What’s the biggest threat to surfers? Sharks? Drowning? Other surfers in the lineup?
Those are serious threats, for sure. But maybe the biggest threat to surfers – the silent killer, if you will – is none of those things. Maybe it’s something much more…subtle. Like, the sun. Being that surfers are always outside and exposed, protection against the sun is pertinent.
And big-wave specialist, Nate Florence, agrees; during the most recent episode of his relatively new podcast with Koa Rothman, Florence explained:
“I’m good on this subject, because I’m super sun sensitive,” Nate said.
“In other words, he’s saying he’s pale,” replied Koa.
Jokes aside, Nate got into the nitty gritty of the dangers of extended sun exposure and his tips and tricks for surfers to prevent long-term damage.
“I’m not blessed with genes to be in the sun, and I’m in a career where all we are is in the sun,” he said.
“And so, steps I would take if you’re going to be in the sun are: get yourself a hooded rashguard. Those have been game-changing for me and my brothers, especially if you’re in tropical locations.
“Also, I wear sunscreen. I use the stick. I cake it on. I cover my face, and I try to get the backs of my ears and the backs of my neck. But sunscreen can only do so much. The main part is limiting your exposure. Hiding yourself from the sun is going to extend your surf sessions.”
Long sleeve, hooded rashguards have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks primarily to the one dropped by Nate’s brother’s company, Florence Marine X. But that’s just your upper body. To get full protection, Nate’s got another idea in the works:
“I’m probably going to start wearing tights,” Nate said. “My legs look like a crocodile’s back. They are getting wrecked, and I believe super detrimental to my career in the sun. I’m seriously considering some kind of surf pant. If I go to Indo this year or Mexico, you’re probably going to see me in some kind of full-body wetsuit.”
New trend for 2023? Surfing in tights? We’ll see.
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