Fishing and sun safety: How to protect your skin on the water

Fishing is the perfect excuse to spend hours outside, whether you're waist-deep in a river, out on the open sea, or sitting quietly on the banks of a lake.

But while you're focused on the next bite, the elements are taking a toll on your skin. Water, wind, and relentless sun exposure make fishing one of the highest-risk outdoor activities for skin damage.

In fact, research published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine found that people who do a lot of water-based sports, including fishing, have a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged UV exposure. Hours on hours of UV inevitably increase your risk.

So, with that in mind, here's how to stay protected both during and before you cast off.

1. Understand the skin risks of fishing

UV reflection: Water acts like a mirror, reflecting up to 100% of UV rays back at you. That means you’re getting hit from above and below.
Long exposure: Fishing isn't a quick sport. Hours spent outdoors, often with little shade, significantly increase UV exposure.
Wind and salt: If you’re fishing offshore, the combination of wind, salt, and sun can dry out your skin, leading to premature aging and irritation.
Cloudy days still count: Overcast skies don’t mean you’re safe—up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds.

2. Wear high-performance sun protection

Your best defence? A multi-layered approach to sun protection.

UPF 50+ clothing: The most effective way to block UV rays is with long-sleeved, UPF-rated tops like these from our range. UPF 50+ garments allow less than 2% of UV rays to penetrate, providing excellent protection—read here if you want to learn how it all works. Designed to keep you cool, they avoid any risk of sunscreen being missed, forgotten about or rubbing off. We like to say that UPF clothing is the ultimate physical barrier from the sun.
Wear a hat with a wide brim: Opt for a hat with a brim of at least three inches to shield your face, ears, and neck from UV rays. Our wide-brim sun hat follows the strictest Australian regulatory guidelines to make sure you're protected. It provides much more comprehensive coverage compared to standard baseball caps.
Use a neck gaiter or buff: A neck gaiter or buff can protect your neck and lower face from sun exposure. It's possible to find breathable options, offering an additional layer of protection.
Polarised sunglasses: Not just for spotting fish—good shades protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from UV rays and water glare.
Wear fingerless gloves: Protecting the backs of your hands is worth considering, as they're often exposed to direct sunlight. Fingerless gloves provide UV protection while allowing dexterity for tasks like knot tying and handling equipment.

3. Use the right sunscreen

Go for SPF 50+: Higher SPF means better protection. Choose a sweat- and water-resistant formula that won’t run into your eyes. Our SPF 50+ Sun Protection Spray ticks all these boxes plus it's compact, mess-free, and ideal for quick reapplication. We also have a pocket-friendly stick for face and lips.
Apply generously and often: Most people apply only half the amount they need. Cover all exposed areas, including ears, hands, and the back of your neck. Reapply every two hours, or more if you’re sweating or getting wet.

4. Wash off and repair your skin

At the end of a long day on the water, your skin needs a little care—nothing too onerous or expensive.

Rinse off salt and sweat: A quick wash removes salt, sunscreen, and pollution, preventing breakouts and irritation.
Hydrate and repair: Exposure to sun and wind can leave skin feeling tight and dry. A lightweight, soothing moisturiser like helps restore hydration and calm any redness.

5. Make skin protection a habit

The best anglers know that preparation is key. Skin protection should be as routine as checking your tackle box. Cover up, apply sunscreen, and reapply often. Doing this means you can enjoy years of fishing without the damage that comes with it.

Final word

Fishing is about patience, skill, and the great outdoors. But don’t let it cost you your skin health. With the right protection, you can keep doing what you love for longer. So gear up, protect yourself, and enjoy the water—safely.

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📷 Courtesy of our friends at Orvis UK

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