Sunglasses

Floating frames, polarised lenses and straps

Regular sunglasses don’t last long on the water. They slip off in a fall and sink, and a non-polarised lens leaves you squinting into glare bouncing off the surface. Sunglasses built for the water fix both. Floating frames. A floating frame is the single most useful feature out on the water — knock your sunnies off in a fall or coming off a jet ski and they sit on the surface instead of heading for the bottom. It turns a lost pair into a quick reach over the side. Polarised lenses. Polarised lenses cut the harsh glare reflecting off the water, which does two things: it’s far easier on your eyes over a long day, and you can actually see into the water rather than at a wall of light. Less squinting means less fatigue and a clearer view of what’s ahead. UV protection. Reflected light off water increases UV exposure, so proper UV-rated lenses matter more here than on land. The lenses are built to block it while you’re out for hours. Fit at speed. Wrap frames and grippy arms hold on when you’re moving — a loose pair gets stripped off by the wind on a jet ski or behind the boat. Some models take interchangeable lenses so you can swap tints for bright or overcast conditions. Straps and retainers. A floating retainer or strap is cheap insurance — it keeps your sunglasses on through a fall and floats them if they do come off. Worth adding to any pair you wear on the water, floating or not. Brand. Jetpilot covers the range here, from polarised floating sunnies to interchangeable-lens and two-in-one eyewear, plus the straps and retainers to keep them with you. Care. Rinse the salt off after use, dry with a soft cloth rather than a shirt to protect the coating, and store in a case so the lenses don’t scratch.