Here are a few scary stats…       

• According to the CDC, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes…only 15 minutes.
• On average, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.
• Roughly 70-90 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

I know, not what you want to hear. But growing up on the water in Tampa Bay, I understand the importance of sun protection….and the annoyance of regularly applying sunscreen.  Trust me, if the tide is right, I’m always looking to stay out on the water as long as possible but I’m constantly looking to protect my skin. The Florida heat can be brutal and unforgiving.  I’m not saying you can replace applying sunscreen with sun protective clothing, but wearing the right gear can significantly block unwanted ultraviolet rays from the sun.

I would take advantage of wearing UPF rated clothing.  The higher the rating, the more UV transmissions are blocked. Our UPF performance gear has a UPF label of 50+, which means less then 2% of UV transmissions comes through the clothing.  When you wear high quality UPF clothing, you don’t need to apply as much sunscreen to areas of your body that are now covered.

Sun protective clothing is recommended for ALL activities outdoors including running, biking, paddle boarding, or just hanging out by the pool. 

Don’t forget about your kids either…In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), children are exposed to about eighty percent of the total UV radiation they will receive in their entire lifetime.

Our coastal region has so much to offer therefore next time you’re on Clearwater Beach or enjoying the vendors at Sparkman Wharf or fishing a mangrove line near Weedon Island, make sure to bring sunscreen and your favorite sun protective gear.  You will need it!