As we all know, one thing Scotland is not renowned for is the Sun. When it does shine (in that glorious week or two we call Summer!!) it can bear down with plenty of force on our pasty skin. Being on or near the water only magnifies the effects that sun has (and potential damage that it can do) so it can be vital to have the correct sun protection in place. A good hat, eye protection and keeping the body covered as much as conditions allow is hugely important. Wetsuits will give plenty of sun protection to the body, but on scorching days and as your paddling confidence increases, a rash vest and shorts may be your preferred clothing options. As you purchase a rash vest, you will notice (alongside other pieces of clothing), you will notice an SPF rating that features on it, this vital piece of information also appears on sunblock.

What is an SPF Factor? Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the sunscreens ability to protect skin from UVB rays. UVB relates to the sunburn and malignant (potentially cancerous) damage of the sun to the skin, while UVA relates to the aging and leathering of the skin that the sun can cause.  The higher the SPF Factor the more solar energy that would be required to burn the skin. SPF 30 will block 97% of the sun’s rays, SPF 50 will block 98%. The strong sun and the reflection from the water means that its likely to be the higher SPF Factors that you are to be using on sunnier days. An SPF 30 will protect you from being in the sun thirty times longer than if you were not wearing any protection, SPF 50 will be fifty times longer.

Sunscreen tends not to advertise itself as waterproof, but many will say they are water resistant. This means that, while out on the water we cannot just apply once and forget about it…reapply regularly in order to have as much protection as possible. It is worth doing this in advance of going out in the sun to start with, say 15 to 20 minutes beforehand too.

Get into the habit of always wearing it, even on the cloudier days. This may be common practice for those who live in warmer climes than here in Scotland and the UK, but for us locals, this might be a gentle reminder.

Think about when you are able to go out on the water, can you avoid the most powerful rays of the sun in the middle of the day and paddle while the sun is less strong in the morning or evening?

So, next time you are gearing up to hit the water, whether with us or on your own…. wear the correct amount of sun protection clothing, the correct SPF, re apply regularly, limit your time in the sun, and, if you see blemishes or anything on the body that looks like it has changed, then don’t hesitate to visit your GP.