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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/28/2009 : 19:24:58

Being a dirty blonde with somewhat fair skin and having been out in the sun a lot when I was younger my skin is beginning to show signs of damage. I recently had a pre-cancerous growth removed from my back and I have several other areas that I was told to keep an eye on.

I'd like to try and protect my skin as much as possible and still be comfortable. I like Bullfrog as a suntan lotion (SPF35 or greater) but I HATE putting any type of lotion on.

Can the "vast and unpaid research department" give me some suggestions on what type of long sleeve shirts and pants would be light and cool in the hot, humid gulf coast? Also what type of hat?

If nothings available I may have to go back to sailing at night!

Association Member

GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Edited by - on

joemireur
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 20:03:48

My suggestion is go to Walmart and buy a short sleeve, or long sleeve as you prefer, no iron white shirt of oxford cloth. A "dress" shirt. They're cheap and have an SPF factor of "enough". The oxford cloth is pretty cool. I thought about a shirt with a real SPF number, but then I saw it was made of nylon. I have never worn a nylon shirt that didn't seem hot to me. And it cost 2 or 3 times as much as the Wally World shirt.

Cool sailing!
Joe

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 20:08:51

Gary,
I'm with you, I hate putting on sun screen, and you'd think in the PNW it wouldn't be all that necessary, but I've learned that I don't get off the hook.

I used to swear by Bullfrog, I was a surveyor in San Diego county for years and kept a squirt bottle of it in my bags so it was always there. That & a Tilley hat kept me out of trouble. I still wear a Tilley hat and I'm on my second one (no idea what happened to my old one). I still have that bottle in my bags, but I keep SPF 50 all over the place on the boat, usually Coppertone Sport, mostly because like I like the smell. I'm not overly picky though, I buy sun screen as impulse buys so I end up with it in my toolbox, first aid kit, cockpit lockers, rope bags, etc. I still manage to forget, or talk myself into "I'll put some on in a minute, I just need to finish this", which usually ends up meaning I get burnt.

My dad had melanoma, and my brother has had pre-cancerous growths scraped off of his head a couple of times. He was a US Navy diver and spent lots of time in Hawaii & Eniwetok and didn't bother much with sun screen. He's fairer than I am, and regrets not taking care of himself back then.

As far as clothing, check out REI or other higher end sporting goods places. They sell clothes with SPF ratings.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 20:41:19

Gary,

As far as what hat to get, I asked that question awhile ago and was surprised as to how many mentioned getting a Tilley hat. I did just that and have been very satisfied. If you consider getting one, follow the directions for sizing it. They recommend size it so that it fits a just a tad loose on the head. That is because the straps under the chin and behind the head will hold it securely while it fits extremely comfortable.
http://www.tilley.com/detail.asp?catId=13& gender=m& extractBy=CategoryId& id=1& productNo=LTM6

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 21:00:09

Regarding Tilley hats, my parents swore by them (both pretty fair, even though my dad was half Portuguese) and bought me my first one. It took some convincing to get Rita to get one for herself, but now she loves it. She has nowhere the worries I've got with sun exposure, she tans very easily and her melanin levels must be sky high, you can still see tan lines from last year.

Tilley supplied hats to all the Canadian paratroops for Desert Storm and guaranteed that they'd stay on during a jump if they followed the directions properly. I've had my hat blown off a couple of times, but never when I have the straps in place like they say. That said, they come with a piece of foam in the top of the hat that does double duty as a guard against bumping things with your noggin and flotation for when it does go in the drink. I've only had to do MOB drill once for my hat, but it stayed on the surface just fine till I hooked it with my boat pole.

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 04:55:03

Hi Gary, Your Texas weather may be similar to Florida..very hot, very humid, and very sunny so I would recommend clothing items from the Columbia line. There long sleeve shirts are awesome! I could be caught in a torrential downpour and afterwards my shirt would be dry in a matter of minutes. Plenty of protection from the sun yet still keeps you cool. I've also just put an order in for the sun mask...several fish charter Captains utilize these. These items plus good quality sun glasses and a good sunblock on any areas still exposed to the sun.

face: http://www.uptownanglerstore.com/patagonia-sun-mask.html

Head: http://www.beallsflorida.com/r/Columbia_Sportswear_Sun_Hats_Microfiber_Broad_Brim_Boating/product?styleid=28479&

Upper Body: http://www.beallsflorida.com/r/Columbia_Sportswear_Long_Sleeve_Button_downs_100_Nylon_Casual/product?styleid=39571&

Lower Body; http://www.beallsflorida.com/r/Columbia_Sportswear_Trousers_100_Nylon_Chinos_Mens_Apparel/product?styleid=140598&

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 06:40:35

On the economical side, relegate an old white dress shirt or two as boating shirts, and a pair of old comfortable cotton twill tan long pants, or buy some white painters' pants. I've also been eying the Columbia fishing shirts - good UV protection and they are vented for really hot, muggy weather like we have here in the south. I've told the admiral I'd like a pair of camping/hiking pants with the zip off legs that can be used as shorts, too. Tilly hats and boonie hats are also good. My favorite hat, though, is a terrycloth tennis hat. When it gets really hot, I dunk it, wring it out, and put it back on my head. I also use it for working in the yard in the summer. To keep it on, I took a white shoelace and threaded it through the brim on each side. It works!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 06:54:39

Gary, I wear light colored, long-sleeved Underarmour shirts whenever I'm going to be in the hot sun for long periods throughout the summer. They provide UFP30 UV protection and keep you cool on the hottest, muggiest days. Their website is at the following hyperlink: http://www.underarmour.com/

Their shirts are expensive, but you can often find them on sale during the off-season, and there are other manufacturers of "technical" attire for a little less money. For a guy who is concerned about skin protection, IMHO they're worth their weight in gold.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 05/29/2009 07:18:16

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 07:04:04

I swear by Tilley and cotton is cooler than any synthetic, but white cotton has very limited UV blocking unless it is heavy. The generously vented "Bahama" shirts from Columbia and others in light colors are significantly better and very comfortable. The oxford cloth Wally shirts are a good idea, but I would still go with a light color. Natural fabrics fade because the dyes and fibers absorb UV and break down. Cancer of the shirt is better than cancer of the skin.

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 07:51:46

I often wear a full beard for a sun block.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 09:07:01

Loin clothe and pfd.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 09:07:12

I like cycling jerseys and golf shirts. Both are designed to dry fast, and be used in demanding sports, allowing for movement of limbs to their extremity. The cycling jerseys have 3 pockets across the bck, intended for waterbottles and breakdown tools, but equally at home holding other stuff out of the way, in a position that makes it unlikely their contents will go in the drink.

Both are just as expensive as the stuff from your local sailing shop, but I had a previous life as a competitive cyclist, and have jersies lying around. The golf shirts come on sale at riduculous prices every fall, have fewer pockets, but can be worn to dinner (as opposed to the garish colours of the cycling jersies which will make you easier to spot when you go overboard).

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 09:14:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 I swear by Tilley and cotton is cooler than any synthetic, but white cotton has very limited UV blocking unless it is heavy. The generously vented "Bahama" shirts from Columbia and others in light colors are significantly better and very comfortable. The oxford cloth Wally shirts are a good idea, but I would still go with a light color. Natural fabrics fade because the dyes and fibers absorb UV and break down. Cancer of the shirt is better than cancer of the skin.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I avoid cotton mostly because of what I have learned about it from other sports (canoeing) if you get wet in cotton it is very slow to dry and will absorb heat from body to do it, increasing the chances of hypothermia.

If you wear cotton for any reason, please keep a spare change of dry clothes aboard. In the canoeing community, cotton is referred to as "Dead Man's Cloth"

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 09:23:15

Tilly's da bomb! Mine is the original canvas--the newer lightweights seem nice. I wash mine in the dishwasher--once or twice a year for the past dozen years or more.

Edited by - on

crcalhoon
Captain

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USA
303 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 10:03:08

Never say a bad word about Tilley,. But I prefer the baseball type with the flaps that cover the ears and back of the neck. the one I have now is as light tan color with a chin strap. My favorite was a white one I used to have that had a retention cord with a clip on the end to clip to the neck of you shirt. Makes me think I'm in the French Foreign Legion or something. That said, the only successful MOB rescue (HOB?) I ever saw of a hat was on a Tilley with the foam flotation in the top.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 10:31:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I wash mine in the dishwasher--once or twice a year for the past dozen years or more.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I've never thought of that, I usually hand wash mine when it gets so filthy that I can't stand it anymore. Bleaching a Tilley voids it's warranty, so what I do is soak it in hot water with laundry detergent (SA-8 from Amway works really well). Scrub any determined stains with a brush and let it sit in the detergent for half an hour or more. Rinse and let it air dry, preferably in the sun. Stretch it out over your knee if it's become a bit tight on the noggin. Mine does double duty as a Frisbee for our hound if we manage to forget to bring one for her, it has the holes punched in the brim by her teeth to show for it. We've also used it to retrieve an instrument cover that decided to jump overboard, tied it to the end of our boat pole & used it to scoop it up out of the water.

I'll second the Columbia shirts idea, very comfortable, and the venting makes a difference. I got my first one from a friend of my brother's who was an aid to Clinton. I admired his Columbia shirt when he was out here visiting years & years ago. A couple of weeks later my brother & I both received identical shirts from him. And if I know Sam, probably paid for with our tax dollars...

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 10:37:35

The negative points on cotton are valid, but sailing a C-25 is not the same sport as canoeing. Staying cool is usually more of an issue than keeping my core temperature up. I have several changes of clothes and towels aboard since we frequently anchor and swim and usually go to the boat for 3- 5 days - the Admiral insists on showers and clean clothes. I usually wear quick dry stuff when kayaking, but that gives way to better cooling when I have my small home with me - different activities and different values.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2009 : 11:24:58

Edited by - DaveR on 06/09/2009 05:52:14

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5379 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2009 : 19:45:55

Dave B,
I would agree with you during the summer and early fall months that cotton is the way to go, but during the spring and after Columbus day (12-Oct) up here at 41 degrees north, I tend to agree with Chris (Prospector - 49 degrees N?). I too spend a lot of time paddling throughout the season, and will not wear cotton in the kayak.

For sailing in the summer (when water temps range from 60/15 to 70/21 in Long Island Sound), I don't worry about hypothermia. But when water temps are below 55, I dress for the water. [Incidentally, hypothermia is still a very real threat in 60 degree water]

Nylon pants, under-armor tee or longsleeve, fleece top, I keep a wool sweater handy as well as a wool or rayon stocking cap. I've also got some fleece gloves. And a nylon wind breaker. Friend of mine always paddles with a thermos full of warm sweet tea.

Obviously, I prefer the summer weather (with the loin cloth and inflatable PFD), but alas, that season is all too fleeting 'round these parts.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2009 : 08:44:53

Bass Pro Shops. good shirts cheep.

Try to find a lotion you can stand. I love Hawaiian tropics, the smell is Coconut. I can tolerate it much better that most others.
Bullfrog is the bomb.

The latest and greatest is compressed aerisol spray "sportblock". I don't remember the name, but it rocks also. Dries on fast.

Also... sleep in the middle of the day.

good luck and keep the boonie hat on...

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2009 : 09:22:44

I have several of these shirts, and LOVE 'em. Even the dark colors dont get hot, and they always dry extremely fast. Great UV protection, too.

http://www.dryuv.com/

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2009 : 11:23:39

<< If nothings available I may have to go back to sailing at night! >>
says Gary..

Oh.. and that night sailing rocks also. Full moon and high tide at night and you have an evening you will not soon forget! And don't forget to listen to the marine radio at night, the shrimpers are a hoot..

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2009 : 13:23:50

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 Dave B,
I would agree with you during the summer and early fall months that cotton is the way to go, but during the spring and after Columbus day (12-Oct) up here at 41 degrees north, I tend to agree with Chris (Prospector - 49 degrees N?). I too spend a lot of time paddling throughout the season, and will not wear cotton in the kayak.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Only 44 deg north...

I agree that in summer you can let your guard down somewhat, but average great lakes temps (Huron for me) are "Surface water temperatures range from 0°-4°C in January and 12°-16°C in July." according to [url="http://www.pc.gc.ca/progs/amnc-nmca/systemplan/itm4-/gla4_E.asp"]Parks Canada[/url]

Since stage 3 hypothermia sets in around [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia"]32°C,[/url] even on the warmest of days, it will likely get to a COB. I maintain the rule of 3's (a survival strategy I learned as a teen) and prepare myself accordingly:

In a survival situation, and individual should remember they have:
30 days to find food
3 days to find water
3 hours to find shelter
3 minutes in cold water or without oxygen (no PFD)

The reason for the 3 minutes in water is that the body will exhaust itself trying to stay warm, or the person will drown (no oxygen).

Part of the reason a PFD enhances you chances of survival is that 1) you expend less energy trying to float, and 2) a bubble of water warmed by your body is trapped around your chest, helping you stay warmer.

Granted the cycling jerseys and golf shirts will not help keep you warm if you go in the drink; however, you will have the best of both worlds in that you won't overheat while sailing, and you will still have your PFD to keep you warm if you go in, and you will dry off and recover from the dunking much more quickly once you make it back onto the boat.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2009 : 18:09:50

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redeye
 << If nothings available I may have to go back to sailing at night! >>
says Gary..

Oh.. and that night sailing rocks also. Full moon and high tide at night and you have an evening you will not soon forget! And don't forget to listen to the marine radio at night, the shrimpers are a hoot..

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes it does. I remember many a summer night spent sailing on Canyon Lake. Lots of ggooooddd memories (if you know what I mean)!!!

I appreciate all of the great information above. I'm going through each one to see what works best for me. Thank you very much!

Edited by - GaryB on 06/01/2009 18:11:26

brrit
1st Mate

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80 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2009 : 05:28:16

Gary - I love my Tilley. It isn't the most fashionable hat, but it works! It even helps with glare hitting the underside of the hat, which can be a problem with some baseball hats.

Other than that, I just wear long sleeve cotton shirts and pants if I'm trying to minimize sun exposure. Good luck!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2009 : 19:30:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by brrit
 Gary - I love my Tilley. It isn't the most fashionable hat, but it works! It even helps with glare hitting the underside of the hat, which can be a problem with some baseball hats.

Other than that, I just wear long sleeve cotton shirts and pants if I'm trying to minimize sun exposure. Good luck!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Bryan! Thanks for the info! I found a good solution to my sunburn issues. Late afternoon/early evening sailing!

We went out Saturday evening around 5 and got back to the dock around 9:30. The almost full moon over Galveston Bay was awesome! Wind and temperature were perfect!

Best of all, no sunburn the next day!!!

I'm going to be in Denton the weekend after next. Are there any good restaurants on the water at any of the lakes around Dallas?

Edited by - on

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