The summer months keep the majority of people outside longer and staying active. Whether at the beach or not, summer sports will have everyone keeping their eye on the ball rather than proper skin protection. With this in mind, I thought it would be helpful to reveal how many hours are spent playing summer’s most popular sports and provide some skin protection tips for each. Golfers should take a special interest in this – their sport of choice is by far the most sun exposed!
GOLF
- Game time begins at 10:00a.m.-typically runing through prime time sunshine hours.
- The steady pace of golf means you’ll need skin safety endurance: it’s most important to wear the right protective clothing to shield UV rays in combination with applying sunscreen every 2 hours throughout the entire game.
SAILING\BOATING
- Out on the open water with no shade in site, it’s important to reapply sun screen hourly and wear sunglasses and hats at all times.
FISHING
- Although fishing is the most relaxed sport highlighted in this list, the amount of time spent in the sun is nothing to ignore. During lunch breaks try resting in the shade and be sure to wear the right eye protection and sun shielding clothing.
TENNIS
- Depending upon the surface you are playing on the sun can be more intense: grass courts being the least reflective and hard courts being the most reflective.
- No matter what surface however, players should wear a hat or visor and reapply sun screen between games when switching court sides.
SWIMMING
- While the water might cool you off on a summer’s day, it is highly UV ray reflective and therefore a large amount of sunburns happen while people are swimming.
- Apply your waterproof sun screen a half hour before you plan on swimming and be sure to take breaks on land to reapply especially on your face and shoulders.
BEACH VOLLEY BALL
- The short length of time playing volley ball is countered by the sandy surface, which reflects the suns UV rays at greater intensity.
- The great range of motion needed to play this sport means players usually don’t like to wear clothing that might restrict them. Still, wearing a loose fitting shirt and shorts instead of your bathing suit, as well as regualar application of sunscreen and keeping your sunglasses on will be best for your skin.
Again, I encourage everyone to keep their skin well protected whether they are spectators or players this season and to have any skin damage or changing moles examined as well.
