Surfing is one of the most exhilarating water sports out there. Whether riding on small rolling waves or big gigantic ones – very little beats the thrill of the ocean's challenges. An avid surfer spends a lot of time out in the sun. While they are out there, surfers need to take extra precautions to protect their skin and eyes.

People who spend a lot of time out at sea put themselves at risk for skin cancer and cataracts if they do not have the proper protection. The sun, although necessary for helping our bodies generate the right quantities of Vitamin D, also emits UV rays that are harmful to us, especially when we are exposed to them in great quantities and for an extended period of time. For skin, surfers should wear sunblock, as well as long-sleeved Lycra shirts that will keep their skin covered.

But what about the eyes? Excessive exposure to sun can cause a surfer's eyes to grow tissue like pterygiums and cataracts. Other eye problems could be caused by the level of glare being reflected off the water. Not only does sunlight bouncing off the surface of the water intensify UV exposure, but it may make it difficult to see, and may cause the eyes to strain and get fatigued.

A good pair of sunglasses for a surfer would have these qualities:

• UV protection
• Polarized lenses: that filter glare and make it easier to see
• Good straps to attach to sunglasses: to keep glasses from falling off while surfing
• Has ventilation: to keep enough air circulating between the face and glasses as well as prevent fogging
• Impact resistant: lenses made from polycarbonate are shatter-resistant and are particularly durable and strong

Olympic Eyewear has plenty of sports eyewear to choose from. X-Loop Sunglasses has a vast array of sportswear styles and colors. There are also bulk sunglasses with polarized lenses and most of Olympic Eyewear's sunglasses are made with polycarbonate lens.