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Updated on: January 11, 2024
Are you looking for the perfect pair of boating, jet skiing, or paddle boarding sunglasses? Choices, choices, choices. When it comes to sunglasses the choice can be overwhelming.
In our eyes, the best sunglasses for water sports have to float and have to keep up with whatever you throw at them.
Floating sunglasses are perfect for SUP because you don’t have to worry about losing them mid-paddle. Instead, you can quickly and easily retrieve them straight from the surface of the water.
We’ve all had that gut-sinking moment when the sunglasses plunge off and take a dive into the water, never to be seen again. Don’t get caught out again!
Their range of choice means there is something available for everyone
Great value for money while no compromise of safety
Their business mission and replanting trees is inspiring
For sunglasses to float, the materials do matter. Heavy solid metal is going to go straight down to the bottom.
The best floating sunglasses tend to be made out of plastic, a composite material, polycarbonate, or bamboo. These lightweight materials naturally stay afloat and will keep your glasses on the surface of the water.
The lens color isn’t just to help your fashion style. There are different reasons for each color and how they can help protect your eyes.
Polarized lenses are the best protection against UV rays. They are highly effective to cut out glare and bright sunlight that is being reflected horizontally from the water. These are the most recommended type of lens for any sunglasses and can be found in partnership with the varying colors.
Mirrored lenses again reduce the amount of light hitting your eyes by reflecting the rays off the lenses. These are often considered the most stylish lens option.
Blue-blocker lenses block blue light and glare that comes from the surface of the water. These are always popular with surfers, paddlers, boaters, and even snowboarders on top of mountains.
Yellow/orange lenses are fantastic at protecting your eyes in darker conditions. They are a great option if you plan to paddle rivers or lakes where you will often be going from bright light to shaded cover.
Size, shape, and style all matter and should definitely be considered when shopping for a new pair of shades.
The size of the sunglasses concerns the width of your face. Ensure that your eyes will align with the lends and check the bridge is not too narrow or wide for your nose. Some shades have hinges to compensate and help out, while others may be more rigid.
The shape of glasses balances out facial features. Certain face shapes work better with specifically designed sunglasses:
At the end of the day, floating sunglasses are a top accessory for paddle boarding and other water activities. But just because they are versatile and practical does not mean they can’t be stylish at the same time. Get a pair that you are comfortable with and feel confident in.
Of course, everyone has a budget when they are shopping. Whether you are on a lower budget or can afford a premium brand, there are plenty of options available to match your financial needs.
Just be sure that you are getting complete sun protection with 100% UVA approved lenses.
Most people who need sunglasses that float are in and out of the water with various bits of equipment. These activities tend to have a bit of rough and tumble to them, so having a decent level of durability is a must.
For the toughest frames, we recommend polycarbonate frames for ultimate durability.
Here are the top 23 floating sunglasses that we love and recommend to anyone hitting the water. They are all affordable while providing excellent style and sun safety.
Looking for a pair of floating polarized sunglasses that are environmentally friendly? Tree Tribe’s Bamboo Sunglasses are the way to go. The flexible hinges hyper-extend to give extra comfort, fitting most people while looking super stylish.
We’ve named these bamboo and eco-conscious sunnies as our favorite environmentally-friendly choice.
Planning on spending the day on the beach? Or perhaps you’re going to cruise over a lake at the weekend. Wherever your adventures will take you, be prepared with a pair of KZ Gear polarized Floating sunglasses.
The KZ Gear range is fantastic. That is why we have named them as our best overall name for the best floating sunglasses, perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.
Another amazing eco-conscious company that has a mission of replanting trees with every pair of sunglasses sold. RawWood Original sunglasses float in the water thanks to the 100% bamboo frame. Stand out from the masses and join the RawWood vision.
Another amazing pair of sunnies focused on the environment. These are super stylish paddle boarding or kayak sunglasses not to be missed out.
Trendy, stylish, and sun safe. These sunglasses from Cloudfield take sun protection as seriously as they take style. Lightweight frames thanks to the bamboo material allows you to wear these sunglasses all day without you even noticing they are there.
If style is a main concern, along with sun safety, then definitely pick up a pair of Cloudfield’s sunnies.
The old faithful’s. Rheos is a much loved and highly rated name and for good reason. This brand has a huge range of outdoor and sports sunglasses. The Coopers range is fantastic floating shades that keep the glare off and protect your eyes while giving you that classic cool style.
And what’s more? Every purchase from Rheos is a contribution to help protect our planet’s waterways and coastlines.
We love Rheos so much that they deserve another mention for their Palmettos Aviator Sunnies. All the same features as the Cooper range but in a classic aviator design.
Turn heads as you paddle on by while keeping your eyes safe with these stylish aviators.
We love Rheos so much that they deserve another mention for their Palmettos Aviator Sunnies. All the same features as the Cooper range but in a classic aviator design.
Do you wear prescription glasses and don’t like contact lenses? No problem with the Ideal Eyewear Polarized Floating Fit Over Sunglasses.
If you are looking for a timeless classic pair of floating sunglasses to serve you well on the water, then you can’t go wrong with these polarized sunglasses from Body Glove.
Full 100% protection against UVA/UVB rays and hydrophobic coating makes them cracking to be outdoors, at the beach, or on a lake.
Sililun has created another bamboo pair of sunglasses but with a slight twist. Hit the beach with these vibrant sunnies and you will have the sun with you the whole way.
Full 100% protection against UVA/UVB rays and hydrophobic coating makes them cracking to be outdoors, at the beach, or on a lake.
Never have to go diving for your sunglasses again. The Waves Gear Classic uses the world’s most iconic sunglasses design with an unsinkable construction.
These lightweight and comfortable glasses are perfect for all water enthusiasts, runners, and athletes.
Rheos Gear have nailed the floating accessories with their immense range of sunglasses. The Sapelos are yet another great pair worthy of a mention. Both stylish and safe, what more can you want?
Rheos is a company that knows their audience. They are surfers, paddlers, boaters, and mermaids-in-disguise.
Fiore’s Polarized Sunglasses don’t only float, but they also have a great wrap-around design to give you maximum protection. The value for money is fantastic with the low price tag.
We recommend these sunglasses for all the keen anglers and boaters out there spending all day out on the water.
We can’t get enough of wooden sunglasses. SKADINO have used a fashionable zebra wood to make these awesome sunglasses that float on water.
The double-spring hinges make these a very comfortable pair of sunnies for everyday use.
For all the outdoor lovers. These sunglasses from Limitless are so lightweight you won’t even know you’re wearing them.
Hit nature at full speed knowing you are protected from any harmful UV rays and your glasses won’t sink to the bottom of the lake.
Cheap, yet great quality. These floating sunglasses from RUNCL are fantastic value for money and won’t let you down for your wild and wet adventures.
The bigger frame design stands out from other options available, while still maintaining style and practicality.
These buoyant sunglasses are made for the most challenging outdoor lives. We love the WRH final touch to the Cressi glasses making them repel water droplets as they land on the lens
Choose between black or red mirrored lens, both providing top protection from harmful UV rays.
Are you looking for some great floating sunglasses for a low price? These Honu sunnies are fantastic value for money with durability and style uncompromised.
Days spent out on the water are meant to be carefree. Do yourself a favor and get some of these floating sunglasses to give you one less thing to worry about.
Is style your top priority? Check out these retro-glam sunglasses from MERRY’S. These slightly rounded frames will suit just about everyone for any occasion.
While they aren’t the most buoyant option available, they are still super stylish and look great out in the Great Outdoors.
These glasses from Bomber really are mega! These sunglasses meet all safety regulations in the US, meaning you can even wear them on a construction site.
If you live a rough and rugged lifestyle then these are by far the best floating sunglasses for you.
DUBERY’s sunglasses are timeless, durable, and offer complete protection. There is a range of colors to choose from to truly make these sunnies your own.
If you are looking for something on a low budget but still provide a level of quality then these are the shades for you.
These sunglasses from WindRider are perfect for paddle boarding, fishing, and boating. The wrap-around lenses are fantastic at reducing glare for long days out on the water.
Choose between blue mirror, green mirror (copper base), or a smoke lens effect.
Looking for something super secure? These sunglasses are a hybrid between goggles, shades, and floating retainer straps. Seaspecs Sports Sunglasses are the ultimate extreme sports go-to.
So if you need a pair of sunglasses to keep up with your fast paced sports, these sunglasses from Seaspecs are made for you.
And last but not least, Luxear’s Sports Polarized Sunnies are a solid pair of glasses that will keep up with any active lifestyle. The frames are super durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Want an extra level of security for your sunglasses? This retainer strap from Chums gives superb visibility thanks to the bright neon color. If you are a kayaker or a paddle boarder, then this Megafloat should be in your kit bag.
Looking for a stylish retainer strap to take to the beach or pool? Ukes neoprene straps are unique, bright, and add a touch of personality to any pair of sunglasses.
Are you hitting the water? This retainer strap from DriftFish is designed to keep your sunglasses safe no matter what activity you embark on. The high-quality materials and construction are ready for all life’s adventures being exposed to salt water and plenty of sun.
We love the snug fit of these Koala Lifestyle Chums Retainer Straps. While they are not perfect for everyone, these retainer straps are great for kids, women, and people with smaller heads.
Always make sure you check the straps are securely fitted onto your glasses before hitting the water.
The YR Floral Sunglass Strap is one of the best available on the market. These retainer straps will keep your glasses safe while giving you a touch of feminine style.
These retainer straps are super versatile and will easily be able to keep up with an active lifestyle, on land or on water.
Anyone with an active lifestyle out on the water is recommended to use polarized lenses. These specialized lenses reduce glare and the vertical reflection of UV rays coming off the water.
Not only are you gaining protection for your eyes, but you will be able to clearly see any hazards that may be lying under the surface of the water while paddle boarding, like rocks or tree roots.
Some people like to have the added security of retainer straps. Commonly made from neoprene or foam, they give extra float and buoyancy to your shades while also making them easier to fish out of the water.
UV radiation is a massive risk for your eyes and vision. If you enjoy outdoor life, then you must make sure you protect your eyes. It’s a no brainer.
Vented sunglasses are a good idea if you are hitting outdoor activities in the summer months. With perforated frames you get extra breathability, making your time outdoors more comfortable.
It does depend on the materials used. Heavy metal frames are likely to sink to the bottom of the ocean. If you are in any doubt, make sure you test out the float in the bath or sink before taking them out to the middle of a lake.
Polarized lenses filter the sun’s rays before hitting your eyes. They are particularly effective with horizontal rays that are reflected off the water. Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is always recommended to avoid health difficulties.
UV radiation can cause severe damage to the cornea and other parts of your eye. 100% UV protection in your sunglasses keeps you safe while out enjoying the water.
Floating sunglasses are perfect for any water-based activity, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and so on.
Even if you are having an afternoon by the pool, floating sunglasses will come in handy!
Absolutely, yes! Just make sure you are comfortable with your contact lenses in the water. If you have issues with this you can find specialized floating sunglasses that fit over prescription glasses.
Yes, it’s not only for style. Dark lenses are great for super bright light and conditions. While light lenses, like yellow, are ideal for shadier days or when you are in and out of cover.
All of the sunglasses and retainer straps mentioned above have a decent degree of buoyancy and can float on the surface. Bamboo, lightweight plastic, and neoprene are all incredibly buoyant materials.
Even though these products can float well, we always recommend you run your own test before hitting the water. And remember, currents and gushing waters can easily carry away sunglasses, so be sure to grab your sunglasses quickly out of the water.
If you have an active lifestyle and love water sports / activities then floating sunglasses really are worth it. They will give you a peace of mind while out on the water.
Absolutely! Floating sunglasses are versatile and do the same job as regular sunglasses.
Most of the floating sunglasses are made from more flexible materials. Bamboo and lightweight plastic have the flexibility to flex to fit most heads.
While most sunglasses come as “on-size”, some suit larger faces better than others.
All of these sunglasses listed are standard issue and cannot be modified. However, talk to your eye doctor or ophthalmologist about having some specialized sunglasses made up for you.
If you keep finding your floating sunglasses sliding off your head into the water, perhaps try out a retainer strap to give you some extra security.
Most floating sunglasses are unisex design. However, there are some mentioned above that are more rugged and heavy-duty which would be typically chosen by men.
There you have it, all you need to know about how to find the best floating sunglasses.
Remember to consider your face shape when choosing out your next perfect paddle board sunglasses. Before you know it, all heads will be turning to check out your latest style trend!
Have we missed off your favorite pair of sunnies? Let us know in the comments below!
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