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Windsurfing Sunglasses
Each windsurfing discipline presents unique challenges when it comes to choosing the most suitable eyewear.
The model that is best suited to you will depend on the genre of windsurfing that you specialise in, the strength of the wind, the water conditions and the prevailing weather conditions. The first two considerations relate more to frame choice and the last two are more relevant to lens choice. We take a look at all of these factors below.
Before taking a closer look at the disciplines within windsurfing and how they might influence your choice of sunglasses, it’s worth remembering that there are 6 key considerations for keeping your eyes happy and healthy on the water.
6 point checklist for windsurfing
Sunglasses for Windsurfing
Our three watershades are designed for windsurfing: (1) FLO, (2) Typhoon and (3) Surge.
The FLO is lightweight, strapless and unsinkable, and is incredibly versatile because it is at home on the ocean, at the beach or in the car. With no leash system to contend with thanks to its in-built flotation technology, it is a ‘plug & play’ watershade. It comes with all the essential coatings needed for watersports and with a heap of lens options for different environments. In general, the FLO is suited to the more leisurely windsurfing disciplines in calmer waters and light winds.
The Surge and Typhoon models are recommended for all types of racing, wave-riding or more challenging conditions where the wind is stronger than 8 knots or where there is chop. Although the FLO can be used in these conditions, they may be difficult to retrieve after a wipeout. And if you are competing and carefully planning your next tack when a rogue wave knocks you off balance and your sunnies get launched, the last thing you are going to want to do is turn around to fish your sunglasses out of the water.
Raise your game with LiP Windsurfing glasses
Windsurfing glasses are arguably one of the most important investments a windsurfer can make. Strong wind, exposure to spray, reflected glare and UV radiation all play their part in challenging our vision and focus on the water. Our founders have been windsurfing for over 25 years so here at LiP we understand very well the challenges windsurfers face.
With decades of R&D and continuous testing and refinement, we’ve probably put more effort into designing and building the ideal windsurfing sunglasses or surf eyewear more than anyone else.
Our watershades designs are the result of a deep understanding and devotion to our favourite watersport, and the result is a selection of sunglasses for windsurfing that not only protect your eyes, but also help boost your enjoyment and performance. We offer three models of sunglasses for windsurfing and a wide range of lenses for each model to suit all windsurfing disciplines no matter your local weather conditions. Our three watershades are Typhoon, Surge and Flo. So, what might your prescription for windsurfing glasses be?
The Three Models of Sunglasses for Windsurfing
The Flo is suited to light wind windsurfing or windfoiling in calm waters with little to no current. In this environment, locating floating sunglasses lost in a fall will be a straightforward exercise.
In rougher seas or when windsurfing at higher speeds, you absolutely need a retention system, as locating and retrieving floating windsurfing sunglasses in choppy water will be challenging if not impossible.
The Typhoon and Surge are specifically designed for these more challenging conditions as they incorporate our FAILSAFE leash and necklace system which is guaranteed to keep you connected to your sunglasses no matter how hard the wipeout.
Our sunglasses for windsurfing are perfect for professionals and amateurs alike. Windsurfers just starting out in the sport will benefit from the reliable retention system as they are likely to take a tumble frequently. Free riders, speed freaks, and those launching back loops off the LiP will benefit greatly from the full eye protection afforded by our wrap-fit frames.
Read our detailed description below for the suitability of all three watershades frames for the different windsurfing disciplines.
Windsurfing Sunglasses Lenses
The lenses are at the heart of any sunglasses and here we make no compromises on either quality or functionality. We source our lenses only from leading optical suppliers like ZEISS, and make use of the most up to date lens materials and state of the art coating technology available in the industry.
Sunglasses for windsurfing need to be tailored to the individual as everyone perceives light in different ways and different locations may require a specific type of lens. What is comfortable for one person might not be the perfect fit for another.
The first factor to consider is where you are likely to be windsurfing or windfoiling. If you know that you will be most likely in harsh sunlight with little cloud cover (e.g., Caribbean or Indian Ocean) you will benefit from choosing a lens tone geared to that environment. The same goes for someone who is likely to be windsurfing in low-lit, overcast conditions.
Many of our lenses (but not all) are polarized. Our polarized lenses cut out 99% of reflected glare and 100% of UV, but they may not be the best choice if the day is cloudy. View our full range of lenses with comprehensive descriptions below for more information on lens tones and mirror coatings. Check which conditions each is ideal for, and that they are suitable for the frame you have selected. It’s time to up your game with the perfect windsurfing sunglasses for your environment. We are one of only a few companies globally which specializes in water sport eyewear. Buy from a respected manufacturer and invest in yourself – your eyes with thank you in the years to come.
Below is a quick reference guide for the Typhoon, Surge and FLO
| Model / Functions | Typhoon | Surge | Flo |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVA/B Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Polarised Lenses? | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Hydrophobic Coating? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oleophobic Coating? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hard Coating? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Retention Leash? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Floating Frame? | No | No | Yes |
| Anti-fog Venting? | Yes | Yes | No |
Choosing a Frame
FREERIDE & NEWBIE
If the wind is 8 knots or over or there are white caps on the water’s surface, we recommend the Surge or Typhoon as both these models were specifically designed for windsurfing in average to strong wind conditions. Spotting floating sunglasses can be difficult if there is any chop or white water, especially if you take a tumble and it takes you a minute or so to regain your orientation and reconnect with your equipment.
If you’re learning or just finding your way in windsurfing, you’ll also benefit from the double vortex anti-fogging ventilation that both the Surge and Typhoon incorporate. In the early stages of windsurfing, you tend to spend as much time ‘in’ (as opposed to ‘on’) the water, and wipeouts are frequent. Breathing heavily as you get back onto the board and get moving again is a primary cause of lens fogging, particularly if the water is cold and the air above is humid. In such conditions, venting will help clear the lens fogging once you get moving again.
WAVES & FREESTYLE
In anything more than a few feet of swell, and especially where you are going to encounter white-water, we strongly recommend that you choose the Surge or Typhoon as both these models are designed with a bombproof retention system which incorporates an adjustable chord leash that attaches to the temples of the sunglasses, which itself is attached to a silicone necklace.
If you like to boost and occasionally experience epic wipeouts, the Typhoon is preferable owing to the fact that it has shock absorbing rubber on the inside of the frame. When you’ve bailed mid air on your sail and board and you’re coming down for a heavy splash, it’s good to know that there is padding surrounding the Typhoon frames that will cushion the impact.
When riding waves, the leash system is guaranteed to keep you attached to your watershades, even if a wave closes out on top of you. If you’ve ever been caught inside, you’ll know that the forces unleashed can be incredibly powerful and disorientating. It will be virtually impossible to find floating sunglasses in bubbling frothy water, especially if it takes you a minute or so to regain your orientation and reconnect with your equipment.
SPEED & SLALOM
For speed and slalom, you’re going to want the secure attachment of the Typhoon or Surge, no doubt about it. The last thing you’ll want when shredding it at maximum speed between the buoys is your glasses flying off as you hit bumps and swell. You’re not going to want to stop and look around for your sunnies while the race is still running.
As with windfoiling, wipeouts at speed can be epic and intense. So you’ll definitely want to be tethered very securely to your sunglasses using the non-slip cord and silicone necklace that is included with the Typhoon and Surge.
An extra consideration for riding at speed is the closeness of the fit. Both the Surge and Typhoon frames are a ‘wrap’ shape. The Typhoon has a slightly fuller frame compared to the Surge while the Surge is more tapered at the periphery. If you’re travelling at high speeds (20-40 knots), then you’ll want to make sure that the frame closely follows the contours of your head. If you have a gap at the side of the frame between the frame and your face, this can lead to turbulence forming at the edges which may cause your eyes to weep – not ideal when you’re moving at high speeds close to others.
FOILING
Foiling wipeouts can be intense and incredibly rapid, particularly if anything in the water gets in the way (like a shark, big fish or reef) and for this reason we strongly recommend that the best option is the Typhoon as this model offers the best impact protection with shock absorbing TPU rubber surrounding the frame. This is even more the case if you are racing because you’ll be moving at very high speeds. Crashes can catapult you into the water and this can also quickly put a distance between you and your sunglasses if they are not tethered to you.
If however, you like to foil in light wind flat water days, then any of our watershades will be suitable, including the Flo. Just bear in mind that wipeouts occur and if you’re wearing the Flo without a retainer leash, then it may take a little time to relocate them in the water if they fall off in the crash.
Choose your lenses
Once you have chosen the most suitable frame, next consider the lenses that are ideal for the weather conditions that you expect to experience. You can follow the broad guidelines detailed below for choosing the right lenses for the right weather conditions, but it is important to remember that not everyone perceives light in the same way, so ultimately the choice boils down to comfort and your personal preferences:
Bear in mind that ALL of our lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. The percentages you see in the list below are for visible light transmission (VLT).
TYPHOON
Photochromic Smoke Silver Mirror (TYPHOON)
Photochromic + Anti-Fog
Our ecLiPse Series Photochromic lenses come equipped with a smoke base colour with a light silver mirror coating on the front and an anti-fog coating on the rear surface. Available in the Surge, Typhoon and FLO models, these lenses offer a neutral tone, and are a category 1-3 polycarbonate lens. The photochromic element is activated by UV and the tint adjustment period is 15-20 seconds. The VLT (visible light transmission) range is 14% to 52%. At these VLT levels, the lenses will be able to handle a wide range of lighting conditions from bright sunshine to cloudy skies, and are an ideal lens for the winter months or if you need something for changeable conditions. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on the front surface and an anti-fog and hard coat on the rear surface.
Anti-fog?
Yes, inside lens surface only
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
14%-52%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Violet Super Blue (TYPHOON)
Polarized
Available only in the Typhoon model, this nylon lens is suited to bright and very bright conditions. As the visible light transmission (11.8%) is 2% higher than the transmission rate for the Pacific Blue lenses – the Super Blue lens performs a little better in lower light conditions. These lenses subdue the amount of blue light entering the eye and enhance reds and greens. The mirror coating also reflects some blue light. A good stylistic alternative to the Pacific Blue lenses if you prefer a lighter blue mirror coating and a little more brightness in the field of view. Equipped with Zeiss’s advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Violet
VLT
11.8%
Availability: In stock
NXT Photochromic Smoke (TYPHOON)
Photochromic
Our ecLiPse photochromic smoke lenses offer a versatile solution for days when the weather and lighting conditions are changeable. The tint of these lenses adapts to changes in visible light, ranging from 45% when light levels are low to 15% in sunny conditions. The base colour is grey which offers a neutral tone. Note that photochromic lenses do not cut out reflected glare – only polarized lenses can achieve this. As with all our watershades lenses, these lenses come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both inner and outer lens surfaces.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polyurethane
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
15-45%
Availability: In stock
Photochromic Brown Red Mirror (TYPHOON)
Photochromic
Our ecLiPse Series photochromic lenses with a brown base colour with a red mirror coating come into their own when the clouds roll in and are ideal for changeable winter and spring weather conditions. As with all of our photochromic lenses, the tint of these lenses adapts to changes in UV levels, ranging from 74% when UV levels are low to 19% when the sun emerges from behind the clouds. With a rapid activation and deactivation speed of 20-25 seconds irrespective of temperature, they offer a versatile solution for difficult lighting conditions. They come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating, oleophobic and hard coatings on both inner and outer lens surfaces.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
19-74%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Methane Brown (TYPHOON)
Polarized
A Category 3 polarized lens with a brown base colour, our Methane Brown lenses lift or ‘pop’ all colours (but especially reds and greens). This in turn increases contrast and reduces eye fatigue. With a VLT of 15.6% (the highest VLT rate of our polarized Zeiss lenses for the Typhoon) they can be used in all conditions, however there is a noticeable difference in performance in cloudy or changeable lighting conditions. The 'Methane' refers to a very subtle silver sheen applied on top of the base lens for a touch of style. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
15.6%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Violet Pacific Blue (TYPHOON)
Polarized
The violet base colour of the Pacific Blue lenses by ZEISS provide enhanced contrast and vivid colour perception. The violet base colour subdues the amount of blue light entering the eye and enhance the reds and greens – offering a HD visual experience. These category 3 polarised lenses are perfect for very bright conditions in environments with deep blue ocean colours like the Pacific or Atlantic. The VLT is 9.95% which is at the lower end of a Category 3 lens and so they are perfectly suited to really bright and sunny conditions. They come equipped with Zeiss’s advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Violet
VLT
9.95%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Brown Rose Gold (TYPHOON)
Polarized
The Rose Gold nylon lenses have a brown base lens colour which is coupled with a rose gold mirror coating. The brown base lens colour offers great contrast and also contributes to a reduction of eye fatigue. The VLT rate for these lenses is 14.2% which while still squarely within the Category 3 range, is a bit higher than most of our other Zeiss lenses which fall in the 9-12% range. This lens is therefore well equipped for lower light conditions and cloudier days, but may not be the perfect choice for super-bright sunny conditions. They come equipped with Zeiss’s advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
14.2%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Methane Smoke (TYPHOON)
Polarized
The Methane Smoke Category 3 nylon lenses by Zeiss offer a neutral tone. If you prefer a natural representation of colours or you have sensitive eyes, this is very likely the lens for you. They have a VLT rate of 11.1% which means that they are designed for bright & sunny environments. At this VLT level, the lenses will be able to handle strong sunlight and significant glare. However, for cloudy days and sessions when the sun is well on its way down, they may be a little on the dark side. They are equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
11.1%
Availability: In stock
SURGE
Photochromic Brown Red Mirror (SURGE)
Photochromic
Our ecLiPse™ Series Photochromic brown lenses come equipped with a multilayer red mirror coating on the front and Tri-Pro coating on both the front and rear lens surfaces. Available in the Surge, Typhoon and FLO models, these lenses offer a neutral tone, and are a category 1-2 polycarbonate lens. The photochromic element is activated by UV and the tint activation period is 20-25 seconds. The VLT (visible light transmission) range is 19% to 74%. With these VLT levels, the lenses are ideal for cloudy / low light conditions, but can also handle moderately bright conditions. They are an ideal lens for the winter months or if you need something for low light conditions. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating to repel dirt and oil and a hard coating on both the front and rear surfaces.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
19%-74%
Availability: In stock
Photochromic Smoke Silver Mirror (SURGE)
Photochromic + Anti-Fog
Our ecLiPse Series Photochromic smoke lenses come equipped with a light silver mirror coating on the front and an anti-fog coating on the rear surface. Available in the Surge, Typhoon and FLO models, these lenses offer a neutral tone, and are a category 1-3 polycarbonate lens. The photochromic element is activated by UV and the tint adjustment period is 20-25 seconds. The VLT (visible light transmission) range is 14% to 52%. At these VLT levels, the lenses will be able to handle a wide range of lighting conditions from bright sunshine to cloudy skies, and are an ideal lens for the winter months or if you need something for changeable conditions. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on the front surface and an anti-fog and hard coat on the rear surface.
Anti-fog?
Yes - inside lens surface only
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
14%-52%
Availability: In stock
Chroma Smoke (SURGE)
polarized
The Chroma Smoke (grey) polycarbonate lenses for the Surge and FLO offer a neutral tone, and are a category 3 polarized lens. If you like a natural representation of colours, then this is the lens for you. The VLT (visible light transmission) is 10.2%. At these VLT levels, the lenses will be able to handle very bright sunlight and significant glare. However, for cloudy days and sessions when the sun is well on its way down, they may be a little on the dark side when it comes to the end of the day. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
10.2%
Availability: In stock
Copper Smoke Silver Mirror (SURGE)
Fixed Tint
These polycarbonate VIVIDE Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a blended copper-grey base colour and a uniform silver mirror coating. The copper-grey base colour enhances reds and greens, while the uniform flash mirror coating cuts out some of the glare. With a VLT rate of 10%, these lenses are at the darker end of Category 3 lenses and are ideal for very bright cloudless skies. However, as these lenses are not polarized, reflected glare is not significantly filtered out so these lenses may not be ideal if you are looking for lenses that remove glare. They are however excellent for reading the water and wind lines. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Copper-Smoke
VLT
10%
Availability: In stock
Smoke Silver Mirror (SURGE)
Polarized
These polycarbonate Levanté Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a grey base colour and a uniform silver mirror coating for a low-key aesthetic finish. The grey base colour has a neutral tone and the VLT rate is 12.9% – which is a good all round tint for bright and sunny conditions, and are a little lighter than the Chroma Smoke lenses if you are likely to experience intermittent clouds. As with all of our lenses, there is 100% UV protection. They are equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating, anti-smudge oleophobic coating and hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
12.9%
Availability: In stock
Smoke Multilayer Blue (SURGE)
Polarized + Anti-Fog
These polycarbonate Levanté Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a grey base colour and a multilayer blue mirror coating. They are also equipped with an anti-fog coating on the inner lens surface. The anti-fog coating is designed to defog lenses that become foggy due to body heat / moist exhaled breath so this lens is ideal for beginners that spend as much time in the water as on it. The grey base colour has a neutral tone and the VLT rate is 12.5% – which is a good all round tint for bright and sunny conditions. With 100% UV protection, these Smoke Multilayer Blue mirror polarized lenses come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating, anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on the front surface and anti-fog and hard coating on the inner surface.
Anti-fog?
Yes - inside surface only
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
12.5%
Availability: In stock
Brown Multilayer Green (SURGE)
Polarized
These polarized polycarbonate Levanté Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a brown base colour and a multilayer green mirror coating. The brown base colour offers excellent contrast and colours really ‘pop’ with this lens. The VLT rate is 11.5%. so they are a good all round tint – not too bright – not too dark. As with most multilayer mirror coatings, depending on the angle at which these lenses are seen, the mirror colour blends from a deep blue to a rich dark green. With 100% UV protection, these lenses come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
11.5%
Availability: In stock
Rose Ice Blue (SURGE)
Polarized
The VIVIDE Ice Blue polycarbonate lenses by LiP Sunglasses offer yet more enhanced contrast and colour perception than the Chroma brown lenses. The base colour of these lenses is rose and it is our highest contrast lens for the Surge. Our VIVIDE lens technology controls light transmission into the eye by filtering out blue light and enhancing red and green light. The VLT for the Ice Blue lenses is 10.7% which is on the lower end of a category 3 lens. It is therefore a lens suited to bright sunny conditions. However, as with our Chroma Brown lenses, there is good performance in cloudier conditions owing to the increased contrast afforded by the rose lens base colour. As with all our lenses, the VIVIDE Ice Blue lenses cut out 100% of UV radiation and come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
polycarbonate
Base Colour
Rose
VLT
10.7%
Out of stock
Chroma Brown (SURGE)
Polarized
Our Chroma Brown lenses offer enhanced colours, and are a category 3 polarized lens. As the base lens colour has a red/brown hue, this lifts or ‘pops’ all colours (but especially reds and greens). This in turn increases contrast and reduces eye fatigue. The VLT for this lens is 14.8% - the highest VLT in the Surge collection. There is a noticeable difference in the performance of these lenses in cloudy / darker conditions. Owing to the increased contrast afforded by brown base lenses, it is noticeably easier to see details when the light levels drop. This is not to say that the brown lenses do not function well in bright light. In fact, they perform admirably in bright conditions. Brown lenses are versatile all round lenses for all types of conditions. As with the Chroma Smoke lenses, they offer 100% UV protection and are equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
14.8%
Availability: In stock
FLO
Photochromic Smoke Silver Mirror (FLO)
Photochromic + Anti-Fog
Our ecLiPse Series Photochromic smoke lenses come equipped with a light silver mirror coating on the front and an anti-fog coating on the rear surface. Available in the Surge, Typhoon and FLO models, these lenses offer a neutral tone, and are a category 1-3 polycarbonate lens. The photochromic element is activated by UV and the tint adjustment period is 15-20 seconds. The VLT (visible light transmission) range is 14% to 52%. At these VLT levels, the lenses will be able to handle a wide range of lighting conditions from bright sunshine to cloudy skies, and are an ideal lens for the winter months or if you need something for changeable conditions. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on the front surface and an anti-fog and hard coat on the rear surface.
Anti-fog?
Yes - inside lens surface only
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
14%-52%
Availability: In stock
Photochromic Brown Red Mirror (FLO)
Photochromic
Our ecLiPse™ Series Photochromic brown lenses come equipped with a multilayer red mirror coating on the front and Tri-Pro coating both the front and rear lens surfaces. Available in the Surge, Typhoon and FLO models, these lenses offer a neutral tone, and are a category 1-2 polycarbonate lens. The photochromic element is activated by UV and the tint activation period is 15-20 seconds. The VLT (visible light transmission) range is 19% to 74%. With these VLT levels, the lenses are ideal for cloudy / low light conditions, but can also handle moderately bright conditions. They are an ideal lens for the winter months or if you need something for low light conditions. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating to repel dirt and oil and a hard coating on both the front and rear surfaces.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
19%-74%
Availability: In stock
Chroma Brown (FLO)
Polarized
Our Chroma Brown lenses offer enhanced colours, and are a category 3 polarized lens. As the base lens colour has a red/brown hue, this lifts or ‘pops’ all colours (but especially reds and greens). This in turn increases contrast and reduces eye fatigue. The VLT for this lens is 14.8%. There is a noticeable difference in the performance of these lenses in cloudy / darker conditions. Owing to the increased contrast, it is easier to see details when the light levels drop. This is not to say that the brown lenses do not function well in bright light. They perform admirably in both bright and cloudy conditions. Brown lenses are versatile all round lenses for all types of conditions. As with the Chroma Smoke lenses, they offer 100% UV protection and are equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
14.8%
Availability: In stock
Chroma Smoke (FLO)
Polarized
The Chroma Smoke (grey) polycarbonate lenses for the Surge and FLO offer a neutral tone, and are a category 3 polarized lens. If you like a natural representation of colours, then this is the lens for you. The VLT (visible light transmission) is 10.2%. At these VLT levels, the lenses will be able to handle very bright sunlight and significant glare. However, for cloudy days and sessions when the sun is well on its way down, they may be a little on the dark side when it comes to the end of the day. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
10.2%
Availability: In stock
Copper Smoke Silver Mirror (FLO)
Fixed Tint
These polycarbonate VIVIDE Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a blended copper-grey base colour and a uniform silver mirror coating. The copper-grey base colour enhances reds and greens, while the uniform flash mirror coating cuts out some of the glare. With a VLT rate of 10%, these lenses are at the darker end of Category 3 lenses and are ideal for very bright cloudless skies. However, as these lenses are not polarised, reflected glare is not significantly filtered out so these lenses may not be ideal if you are looking for lenses that remove glare. Equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Copper-Smoke
VLT
10%
Availability: In stock
Smoke Multilayer Blue Mirror (FLO)
Polarized + Anti-Fog
These polycarbonate Levanté Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a grey base colour and a multilayer blue mirror coating. They are also equipped with an anti-fog coating on the inner lens surface and hydrophobic coating on the front surface. The anti-fog coating is designed to defog lenses that become foggy due to body heat / moist exhaled breath so this lens is ideal for beginners that spend as much time in the water as on it. The grey base colour has a neutral tone and the VLT rate is 12.5% – which is a good all round tint for bright and sunny conditions. With 100% UV protection, these Smoke Multilayer Blue mirror polarized lenses come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating, anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on the front surface and anti-fog and hard coating on the inner surface.
Anti-fog?
Yes - rear surface only
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Smoke
VLT
12.5%
Availability: In stock
Brown Multilayer Green Mirror (FLO)
Polarized
These polarized polycarbonate Levanté Series lenses by LiP Sunglasses have a brown base colour and a multilayer green mirror coating. The brown base colour offers excellent contrast and colours really ‘pop’ with this lens. The VLT rate is 11.5%. so they are a good all round tint – not too bright – not too dark. As with most multilayer mirror coatings, depending on the angle at which these lenses are seen, the mirror colour blends from a deep blue to a rich dark green. With 100% UV protection, these lenses come equipped with an advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Polycarbonate
Base Colour
Brown
VLT
11.5%
Availability: In stock
Zeiss Violet Pacific Blue (FLO)
Polarized
The violet base colour of the Pacific Blue lenses by ZEISS provide enhanced contrast and vivid colour perception. The violet base colour subdues the amount of blue light entering the eye and enhance the reds and greens – offering a HD visual experience. These category 3 polarised lenses are perfect for very bright conditions in environments with deep blue ocean colours like the Pacific or Atlantic. The VLT is 9.95% which is at the lower end of a Category 3 lens and so they are perfectly suited to really intense sunny conditions. They come equipped with Zeiss’s advanced hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-smudge oleophobic coating and a hard coating on both sides of the lenses.
Anti-fog?
No
Material
Nylon
Base Colour
Violet
VLT
9.95%
Availability: In stock
Looking for Prescription Windsurfing Glasses?
The thrill of windsurfing is unmatched. Our founders are fanatics. But if you rely on contact lenses to correct your vision while shredding it at your local spot, this adventure comes with a hidden danger. Wearing contact lenses in aquatic environments can be risky for your eyes, especially in fresh water environments. Water is teeming with bacteria, and these microscopic invaders can easily get ‘locked in’ behind the contact lenses. Once there, they find a warm and cosy environment to rapidly grow, leading to potential eye infections that can cause discomfort and potentially long-term damage.
If your eyes need correction, prescription windsurfing glasses are crucial for maintaining both clear vision and eye health while on the water. Without the barrier of contact lenses, your eyes can naturally flush out salt, water, dust, bacteria and other particles, functioning exactly as they are designed to. You’ll also avoid losing a contact lens on big wipeouts and remove the risk of a lens being pushed into the wrong position, both of which could lead to blurry and uncomfortable vision.
Choose the Best in Prescription Windsurfing Eyewear
We recommend you leave your contact lenses at home or in the car when you head out for a windsurf session. Switch over to LiP’s specialized prescription windsurfing glasses. Not only will they correct your vision, they will protect your eyes from hidden dangers and deliver outstanding performance for years.
Complete the form below for a personal consultation to find the ideal prescription windsurfing glasses for you and your environment.