Scuba Spearfishing Sun Protection: UPF Gear Between Dive Sessions

Spearfishing sun protection requires specialized UPF-rated clothing designed for rapid wet-to-dry transitions during surface intervals. Unlike recreational scuba diving, spearfishing involves extended periods at the surface between dives—hunting, stalking, and recovering—exposing your upper body, neck, and face to intense UV radiation reflected off the water's surface. Professional spearfishers and freedivers wear UPF 50+ fishing shirts that dry quickly between dives, provide unrestricted mobility for spear handling, and protect skin from cumulative sun damage that can accelerate after saltwater exposure strips away natural oils.

The greatest sun protection challenge in spearfishing isn't the time spent underwater—it's the 3-6 hours of surface intervals between productive dives when hunters scout locations, rest between breath-hold sessions, and process their catch on dive boats or kayaks. During these periods, the combination of direct sunlight, water reflection, and saltwater-sensitized skin creates a UV exposure scenario 40% more intense than land-based activities at the same time of day.

Key Takeaways

• Spearfishers face unique UV challenges during surface intervals between dives, with reflected water radiation increasing exposure by up to 40% compared to land activities
• Quick-drying UPF 50+ clothing prevents the sunscreen washoff problem that plagues spearfishers who re-enter the water 10-15 times per session
• Hooded sun shirts with integrated face gaiters provide hands-free protection while handling spears, float lines, and catch bags
• Specialized spearfishing sun gear must balance thermal regulation (preventing overheating between dives) with complete UV coverage during extended surface hunting
• Investing in proper dive boat sun protection reduces skin cancer risk for spearfishers who average 200+ hours of intense water-reflected UV exposure annually

Understanding Spearfishing's Unique Sun Exposure Challenges

Spearfishing differs fundamentally from other water sports in its UV exposure profile. While surfers ride waves close to shore and scuba divers spend most time submerged, spearfishers operate in a high-risk zone: extended surface intervals in open water where escape from sun exposure is impossible.

The Surface Interval Problem

A typical spearfishing session involves 20-40 individual dives spread across 4-6 hours. Between each dive, hunters spend 2-5 minutes at the surface—resting, breathing up for the next dive, or scanning for fish. These brief intervals accumulate rapidly: in a 5-hour session with 30 dives and 3-minute surface intervals, spearfishers spend over 90 minutes in direct sun exposure at the water's surface.

The danger multiplies because water acts as a massive reflector. Studies show that water surfaces reflect 10-25% of UV radiation back toward your skin, effectively creating a double-exposure scenario. Your face, neck, and hands receive direct UV from above while simultaneously absorbing reflected radiation from below. This phenomenon, called "double jeopardy exposure," is why experienced spearfishers report sunburns on typically shaded areas like under the chin and behind the ears.

Wet Skin Amplifies UV Damage

When your skin is wet from seawater, its vulnerability to UV radiation increases significantly. Saltwater temporarily removes the lipid barrier that provides minimal natural sun protection, while wet skin allows UV rays to penetrate more deeply into the dermis layer where long-term damage occurs.

This creates a vicious cycle for spearfishers: you exit the water with compromised skin barriers, spend several minutes exposed to intense reflected UV, then dive again—repeating this pattern dozens of times per outing. Dermatologists studying spearfishing communities in Hawaii and the Mediterranean report melanoma rates 3-4 times higher than the general population, directly correlating to this wet-dry-wet exposure pattern.

Why Sunscreen Alone Fails for Spearfishing

Many beginning spearfishers rely exclusively on waterproof sunscreen, only to discover its severe limitations during actual hunting conditions. The fundamental problem is simple: no sunscreen withstands the mechanical action of repeatedly entering and exiting water while wearing and removing wetsuits, handling gear, and wiping salt spray from your face.

The Reapplication Impossibility

Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every 80 minutes during water activities. For spearfishers, this timeline is completely impractical. You're floating in open water, often 1-2 miles from shore or your boat, with hands busy managing spear guns, float lines, and catch. Stopping to reapply sunscreen mid-session means:

• Boarding your kayak or returning to a boat (10-15 minutes lost)
• Drying your hands sufficiently to apply cream (nearly impossible)
• Waiting for absorption before re-entering water (another 10-15 minutes)
• Repeating this process 2-3 times per session

Most spearfishers abandon reapplication after the first session, accepting sunburn as inevitable. This resignation leads to cumulative damage that manifests years later as leathery skin, age spots, and potentially skin cancer.

Sunscreen Performance Degradation

Even "maximum protection" waterproof sunscreens lose 40-60% of their effectiveness after just 40 minutes of active water immersion. The problem intensifies in saltwater, which is more corrosive to sunscreen bonds than freshwater. Laboratory testing shows that SPF 70 sunscreen degrades to an effective SPF of 25-30 after typical spearfishing conditions—far below the protection level needed for 4+ hour sessions in reflected sunlight.

Additionally, modern spearfishers wear low-profile wetsuits or dive skins that cover their torso but leave arms, neck, and face exposed. The junction areas where sunscreen meets wetsuit edges are particularly vulnerable, as the mechanical friction of suit movement constantly wipes away sunscreen. This creates "stripe burns" across shoulders and the back of the neck—a telltale sign of spearfishers who rely on chemical protection alone.

Essential Features in Spearfishing Sun Protection Clothing

The demands of spearfishing require sun protection gear with specific performance characteristics that differ from general fishing apparel. Understanding these requirements helps hunters select gear that actually performs during real-world conditions rather than failing after the first dive.

Rapid Drying Performance

The single most critical feature in spearfishing sun shirts is dry time. When you surface from a dive, your clothing is soaked with seawater. Within 90 seconds, you need to start your next dive, meaning your sun shirt must transition from saturated to dry (or at least not dripping) almost immediately.

Fabric weight determines dry time. Technical fishing fabrics weighing 4-5 ounces per square yard dry in 10-15 minutes under sunny conditions—fast enough to remain comfortable between dives. Heavier cotton-blend "fishing shirts" weighing 7-8 oz/sq yard can take 45+ minutes to dry, leaving you clammy and cold between dives while still providing minimal UV protection when wet.

Advanced moisture-wicking fabrics don't just dry quickly—they actively pull water away from your skin to the fabric's outer surface where evaporation occurs. This creates a micro-climate that keeps your core temperature regulated even when the shirt is still damp. For spearfishers operating in tropical conditions, this temperature regulation prevents overheating during surface intervals while still providing complete UV blockage.

Strategic Mobility Design

Spearfishing requires overhead arm movements that generic athletic shirts restrict. Loading a spear gun, throwing a polespear, or landing a large fish demands full 180-degree shoulder rotation without fabric binding or riding up.

The best spearfishing sun protection gear incorporates articulated shoulder panels, gusseted underarms, and slightly longer torso cuts that prevent the shirt from separating from your wetsuit waistline during spearing motions. These design elements seem minor until you've fought a 40-pound amberjack while your shirt rides up to your chest, exposing your lower back to direct sun.

Sleeve design matters equally. Tight sleeve cuffs prevent the shirt from sliding up your arms during dives, but they must also be stretchy enough to roll up quickly when you need to check dive computer data or adjust gear. Raglan or set-in sleeves that extend the full length to your wrists protect the frequently burned area on the top of your forearms—particularly vulnerable during the rifle-shooting position used when aiming spear guns.

Integrated Face and Neck Protection

Your face and neck receive the most intense UV exposure during spearfishing because they're constantly oriented upward during surface swimming and fish spotting. Standard sun shirts leave these critical areas unprotected, forcing hunters to rely on sunscreen or separate face coverings that shift or fall off during dives.

Hooded fishing shirts with integrated gaiters solve this problem completely. The hood covers your entire head, while the attached gaiter pulls up to shield your nose, cheeks, and chin—creating a complete UV barrier that stays in place during both diving and surface intervals. This hands-free protection is invaluable when you're managing gear and can't constantly adjust face coverings.

The gaiter design must balance coverage with breathability. Solid fabric gaiters that block 100% of UV often cause overheating and make breathing difficult during surface rest periods. Mesh-panel gaiters with UPF 50+ rating provide the ideal compromise: they block harmful radiation while allowing air circulation to prevent the suffocating sensation that makes many spearfishers abandon face protection entirely.

Thermal Management During Surface Intervals

One challenge unique to spearfishing is thermal regulation. You're alternating between cool water (typically 72-78°F in tropical zones, 55-65°F in temperate waters) and hot surface conditions where direct sun can create 95°F+ temperatures. Your sun protection clothing must prevent UV damage without causing heat stress during the extended periods you're at the surface scouting or resting.

The Overheating Risk

Inadequate sun shirts trap heat during surface intervals, causing core temperature spikes that reduce dive performance and increase exhaustion. When your body overheats, it diverts blood flow to the skin for cooling—blood that should be carrying oxygen to muscles during breath-hold dives. This physiological stress reduces bottom time and increases surface recovery periods, ultimately decreasing your total effective hunting time.

Heavy cotton or tight-weave synthetic fabrics create this overheating problem. They block sun effectively but also trap body heat, creating a greenhouse effect. Within 5-10 minutes at the surface, your core temperature rises 2-3 degrees, causing discomfort and degraded performance.

Advanced Fabric Ventilation

Modern technical fabrics solve this through engineered air permeability. These fabrics are densely woven enough to block UV radiation (UPF 50+) but maintain sufficient openness to allow heat dissipation. The result is a shirt that protects skin while keeping core temperature stable during surface intervals.

Some manufacturers incorporate mesh panels in strategic locations—underarms, side panels, upper back—to enhance airflow without compromising UV protection. These ventilated zones accelerate evaporative cooling when the fabric is damp from diving, creating a natural air conditioning effect that prevents overheating even during midday sessions in tropical conditions.

The color of your sun protection gear also affects thermal management. Light colors (white, pale blue, tan) reflect solar radiation and stay noticeably cooler than dark colors which absorb heat. However, light colors show stains and fish blood more readily, so many spearfishers choose light grays or blues that balance thermal performance with practical cleanability.

Selecting the Right UPF Rating for Spearfishing Conditions

Not all UPF ratings provide adequate protection for the extreme conditions spearfishers face. Understanding how UPF works and what ratings you actually need prevents the common mistake of purchasing clothing with insufficient protection.

Decoding UPF Numbers

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation penetrates fabric. UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks 98% of UV rays, allowing only 2% to reach your skin. For comparison, UPF 15 blocks 93%—a seemingly small difference that actually represents a 250% increase in UV exposure reaching your skin.

For detailed information on how UPF ratings work, our guide on UPF-rated clothing explains the testing standards and what different ratings mean for real-world protection.

Why UPF 50+ Is Mandatory for Spearfishing

Given the double-exposure environment (direct sun plus water reflection) and extended duration of typical spearfishing sessions, UPF 50+ rating is the minimum acceptable protection level. Lower ratings like UPF 30 or 40 might suffice for brief shore fishing or casual boating, but they're inadequate for spearfishers spending 4-6 hours in reflected sun.

The math is straightforward: if water reflection increases UV exposure by 25%, and you're exposed for 5 hours during peak sun (10am-3pm), you're accumulating significantly more UV damage than any land-based activity. UPF 50+ reduces this exposure to manageable levels—equivalent to spending brief periods in partial shade rather than full sun.

Importantly, UPF ratings must remain stable when wet. Some fabrics lose UV protection when saturated, dropping from UPF 40 dry to UPF 20 wet. Quality spearfishing apparel maintains its full UPF rating regardless of saturation level, ensuring consistent protection throughout your diving session.

Spearfishing Sun Protection Systems: Head to Hands

Complete sun protection for spearfishing requires a layered system covering all exposed areas. While the sun shirt forms the foundation, strategic accessories fill protection gaps and enhance overall comfort.

The Core Layer: Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt

Your primary defense against UV damage is a high-quality, long-sleeve sun shirt with UPF 50+ rating. This garment should be worn over your wetsuit or dive skin, providing coverage from wrists to waist and neck to naval.

Key selection criteria include:

• Weight: 4-5 oz/sq yard maximum for quick drying
• Fit: Athletic but not tight; allows full range of motion
• Length: Extends 2-3 inches below wetsuit waistline to prevent gap exposure
• Collar: High stand-up collar or integrated hood for neck protection
• Thumbholes: Optional loops that keep sleeves extended over the back of your hands

The shirt should feel almost weightless when dry and shouldn't retain significant water weight when you first exit a dive. If you feel heavy or restricted, the fabric is too dense for spearfishing applications.

Hand and Wrist Protection

The backs of your hands receive intense UV exposure during spearfishing because they're constantly visible above water as you hold your spear gun or polespear. This area is particularly vulnerable to sun damage due to thin skin and minimal natural protection.

Fingerless gloves with UPF rating protect the backs of your hands while maintaining the finger dexterity needed for trigger control and line management. Alternatively, sun shirts with extended cuffs or built-in thumbholes cover the hand backs while leaving fingers free.

Full gloves offer complete protection but reduce tactile sensitivity—a critical consideration when you need to feel for your reef hook attachment or manage tangled float lines. Most experienced spearfishers accept minor hand exposure as necessary for maintaining operational effectiveness.

Lower Body Considerations

Spearfishers wearing full wetsuits enjoy complete lower body sun protection. However, those using shorty wetsuits (ending at the knee) or dive skins must address leg exposure.

UPF-rated swim tights or dive leggings provide an effective solution. These garments fit under your wetsuit or function as standalone protection in warm water. They dry even faster than sun shirts due to their thin, stretchy fabric and add negligible restriction to swimming movements.

For ultimate versatility, consider hybrid fishing shorts with built-in UPF protection and water-resistant properties that transition from boat to water. While these don't provide full leg coverage, they protect your thighs during surface intervals while wearing a shorty wetsuit.

Practical Considerations for Dive Boat Operations

Spearfishing often involves significant time on dive boats between hunting spots. These surface transits—sometimes 30-45 minutes each direction—present additional sun exposure that compounds the damage accumulated during actual hunting time.

The Dive Boat UV Trap

Many spearfishers underestimate sun exposure during boat rides. The combination of reflected water, exposed position, and wind that masks heat makes it easy to burn severely before you ever enter the water. Additionally, the need to monitor gear, prepare equipment, and communicate with boat captains means you're active and exposed rather than sheltered.

Wearing your sun protection shirt during boat transits is essential, but it creates a dilemma: you'll be hot in full sun gear while cruising, then wet once you dive, then hot again on the return trip. This cycle demands gear that performs equally well in both wet and dry states—remaining cool when dry but not staying soggy and cold when wet.

Layering Strategies for Boat Days

Professional spearfishers use a layering system that adapts to different phases of the diving day:

Pre-Dive Transit: Wear a lightweight, long-sleeve sun shirt over swim trunks or dive skin bottoms. This keeps you protected but ventilated during the boat ride to your hunting grounds.

Active Diving: Strip to your wetsuit or dive skin (both provide water UV protection), with your sun shirt stowed in a dry bag.

Surface Intervals: Immediately don your sun shirt after surfacing. The quick-dry fabric will be comfortable within 2-3 minutes.

Return Transit: Your sun shirt, now mostly dry, provides full protection during the ride back to the harbor.

This system requires a sun shirt that can be donned and removed quickly, even with wet hands and while the boat is underway. Designs with large neck openings or partial zip fronts enable fast changes without struggling.

Climate-Specific Sun Protection Strategies

Spearfishing conditions vary dramatically by region, requiring adapted sun protection approaches for different environments.

Tropical Spearfishing (80°F+ Water)

Warm water destinations like Florida Keys, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia present the most intense UV exposure combined with high ambient temperatures. Here, the challenge is preventing heat stress while maintaining complete UV coverage.

Ultra-lightweight sun shirts weighing under 4 oz/sq yard are essential. Fabrics must breathe exceptionally well to prevent overheating during extended surface intervals. Colors in the pale blue, light gray, or white spectrum reflect maximum solar radiation.

In these conditions, many spearfishers opt for hooded sun shirts that provide complete head and face coverage without requiring separate hats or buffs that can be lost during dives. The integrated design ensures nothing shifts or falls off, while strategic ventilation prevents the claustrophobic sensation some hunters experience with full head coverage.

Temperate Water Spearfishing (55-75°F Water)

Regions like California, Pacific Northwest, Northeast US, and Northern Europe involve cooler water temperatures that require thicker wetsuits. The sun protection challenge here is different: you need UV defense during surface intervals but also appreciate any thermal insulation the shirt provides between dives.

Slightly heavier sun shirts (5-6 oz/sq yard) offer a compromise—they still dry within acceptable timeframes but provide modest warmth. Darker colors (navy, charcoal, olive) absorb solar heat, helping maintain core temperature during surface rest periods in cooler air.

In temperate conditions, spearfishers often wear their sun shirt under their wetsuit during diving, then pull it out and over the wetsuit for surface intervals. This requires careful sizing—the shirt must be loose enough to layer but not so baggy it creates drag underwater.

Cold Water Spearfishing (Below 55°F)

Northern spearfishing for species like lingcod, halibut, and striped bass involves water temperatures that require 7mm wetsuits or even dry suits. In these conditions, thermal protection supersedes UV concerns, but sun exposure still occurs during boat travel and gearing up.

Here, sun protection integrates with thermal layers. A UPF-rated fleece or thermal shirt serves double duty—protecting from UV during boat rides and providing additional insulation. While these garments dry more slowly than lightweight technical fabrics, the cold ambient temperatures mean you're not overheating during surface intervals.

Maintenance and Longevity of Spearfishing Sun Gear

The harsh conditions of saltwater spearfishing—repeated wet-dry cycles, salt exposure, sun intensity, and contact with fish slime and blood—degrade sun protection clothing faster than normal use. Proper maintenance extends garment life and maintains UV protection effectiveness.

Salt Removal Is Critical

Saltwater crystals embedded in fabric fibers act like microscopic abrasives, breaking down synthetic materials with each movement. After every dive session, thoroughly rinse your sun shirt in fresh water—ideally while still wet. Allow water to run through the fabric for at least 60 seconds, agitating the material to flush salt from the weave.

Never allow sun shirts to dry with salt residue, then wear them again. The salt concentration increases with each use cycle, accelerating fabric degradation and causing uncomfortable stiffness and chafing. If you notice white salt deposits on dried gear, that indicates insufficient rinsing.

Washing Best Practices

Machine wash spearfishing sun protection clothing every 3-4 uses, or immediately after contact with fish blood or slime. Use cold water and mild detergent without fabric softeners, which coat fibers and reduce both moisture-wicking and UV protection properties.

Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, which break down the chemical treatments that provide UPF protection. Some technical fabrics lose up to 15% of their UV blocking capability after exposure to chlorine bleach, permanently reducing protection levels.

Air dry your sun gear away from direct sunlight. While it may seem counterintuitive, intense UV exposure during drying actually damages the UV-protective properties of fabric. Hang shirts in shaded, well-ventilated areas where they'll dry within 2-3 hours.

Recognizing When Replacement Is Needed

Even with perfect maintenance, spearfishing sun shirts have limited lifespans. Signs that replacement is necessary include:

• Fabric thinning: Hold the shirt up to light; if you see significant light transmission through areas that were previously opaque, UV protection has degraded
• Persistent odors: Embedded bacteria in damaged fibers create smells that won't wash out, indicating fabric breakdown
• Loss of stretch: If the fabric no longer returns to its original shape after stretching, the fiber structure is compromised
• Visible wear: Pilling, fuzzing, or smooth areas where texture has worn away indicate reduced UV protection

Quality sun protection shirts from reputable manufacturers last 100-150 dive sessions before requiring replacement. Cheaper alternatives often fail after 30-50 uses, making them a poor long-term investment despite lower initial cost.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Sun Protection Investment

The financial calculation for spearfishing sun protection gear extends beyond purchase price to include long-term health costs and performance value.

The Real Cost of Sun Damage

Dermatologists report that treatment for a single basal cell carcinoma (the most common skin cancer) averages $3,200-$4,800 when including biopsy, surgical removal, and follow-up care. More serious squamous cell carcinoma treatments range from $5,000-$12,000, while melanoma treatment costs can exceed $150,000 for advanced cases.

Spearfishers who invest in complete sun protection systems spend $150-300 on clothing that lasts 3-5 years of regular use. This amounts to $50-100 per year. Those who skip proper protection and rely on sunscreen alone face cumulative damage that materializes as treatable skin cancers in 60-70% of cases by age 50-60.

The financial equation is clear: spending $200 today prevents potentially $50,000+ in medical costs over your lifetime. This calculation doesn't include the quality of life impacts of dealing with skin cancer, recovery time, scarring, or in worst cases, mortality risk.

Performance Value

Beyond health costs, proper sun protection directly enhances spearfishing performance. When you're comfortable, protected, and not worried about sun exposure, you hunt more effectively for longer periods.

Hunters wearing quality sun gear report:
- 30-40% longer average dive sessions before fatigue
- Greater willingness to hunt during peak sun hours (10am-2pm) when fish are most active
- Reduced post-dive fatigue and sunburn recovery time
- Higher success rates due to extended bottom time and better focus

These performance improvements translate directly to more fish, better hunting opportunities, and greater enjoyment—quantifiable value that justifies quality gear investment.

Building Your Complete Spearfishing Sun Protection Kit

For hunters ready to assemble a comprehensive sun protection system, this prioritized checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.

Essential Items (Must-Have)

1. UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt: Your primary protection layer; invest in the best quality available
2. Hooded Sun Shirt or Separate Gaiter: Face and neck protection for extended sessions
3. Wide-Brim Dive Hat or Cap: For boat transits when you're not wearing a hood
4. UPF-Rated Gloves or Hand Covers: Protect the vulnerable backs of hands
5. Mineral Sunscreen (Zinc-Based): Backup protection for areas clothing can't cover (lips, ears if not using hood)

Highly Recommended

6. Spare Sun Shirt: Having a dry backup allows comfortable boat rides after diving
7. UPF-Rated Buff or Neck Gaiter: Additional option for face protection
8. Polarized Sunglasses with Strap: Protect eyes and enable fish-spotting; strap prevents loss
9. UPF Rashguard or Dive Skin: Under-wetsuit layer for additional protection

Nice-to-Have Additions

10. UPF-Rated Boardshorts or Tights: Lower body protection when wearing shorty wetsuits
11. Lightweight Sun Hoodie: Comfortable option for boat transits and post-dive
12. UV Protection Chapstick: Often-forgotten area that burns easily

The total investment for essential and highly recommended items ranges from $200-400, providing complete protection that will last multiple seasons with proper care. This system eliminates the need for constant sunscreen reapplication while delivering superior protection compared to chemical methods alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need sun protection while underwater during spearfishing dives?

No, water provides natural UV filtration that increases with depth. At 3 feet (1 meter), water blocks approximately 40% of UV radiation. At 10 feet (3 meters), roughly 75% is blocked, and by 16 feet (5 meters), UV exposure becomes negligible. The danger occurs during surface intervals, boat rides, and shallow-water hunting where you're within 3 feet of the surface for extended periods.

Can I wear a regular athletic shirt instead of specialized sun protection gear?

Standard athletic shirts typically provide only UPF 5-15 protection, blocking 80-93% of UV rays—inadequate for the intense reflected exposure of spearfishing. Additionally, regular athletic fabrics dry slowly and don't incorporate the moisture-wicking properties necessary for rapid wet-to-dry transitions. While any coverage is better than none, regular shirts leave you vulnerable to significant UV damage during extended sessions.

How do I prevent my sun protection shirt from restricting my spear gun loading motion?

Look for shirts with raglan sleeves or articulated shoulder panels specifically designed for overhead movements. Before purchasing, test the shirt by reaching behind your head and pulling forward—simulating the motion of loading a rear-handle spear gun. The fabric should stretch and move with you without riding up your torso or binding across the shoulders. Proper fit is slightly loose through the chest and shoulders rather than athletically tight.

Will a hooded sun shirt interfere with my peripheral vision when hunting?

Quality hooded fishing shirts are designed with strategic hood sizing that frames your face without obstructing side vision. The hood should rest lightly on your head without pushing forward into your eyeline. When combined with a gaiter, you should retain approximately 85-90% of your normal peripheral vision—sufficient for hunting while providing vastly better protection than no hood at all. Some hunters require a brief adjustment period (2-3 dives) to adapt to the hood presence, after which it becomes natural.

How long does UPF protection last in sun shirts used for spearfishing?

Quality sun protection shirts maintain UPF 50+ rating through 100+ wash cycles when properly cared for, translating to 2-4 years of regular spearfishing use. However, saltwater exposure, mechanical abrasion from wetsuits, and sun intensity accelerate degradation compared to freshwater fishing. Budget brands often lose significant UV protection after just 30-50 uses. The lifetime warranty offered by premium manufacturers provides assurance that your investment in proper protection is protected against premature failure.

Can I repair small tears or snags in my sun protection shirt without losing UV coverage?

Small tears under 1/4 inch can be repaired with UV-resistant thread and maintain localized protection, though the repaired area will have slightly reduced UPF. Larger tears or significant fabric damage compromise the UV protection across a wider area due to stress on surrounding fibers. If repairs cover more than 5% of the shirt's surface area, consider replacing the garment. Prevention is better than repair—avoid contact with urchins, barnacles, and sharp boat edges that cause tears.

What's the best way to manage sun protection when switching between freediving and scuba spearfishing on the same trip?

Develop a layering system based on equipment worn. For scuba dives where you're wearing a full BCD and tank, strip to your wetsuit to avoid excess bulk and entanglement hazards. Immediately after surfacing and removing scuba gear, don your sun shirt before the boat moves to the next spot. For freediving sessions, wear the sun shirt continuously during surface intervals—the minimal bulk doesn't interfere with breath-hold diving. Keep your sun protection gear in an easily accessible mesh bag rather than stored below deck, enabling quick transitions.

Should I choose light or dark colored sun protection shirts for tropical spearfishing?

Light colors (white, pale blue, light gray) reflect solar radiation and stay 8-12°F cooler than dark colors, making them ideal for tropical conditions where overheating is a concern. However, light colors show stains from fish blood and algae more readily. Many experienced tropical spearfishers choose light blue or light gray as a compromise—cool enough to prevent heat stress while hiding the inevitable stains from successful hunts. Avoid black or navy in tropical waters unless you're primarily diving (underwater) rather than hunting from the surface.