the formula, your skin will be given double the protection against UVA and UVB rays.

So don't worry about spending too much time out in the sun - just enjoy it! After all, you deserve to take part in all of your favorite activities without worrying about getting sunburned. Get yourself some EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen today so you can play outside as much as you want without any skin damage worries. It's time to have fun outdoors!

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EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is the perfect sunscreen for active lifestyles. This sports sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for swimming and other outdoor activities. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to apply on both wet and dry skin, and it won't leave behind a white cast.

This sunscreen has UVA and UVB protection and is enriched with essential ingredients such as zinc oxide and an antioxidant, which helps promote healthy skin. With EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 you can stay active outdoors without worrying about damaging your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Enjoy any outdoor activity while being protected with this zinc sunscreen.

Oil-Free Face Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin, Won't Cause Breakouts, Non-Greasy, Oxybenzone Free

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Are you looking to surf, play and explore in the sun without worry? Look no further! La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 is here to save the day – and your skin! This surf sunscreen offers all the benefits of broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection with a bonus for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

This unique oil-free formula absorbs pore-clogging oils and won’t leave a greasy residue behind. Plus, it uses Cell-Ox Shield technology means you don’t have to worry about breakouts or irritating sensitivity! With La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60, you can get out into the world knowing that you and your skin are ready for anything – so let's go have some fun in the sun!

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 is the perfect solution for those with oily skin and acne-prone skin. This oil-free face sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UV protection with SPF 60, and won't cause any breakouts or clog pores. It's also oxybenzone free and designed with advanced Cell-Ox Shield technology to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Plus, it is non-greasy and suitable for even sensitive skin, so you can feel confident wearing it in both hot and humid conditions. So if you're looking for a face sunscreen that provides powerful protection against the sun without causing breakouts or greasiness, you can't go wrong with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60.

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB, Water Resistant, Hypoallergenic, Non-greasy Matte Finish

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Grab your free pass to sun-kissed, beautiful skin with Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50! This lightweight favorite is here to guard your gorgeousness against UV rays while hydration never looked or felt so good! Boasting broad-spectrum protection and a unique blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals, it's an absolute must-have for those who don't want to sacrifice fashion over function when they hit the beach.

What's more? This 100% mineral sunscreen is non-greasy and leaves no greasy or sticky feeling on the skin. Best of all, it even comes with a subtle Citrus Oasis fragrance that will take you on a vacation without ever leaving the house. On top of everything else, its also water resistant up to 80 minutes and free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, PABA, Phthalates, Petroleum, SLS (Sulfate), Dyes and Oil. Truly the perfect companion for your sunshiney days - get your hands on Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50 today!

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Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50 is a non-chemical formula that offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays. This sunscreen lotion contains natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae which fight free radicals and nourishes the skin.

It provides a weightless, non-whitening and matte finish that does not feel sticky or greasy. Additionally, this sunscreen lotion is hypoallergenic, and free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, PABA, Phthalate, Petroleum SLS (Sulfate), Dye and Oil. This makes it suitable for use by children, teens as well as adults. It is highly water resistant up to 80 minutes and has a pleasant Citrus Oasis scent that makes it perfect for everyday use.

Vegan and Reef Friendly (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 8 oz

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Get ready for all of your summertime fun with Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion!

Whether you’re hitting the beach or just soaking up some rays, this vegan and reef-friendly lotion has the perfect blend of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB blockers and Vitamin E to keep your skin supremely protected. Rub this non-comedogenic sunscreen onto your arms and legs before your day in the sun, smell the signature scent of summer, and get on with having an amazing time without worrying about skin irritants - because this formula is hypoallergenic, reef-safe, oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten and paraben-free!

Make sure your days are spent doing what you love with no fear thanks to water- and oil-resistant protection that won’t run off if you take a dip. Keep things cool under the sun knowing you’re safe from irritation – grab Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion today for all your summer adventures!

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Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to safely enjoy the sun. With its Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free UVA/UVB protection, as well as Vitamin E for superior skin care, it’s clear that this is a sunscreen specifically designed with its user’s safety in mind. The oil-free and water-resistant formula is Hypoallergenic, Gluten-free, Cruelty-free, and Paraben free to ensure a pleasant day outdoors free of irritation or damage.

Whether you’re at the beach or just on your patio, Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion will protect your skin from harm while keeping you comfortable. So relax knowing that your time in the sun has been made safer with this vegan reef-friendly sunscreen - now head out and make some lasting summer memories!

Sunscreen for Surfing FAQ

Sunscreen is important for surfing, but it can be hard to know which one to choose.

There are a lot of sunscreen options out there and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Do you need water-resistant sunscreen? What about a sport sunscreen?

We've got the answers to all your questions about sunscreen for surfing. Our guide will help you choose the right sunscreen for your needs and make sure that you're protected from the sun while you're catching waves.

What Is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a product that can be applied to the skin to protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It typically contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical barriers between your skin and the sun's rays.

What Should I Look for in Sunscreen for Surfing?

When choosing sunscreen for surfing, you want to look for a high SPF Factor that offers both broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skin from both types of radiation, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and more serious health risks.

You also want to make sure that the sunscreen is water-resistant and designed for active sports. This will ensure that it won't wash off if you take a dip in the ocean while you're surfing.

What Are the Benefits of Sunscreen?

Sunscreen can help protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and other health risks associated with too much exposure to the sun's UV radiation. It can also reduce the risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen while you're surfing will help keep your skin looking young and healthy for years to come!

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun's UV radiation. The active ingredients in sunscreen absorb, reflect, or scatter the sun's rays to protect your skin from their harmful effects. Sunscreen is designed to last for up to two hours when exposed to water, sweat, and chlorine. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating for maximum protection.

What Are the Ingredients in Sunscreen?

Sunscreen typically contains a combination of active ingredients including non nano zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and oxybenzone. These act as physical barriers between your skin and the sun's UV radiation to prevent sunburn and other damage associated with too much exposure to the sun. Other ingredients like vitamin E may also be added for extra protection or nourishment.

Sunscreen can be a great way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays while you're out surfing. Make sure to choose a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen with water-resistant properties to ensure that you're getting the best protection possible. With the right sunscreen in hand, you'll be ready to hit the waves and enjoy a safe summer in the sun!

What Are the Consequences of Not Wearing Sunscreen While Surfing?

Not wearing sunscreen while surfing can lead to severe sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Without proper protection from the sun's UV radiation, you may also be more vulnerable to other health risks like vision loss or immune system problems. So don't forget your sunscreen! It's an important part of staying safe in the sun.

Overall, sunscreen is an important part of any surfer's safety plan. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with water-resistant properties and reapply every two hours for maximum protection from the sun. With the right sunscreen, you'll be ready to enjoy your time in the waves without worrying about damaging your skin!

What SPF Do I Need for Surfing?

When choosing sunscreen for surfing, you want to look for a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor). The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30. For extended outdoor activities like surfing, an SPF of 50 or higher is recommended. Make sure your sunscreen also offers both broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection to ensure that you're getting the best protection possible.

You also want to make sure that the sunscreen is water-resistant and designed for active sports, as this will help ensure that it won't wash off if you take a dip in the ocean while you're surfing. With these steps taken, you can hit the waves without worrying about the sun!

How Can I Protect My Lips While Surfing?

Your lips are just as vulnerable to the sun's UV radiation as the rest of your skin, so you need to make sure you're protecting them while you're out in the waves. You can apply a broad-spectrum lip balm or stick with an SPF of at least 15 before surfing and reapply every couple of hours. You may also want to look for a lip balm that contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera to keep your lips soft and hydrated.

Bottom Line


The bottom line is that sunscreen is an important part of any surfer's safety plan to protect against sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Look for a high SPF (at least 30), broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and water-resistant properties designed for active sports when shopping for sunscreen to ensure the best protection possible. With the right sunscreen in hand, you can safely hit the waves and enjoy the sunshine!

We hope you find your next Groovy thing from the list above! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — MyGroovyGuide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Have fun finding hip, cool stuff you will LOVE!