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I am bringing my family to STT and STJ for ten days in June. We love to snorkel and have seen others in the past with surf shirts to protect them from the sun. I tried to find them in Wisconsin and Minnesota. My search was always met with blank stares followed by " I have never heard of them." Could anyone enlighten me as to the proper names for these shirts and are they available for purchase on STT or STJ. Snorkeling on your back after the first two days because of a major burn doesn't have the same appeal.
I think they are called rash guards.
Mricco
Yes, they are called rash guards. I also use shirts made of rayon or nylon. Similar to Body Armour. Body Armour is so darn expensive so I pick up off brands. I shop for mine at places like Sports Authority and Dicks Sporting goods and can usually find some on clearance. Not all have a SPF factor though and will allow limited UV rays to pass. The rayon/nylon fabric allows for easy movement and dry quickly.
Yes, rash guard is the correct name. We ordered ours online. The rash guards were perfect for our day trip kayaking with Arawak as well as for our many hours of snorkeling. In addition to the sun protection, they prevented chafing during those hours of paddling around Pillsbury Sound. I used to use a dive skin but getting in and out of a soggy, sand-filled dive skin was a pain.
As one with cueball coiffure, I found that I now need scalp protection when snorkeling. A cycling cap (from hammernutrition.com -- looks like this specific cap is no longer there but the helmet liners should work about as well) worn backwards helped keep the sun off my head and the small bill kept the sun off my neck. We looked for "better" head protection in Cruz Bay and didn't find anything other than bandanas (even at the dive shop).
We bought ours from Amazon.com and my very fair husband was thrilled with it. I did not need to spend a fortune, just a decent product which is what we got.
Here are a couple of links to some head coverings. I have no first hand experience on them but they come recommended from another forum
http://dee-rags.com/
https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_28
http://www.scubadorag.com/coco/scuba.asp
You can help the local economy by buying rash guards here!;) Most beach shops, swimwear stores and dive shops carry them. I know that I have seen them at Morningstar Beach Shop, Caribbean Surf Co. and Red Hook Dive Center in the very recent past. They help with sun control and keep you warmer so you are able to snorkel longer!
I've gotten Rash Guards online at LandsEnd - they have quite a few choices for kids. Items you find that don't fit or just don't want can be returned to a local Sears store and you don't have to pay shipping back. Can be handy. I've also seen some locally at Target - this may vary by location, though.
Thanks to everyones responses. I would never have thought of them as rash guards! Curious name? I will be looking on line but I take East Enders advice close to the heart and will do my part to promote the local economy. Arrival one month from today and traveling with four women who love to shop! The stimulus to your economy is primed!
When scuba diving they prevent chaffing while wearing the BCD, weight belts and air tanks, hence the name rash guards.
Linda: I thought they originated with surfing?
I thought that they were originally designed to prevent rash from the board wax in surfing.
Hi Walleye doc.
Fleet farm has shirts made of the same stuff as body armor for cheap I got some that had a small imperfection for 2.00 work great.
