The Best Surfing Sunglasses in 2023: Surf in Style

Experience the thrill of riding the waves while keeping your eyes protected with the best surfing sunglasses. 

This specially designed eyewear is more than just a stylish accessory – they are an essential tool for surfers, offering optimal protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, glare, and other environmental elements. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of surfing sunglasses, highlighting their importance and discussing the top options available on the market today. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner eager to conquer the waves, having the right pair of sunglasses can greatly enhance your performance and overall experience while safeguarding your eyes from potential damage.

Get ready to choose the perfect pair of surfing sunglasses and take your surfing adventures to new heights!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Surfing Sunglasses: Blenders Stay Psyched

Best for Surfing & Beach Life: Blenders This is Livin’

Best Surfing Glasses Under $25: KUGUAOK Polarized Sports Sunglasses

Best Premium Sunglasses: Costa Del Mar Rincon Watersports Sunglasses

Best Sunglasses with Sporty Look: Oakley Gascan Sunglasses

Best Sunglasses That Float: Windrider Polarized Floating Sunglasses

Best Overall Surfing Sunglasses

Blenders Stay Psyched

Blenders Stay Psyched sunglasses are a must-have for surfers seeking the perfect blend of style and functionality. Designed with input from free surfer and YouTube legend Jamie O’Brien, these sunglasses are a force of nature that deliver an exceptional surfing experience.

One of the key features of Blenders Stay Psyched sunglasses is their polarized lenses. These lenses effectively filter bright, reflected light and reduce glare, providing surfers with crisp and clear vision during outdoor activities. Whether you’re riding the waves or enjoying a sunny beach day, these lenses ensure optimal visibility and minimize eye strain.

Comfort is a top priority with Blenders Stay Psyched sunglasses. They are lightweight and boast a medium to large fit, making them extremely comfortable to wear for extended periods. The sunglasses leave no marks on the face, allowing you to focus on the waves without any discomfort. The solid build and lightweight construction make them an ideal companion for active beach days.

Blenders Stay Psyched sunglasses not only excel in functionality but also in style. The matte black frame with a crystal blue interior exudes a sense of progressive fashion. The custom temple pattern adds a splash of uniqueness and reflects the vibrant personality of Jamie O’Brien. These sunglasses are not just an accessory; they are a statement piece that elevates your entire look.

The quality of Blenders Stay Psyched sunglasses is exceptional. Made in America, these sunglasses are built to last and withstand the demands of surfing. The vibrant colors, unique design elements, and gradient lens color further enhance their appeal. The attention to detail is evident, and the overall package exceeds expectations.

Blenders stands behind its product with international shipping and a generous 45-day free returns policy, ensuring customer satisfaction worldwide. With a custom sleeve, microfiber cloth, and sticker pack included, they provide the necessary accessories for protecting and maintaining your sunglasses.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Crisp and clear vision with polarized lenses
  • Stylish and fashion-forward design
  • Solid build and high-quality construction
  • Unique custom temple pattern adds a splash of uniqueness
  • Excellent fit for larger heads
  • Leaves no marks on the face
  • Includes accessories for protection and maintenance
  • International shipping and generous returns policy

Cons

  • Delayed shipments hinder reviews

Best for Surfing & Beach Life

Blenders This is Livin’

Blenders This is Livin’ sunglasses are an absolute game-changer for surfers in search of the perfect eyewear companion. Designed with surfers in mind, these sunglasses offer a plethora of features that elevate the surfing experience to new heights.

One of the most notable features for surfers is the polarized lenses. These lenses go beyond regular sunglasses by filtering bright, reflected light and reducing glare. When you’re out on the water, dealing with the intense sun and the glistening waves, these polarized lenses provide unparalleled clarity, allowing you to see more clearly and navigate your way through the surf with confidence. They enable you to spot potential hazards and wave sets, ensuring you never miss a chance to catch the perfect wave.

Moreover, the 100% UV protection provided by Blenders This is Livin’ sunglasses is essential for surfers who spend extended periods exposed to the sun. The harmful UV rays can be damaging to your eyes, and these sunglasses act as a shield, safeguarding your vision and long-term eye health. By blocking out the harmful UV rays, they reduce the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts and protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage.

Blenders understand that comfort is paramount when it comes to sunglasses for surfers. The medium to large size frames offers an excellent fit for a variety of face shapes, ensuring that they stay securely in place even during the most rigorous maneuvers. 

This prevents any distractions or worries about your sunglasses falling off and allows you to focus entirely on riding the waves. The lightweight construction adds to the comfort, making it feel as if you’re not wearing anything at all.

Style is also crucial for surfers, and Blenders This is Livin’ sunglasses deliver in that aspect as well. The glossy frame in a crystal cool gray and solid black tortoise pattern exudes a sense of adventure and style that perfectly complements the surfing lifestyle. 

With these sunglasses, you can not only conquer the waves but also make a fashion statement on and off the beach.

Pros

  • Available in different colors to match personal style
  • Polarized lenses for clear vision and reduced glare
  • 100% UV protection for eye safety
  • Comfortable fit for medium to large faces
  • Lightweight design for extended wear
  • Complete package with custom sleeve, microfiber cloth, and stickers

Cons

  • Some users may prefer more size options for different face shapes
  • Shipping delays or issues (not an issue with the product itself)
  • No mention of specific lens material or scratch resistance

Best Surfing Glasses Under $25

KUGUAOK Polarized Sports Sunglasses

The KUGUAOK Polarized Sports Sunglasses are an excellent choice for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality surfing glasses under $25. Packed with useful features, these sunglasses enhance your visual experience and offer reliable protection during your outdoor activities.

One of the best features is the availability of different lens colors. This allows you to choose the lens that best suits your preference and enhances your vision in different lighting conditions. Whether you’re surfing, driving, fishing, or participating in any water sport, the HD polarized lenses effectively eliminate scattered light and glare, resulting in a clear and natural view. 

This feature enhances your visibility, making it easier to spot objects and enjoy your activities without the discomfort of dazzling glare.

The ultra-light frame design adds to the overall comfort of these sunglasses. 

Not only are they lightweight, but they also showcase a stylish and personalized design. The comfortable fit makes them suitable for various outdoor activities such as fishing, surfing, etc. With these sunglasses, you can enjoy your favorite sports and adventures with ease.

The KUGUAOK Polarized Sports Sunglasses provide essential protection for your eyes. The lenses offer 100% UV400 protection, effectively filtering out harmful UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light up to 400nm. This protects your eyes from long-term UV damage and helps maintain their health during your outdoor escapades.

The sunglasses come with a complete package that includes a glasses case, sports glasses rope, soft glasses cloth, soft glasses pouch, and a polarized test card. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that your sunglasses are protected and easy to carry, while the test card allows you to verify the polarization of the lenses.

Pros

  • Available in different lens colors for personalized style
  • HD polarized lenses eliminate glare and offer clear vision
  • Ultra-light frame for enhanced comfort during activities
  • Complete package with accessories for convenience and protection
  • 100% UV400 protection for long-term eye health

Cons

  • Sunglasses do not float, requiring extra care near water
  • Some users may find the lenses less dark than expected

Best Premium Sunglasses

Costa Del Mar Rincon Watersports Sunglasses

The Costa Del Mar Rincon Watersports Sunglasses are a premium choice for surfers seeking stylish eyewear with exceptional performance. Designed for the needs of surfing activities, these sunglasses offer several features that enhance the user’s experience.

These are polarized plastic lenses with UV protection coating. This combination effectively reduces glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface, allowing surfers to see more clearly and enhancing their overall vision. The UV protection coating ensures that the eyes are shielded from harmful UVA and UVB rays, providing crucial eye safety during extended hours under the sun.

The medium-sized, lightweight propionate frame is well-suited for active use in water sports. Its comfortable fit, coupled with the Hydrolite grip, prevents slippage even in wet conditions, ensuring that the sunglasses stay securely on the face during rigorous surfing sessions. 

The integral pin hinge provides smooth and reliable opening and closing of the temples, adding convenience and durability to the overall design.

The Costa Rincon sunglasses come in various color options. Flaunting your style both on and off the water is made effortless with these sunglasses, elevating your overall appearance while providing necessary eye protection.

However, it’s worth noting that some users with smaller heads have found the fit to be somewhat loose, which may result in a less secure feel. Additionally, a few users reported that the lenses scratched easily despite proper care, which can be disappointing considering the premium nature of the product.

The Costa Del Mar Rincon Watersports Sunglasses feature a propionate frame that is specifically designed to meet the demands of surfers and other watersports enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re riding waves, paddling, or participating in other water activities, the Costa Rincon sunglasses provide a snug fit that won’t easily slip or move around. 

This is further enhanced by the Hydrolite grip, which adds a non-slip element to the frame, even when wet. This feature is essential for surfers who need their sunglasses to stay put in the face of splashing waves, sweat, or any other water-related challenges.

Pros

  • A lightweight propionate frame offers comfort and durability
  • Polarized lenses with UV protection reduce glare and safeguard the eyes
  • Hydrolite grip prevents slippage in wet conditions
  • Integral pin hinge for smooth opening and closing
  • Various color options for personalized style

Cons

  • Loose fit for users with smaller heads
  • Lenses may scratch easily despite proper care

Best Sunglasses with Sporty Look

 Oakley Gascan Sunglasses

The Oakley Gascan Sunglasses are a top choice for surfers and individuals seeking high-quality sunglasses with a sporty look. Packed with beneficial features, these sunglasses elevate the user’s experience and provide excellent eye protection.

One of the standout features is Oakley’s Plutonite Lenses, which offer superior UV protection by filtering out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400mm. This advanced lens technology ensures that your eyes are shielded from the sun’s harmful rays, allowing you to enjoy your surfing adventures without worrying about long-term UV damage.

The patented High Definition Optics (HDO) in the Gascan Sunglasses provide superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision from every angle. This ensures that you have a clear and accurate vision, enhancing your overall performance and enjoyment during surfing.

The O Matter stress-resistant frame is both lightweight and durable, providing all-day comfort and protection. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for withstanding the rigors of surfing, ensuring that the sunglasses retain their shape and functionality over time.

The Oakley Gascan Sunglasses feature a valuable Three-Point Fit system, perfect for surfers. This design ensures comfort and precise optical alignment by only making contact at the bridge of the nose and behind the temples. No pressure points or distractions, just focus on the waves.

Pros

  • Comfortable fit for long surfing sessions
  • Precise optical alignment enhances vision and focus
  • Three-Point Fit eliminates pressure points and distractions

Cons

  • Limited information on additional features and lens options
  • Some users may prefer sunglasses with a stronger lens darkness

Best Sunglasses That Float

WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses

The WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses are a fantastic choice for surfers looking for sunglasses that offer both style and functionality. These sunglasses come with a range of features that greatly enhance the user’s experience.

Its Best feature is the ability of these sunglasses to float on water. This eliminates the worry of losing your sunglasses in the sea, providing peace of mind while enjoying surfing. Additionally, there’s no need for unattractive floating straps, allowing you to maintain a cool and sleek look.

The polarized lenses of the WindRider sunglasses are a game-changer. They significantly reduce glare, making them ideal for various Sea sports activities. 

Whether you’re fly fishing and need to spot fish beneath the water’s surface or sailing and keeping an eye out for subtle gusts, these lenses provide clear vision and protect your eyes from blinding sunlight.

Comfort is another area where these sunglasses excel. They are incredibly lightweight, and once you wear them, you’ll hardly notice they’re there. You can comfortably wear them on the beach without any discomfort or distraction.

The hydrophobic coating on the lenses is a remarkable feature for water enthusiasts. It repels water and oil, ensuring that water beads and runs off the lenses, so you won’t have to constantly wipe your glasses. This coating also reduces the occurrence of fingerprint smudges, keeping your lenses clean and clear.

With a lifetime warranty, Windrider stands behind its product, offering repair or replacement for any damage or breakage. This demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction and the durability of their sunglasses.

Pros

  • The floatable design eliminates the risk of losing them in water.
  • Polarized lenses reduce glare, ideal for water activities.
  • Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
  • Hydrophobic coating repels water and oil for clear vision.
  • A lifetime warranty offers peace of mind and support.

Cons

  • Some users experienced fogging issues.
  • Reflection issues reported with white frames and reflective lenses

What to Look for while Selecting Sunglasses for Surfing

while Selecting Sunglasses for Surfing

Polarization

When it comes to sunglasses for surfing, you need polarized products. Sunglasses are essential equipment for surfing because there’s so much glare at the beach or by the ocean that it can be hard to see where you’re going.

Polarized glasses are specifically designed to help you see past glares and focus on your surroundings.

Polarized lenses reduce or even eliminate the sun glare that we see when the sun is reflected on the water or the sand. As a result, you get a clear vision that is easy on the eyes.

In any case, this feature also comes with a cost. Surf sunglasses that are polarized are more expensive, but what you’ll get is safety and protection for your eyes as well as clear vision allowing you to enjoy your surfing activity every time, so it’s worth a splurge.

UV Protection

Another crucial thing to consider is to ensure that your surf sunglasses have UV protection.

Again, you will stay out in the sun for long hours, so you have to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

UV protection will not only offer increased protection from the brightness of the sun, but the added effects of UV rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes.

If you spend too much time in direct sunlight without proper eye protection, you will end up with both short-term and long-term eye damage.

When shopping for sunglasses for surfing, make sure it claims UV protection. Don’t just go around and buy dark-tinted sunglasses and assume they have UV protection. It doesn’t work that way.

Durability

Of course, surf sunglasses are no good if they will not get you through the waves.

Make sure the sunglasses are made of high-quality and durable materials to compete with the big splashes of saltwater, harsh elements such as sand and dirt present at the beach, and your rigorous movements as you surf.

Ideally, lenses should be scratch-resistant and impact-resistant. Other lens coatings such as hydrophobic and oleophobic are also great features to look out for. These will make your lenses more durable and last long.

Strong plastic or polycarbonate materials are highly preferred for the frame not just for their durability but also because they don’t rust in contrast to metal frames.

Your surf sunglasses will be constantly exposed to saltwater and air, so it is more likely to rust, which is why it is better to choose plastic or polycarbonate frames over metals.

Fit and Security

There is no room for bulky sunglasses that come off with tides and waves in surfing. The best surf sunglasses are engineered to fit your face and stick to it.

They should allow you to maneuver freely within the water without worrying about them coming off.

To ensure your sunglasses don’t budge while surfing, look for sunglasses that have a strong leash system that you can use to attach your sunglasses into.

It can be a clip-on leash, a retainer necklace, or even a head strap. This will keep your sunglasses from getting tossed by the waves and losing them.

Some surf sunglasses also have a floating system that enables the sunglasses to be extremely lightweight and buoyant.

So you can just easily spot and recover your sunglasses in case it falls into the sea rather than struggling to dive under the water just to retrieve them.

Sunglasses for Surfing

Final Words

Surfing is a sport that demands one to have the right surfing sunglasses. Constant exposure to the bright and harsh rays of the sun can cause permanent eye damage.

That’s why you mustn’t go out and pick the cheapest sunglasses for surfing and going out and about. You need to see in the water if you want to surf safely.

And you don’t want to blind yourself when you’re in the water. That’s a recipe for disaster. Don’t jeopardize your safety; when it comes to your eyes, choose quality above everything else.

It does not matter if you are an amateur or professional surfer; any individual who loves to have fun under the sun needs the best sunglasses for surfing.

About Tessa Reynolds

Hey, I'm Tessa. I like to do makeup, especially eye makeup. So, I always take inspiration about how I can do better eye makeup that makes my eyes beautiful. Along with makeup, I'm also a big fan of sunglasses, and I always test new glasses that go with my curly hair.