Inflatable Kayak Blog

Last week, I wrote about what SPF (sun protection factor) in sunscreens meant. Today I’ll write about how much of it you should use when you’re out on the water. The peak hours of sun exposure are from 10 AM until 4 PM. If you are going to be out at that time, for more than 20 minutes, be sure to apply a sunscreen with SPF of greater than 15. Although SPF of 15 is considered adequate protection for most people, the problem is that most of us use only about a quarter of sunscreen quantity needed to get the full SPF protection advertised on the label. By using an SPF of 30, you will get adequate protection even if half the appropriate amount is applied. It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen twenty minutes before sun exposure because many sunscreens take a few minutes to become effective. And don’t forget to check the expiration date. Extreme temperatures can shorten sunscreen’s shelf life, so you may want to purchase a new bottle every summer and be sure to keep some handy in your kayak dry bag.