Applying sunscreen is like doing taxes: no one looks forward to it, but if you avoid it, the inescapable outcome is that you’re gonna get burned. But if there’s two people who can make responsibilities seem just a little bit more fun, it’s Nate Florence and Koa Rothman.
Sure enough, in one of their recent podcast episodes titled “Waves with the Worst Paddle Outs, How Long A Pro Can Actually Surf For, Sun Protection!” The two discuss the “power of the sun” and the way their skin reacts to it, from tanning to freckling to, well… burning.
Their conversation was so popular with their listeners that it was made into a “Nate and Koa Clip” on YouTube. Nate advises surfers to get a hood or rash guard to wear when surfing in tropical locations. This is a key piece of advice for paler individuals travelling to locations with strong UV rays, because it limits sun exposure and doesn’t require re-application during a session! You may notice you have more energy, because the sunlight won’t exhaust you as quickly, and as a bonus, the reef and ocean life isn’t harmed no matter what brand you wear.
Interestingly, Koa comments that he heard some sunscreen contains chemicals that may cause or allow for cancer. This is a popular myth, and it’s interesting Koa brings it up here, because many people have heard this!
In fact, in The Inertia’s “guide to choosing and using sunscreen,” by Brian Guadagno, founder of RAW Elements, it is reported that “many of the top scientists disagree on what provides the best protection, the FDA has its hands full trying to issue new and effective regulations, and sunscreen product labels are a fireworks display of marketing.” And, the article notes that “Adding to the confusion is the growing chant: ‘Sunscreen causes cancer!’” Just like Koa heard! However, it is important to note that there exists no medical proof showing that sunscreen causes cancer.
Of course, choosing the right sunscreen still matters… a lot. Koa says, “the majority of people use sunscreen from an aerosol can, or something from a drugstore. Some of those allow certain UV rays in that cause cancer.” In other words, make sure you cover your bases. Broad Spectrum sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays, protecting you from the majority of harmful types of sun exposure.
Additionally, choosing the right sunscreen matters not just for yourself, but for the environment. “Have you ever gone to Waikiki?” Nate asks Koa. “The surface smells like sunscreen. It was just smoking the reef and the creatures in the water.”
Nate’s point is that we, as humans, have a responsibility to keep the ocean safe as well as our skin. For this reason, it’s important to choose reef-safe sunscreen (Surfrider Foundation compiled a helpful how-to guide for choosing one!) and read labels carefully.
Earth.org breaks down how to choose environmentally friendly sunscreens, going through everything from packaging to ingredients. In a nutshell, avoid plastics, avoid spray-on sunscreens, and don’t trust advertising — do your own research!
All in all, surfers are at higher risks for developing skin cancer due to their extended exposure time in the sun (six times higher, according to a study by Southern Cross University)! So, before you paddle out, remember that no one is too cool to protect themselves from the sun. Even Nathan Florence, who charges Teahupo’o, says “the backs of my legs are so wrecked… that I’m seriously considering wearing some type of surf pant.” You heard it here first: even surfers who find shade in the tube have a healthy respect for the sun.
