Sunglasses for kiting?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I'm on my third pair of seaspecs

- like em but they seem to scratch pretty easy I try to be anal about putting them back in their magic case - any one have any luck with in the water sunglasses?

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I have some old Briko's that I used to race (x-country skiing) with. They come with fitted straps, not just croakies. I don't know where you can buy them in the US, but you can get them from Italy where they're made, too. Acutally, I'm wearing them in that avitar pic. Also, I've seen surfers and kiters in oakley's water-lineup...

Also I have some Natives that have polarized lenses and a lifetime guarentee. I've replaced the lenses twice ($30 charge). Actually the last time they just gave me a whole new pair, pretty tight. I highly reccomend Natives. If you've never tried polarized lenses, they might just change your life, especially on the water. Mine have interchangeable lenses, and so I can used them in low light with a clear lens, which helps me not loose my contact lenses when I hit the water hard.

Mark · Tue Jun 10, 08 3:52 pm

You can get seaspecs 3 for 99 on the web. I just hang them around the rear mirror in the truck. Seem to last pretty good. Make sure there is NO sand in the rag you are wiping them with.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I read a post where guys said that polorized lens do not work in the surf because you see slightly thru the wave face messing up your timeing.

Chooch · Tue Jun 10, 08 4:16 pm

I have been using Julbo sunglasses for the past 3 seasons. They have a great adjustable strap made of nylon so no stretching occours during a crash causing them to slip off your head. They come polarized and hydrophobic? (Not sure on the exact term) but it causes them to shead the water (even salt) without streaking. Bonus is they are covered for life.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Thanks for the input - the seaspecs are polarized - no problem seeing through the wave - though you definitely can see the sealife underwater much, much, better with polarized glass - important for fishing and kite fishing Laughing

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

It's all about kiteboarders law #29. It's called "The Inverse theory of Sunglasses".
The more you spend on sunglasses the faster you'll lose them. I go through an average of 3 sunglasses per summer. I tie them on, have floats, practically superglue them to my head--and pop their gone. When I buy them from 7/11, I can't shake them loose. How nak got his glasses back; is a mystery to me. I've lost at least 4 at stevenson alone.

Polarized = they're history!

Nak · Tue Jun 10, 08 4:48 pm

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

I bought 4 pairs of cheap sunglasses from Sandersons safety and supply for $2.99 march of 2007 last season, I still have four pairs.

tonyb · Tue Jun 10, 08 7:55 pm

Damn Kraemer! I didn't know there was an actual reason as to why I lose my s'pensive glasses but somehow always seem to keep the freebie's! Thx! Thumb's Up

How many times does a theory have to be proven to be called a law? This right up there with Murphy!

Tony

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

I bought a pair of Bugz. So far they are worthless. They are super uncomfortable and if you so much as blink to hard the lenses pop out. I like the cheap sunglasses and a strap idea.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

actually, the lenses could probably pop out. it hasn't happened yet, they seem pretty secure. you really have to flex the frames hard to get the lenses out. but, it probably could happen. I actually just recently started kiting 'harder' (jumping, falling), and wearing the brikos (with a strap and non-removeable lenses). before that, I actually used my natives without a strap, that seems pretty crazy looking back!

RayRaytheKiter · Since 10 Jun 2008 6 Posts Kook

Another option are the Silverfish sunglasses. They seem to have a style that is identical to seaspecs (for less $$$), as well as two other styles that have a leash. The leash is a nice feature that eliminates trying to pick them up if they ever do fall off, which is rare. I am still on the same Whistler pair that I got three years ago!

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

marina c · Wed Jun 11, 08 6:10 am

surfshades.net as well.

most polycarbonate lenses will scratch easily. The trade off is they don't shatter on impact:-)

In the upcoming issue of The Kiteboarder in the ASK THE MD section, we have an article of Surfer's Eye, along with a sidebar piece on the advantages/disadvantages of polarized versus polarized, lens choices, etc. It starts shipping June 20!

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2618 Posts The 503 METAL

I resisted wearing sunglasses while kiting but my eyes were getting damaged. The glare, especially out here on the coast is just brutal. I wear cheapo glasses for kicking around but not out on the water where you want to know that the "100% UV" is real.

I finally scored some Oakley Yellow Jackets at Cleanline. Incredible lenses and more scratch resistant than the Spex. They have a nice band/leash so you won't lose them.

Cool