The sports we love keep us close to nature but also expose us to sun, salt, and heat. Whether you're riding in the tropics or closer to home, long sessions on the water can lead to dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion if you're not prepared. The good news? With the right habits and the right gear, you can stay protected and perform at your best. Prolimit helps you stay cool, covered, and ready for action. Let’s break down the essentials to keep you riding strong and safe in the sun.
Start with UV Protection
Sun exposure on the water is no joke, especially with UV rays reflecting off the surface. Prolimit offers a full range of UV 50+ Rashguards designed to protect your skin without compromising performance. Lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable, they’re ideal for all-day sessions.
Top off your protection with the Prolimit Shade Surf Hat, a floating surf hat with UPF 50+, chin strap to keep it secure in windy conditions. It shields your face, ears, and neck while staying firmly in place.
Hydration: Staying Fueled for Performance
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining energy, focus, and physical performance during your water sports sessions. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and a decrease in cognitive function, all of which can hinder your performance and increase the risk of accidents.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Drink before you’re thirsty: By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already showing signs of dehydration. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, especially before heading out on the water.
- Electrolytes matter: In addition to water, replenishing lost electrolytes is essential. Consider sports drinks, coconut water, a pinch of celtic/ mineral salt or electrolyte tablets to maintain the right balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration, so avoid them just before and during your session. We know, Red Bull is a great hype-up before your session, just be sure to consume it safely. Stick to water and electrolyte-rich beverages for optimal hydration.
- Carry water with you: Keep a water bottle on hand during breaks or between sessions to ensure you’re consistently rehydrating.
Sun Care: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays
Spending hours in the sun while shredding in the water is fun (we know) but prolonged hours in the elements can increase your risk of sunburn, which isn’t great for your skin in the long run and increases your risk of skin cancer related illnesses in the future. And it’s not just direct sun; the reflection of UV rays off the water can intensify the exposure, making it essential to protect your skin.
Tips for Sun Protection
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (we recommend 50+) before heading out on the water. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or coming in and out of the water. A thicker zinc across your nose and more vulnerable skin spots is a good idea.
- Don’t forget your lips: Your lips are just as vulnerable to UV damage as the rest of your skin. Use a lip balm with SPF or zinc to protect them from sunburn.
- Wear protective clothing: Consider wearing rashguards, UV-protective shirts, and hats to reduce direct sun exposure
- Seek shade during breaks: When you’re off the water, take breaks in the shade to reduce your sun exposure. If possible, use a beach umbrella or find natural shade to give your skin a rest.
Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses
In severe cases… The sessions that involve hours and hours on the water (because the conditions are just too good) can result in potential heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Pay attention to the signs of heat-related stress, which include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.
Tips for Preventing Heat Illnesses
- Know the symptoms: If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous, it’s important to get out of the sun and hydrate immediately. Seek a cooler environment and rest until you feel better.
- Take regular breaks: Even if you’re in great shape, it’s important to take breaks and cool down during long sessions in the sun. Rest in the shade and hydrate regularly to prevent overheating. Try to avoid sessions in the middle of the day when the sun is at its heaviest.
Fortunately, we often get to enjoy the sun while playing on the water. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays comes with consequences. This makes sun and heat safety a top priority. By staying hydrated, using sunscreen to protect your skin, and taking precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, you can fully enjoy your loops, boosts, waves, and speed runs safely. Always listen to your body and take breaks when needed to stay energized and protected during every session.
