 Gear Test With Katie Coryell, Professional Surfer
Keeping the Sun at Bay and the Water Away
By STEFANI JACKENTHAL
Published: August 10, 2006
SUN rays reflecting off the ocean can be blinding, not to mention harmful to one’s eyes. Still, surfers have long resisted wearing protective sunglasses or goggles because they were too easy to lose, too likely to become foggy or waterlogged.
But now there is ventilated, draining eyewear made to be worn while surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and jet skiing. Adjustable straps keep them secure during spills.
Some of these impact-resistant frames for watersports have long been available. Just as it took a long while for surfers to start wearing zinc-based sunblock, said Chris Coté, the editor of Transworld Surf magazine, they are only now starting to wear sunglasses to protect against cataracts and pterygium, a fleshy growth on the white part of your eye caused by prolonged sun exposure.
To see if watersport glasses made a difference, Katie Coryell, a professional surfer and instructor at Surf Diva, a school for women and girls in La Jolla, Calif., wore them on the water for a week. She was eager to try them, she said, because “some of my contemporaries already have eye problems, and I have a lot of years of surfing ahead of me.”
SEASPECS - SUNFIRE SPECS $59, www.seaspecs.com. Easy to adjust with one hand, these “nicely shaped glasses” stayed in place when Ms. Coryell had to duck underwater to avoid being knocked over by an ill-timed wave and…the lenses have “good visibility”….
Misha Erwitt for The New York Times
Sea Specs Extreme Eyewear
From Jay DiMartino
Your Guide to Surfing / Bodyboarding
Guide Rating - 
After a lifetime of surfing, I now find myself suffering from pterygiums, strange skin-like growths that cover the inner corner of the eyeball and can eventually grow to cover the pupil and impair vision permanently if not surgically removed. These nasty little devils not only look horrifyingly bloody when irritated but they are caused and exacerbated by sun and wind
exposure. And I am not alone. Several friends I have grown up with have thesame condition as well as countless fishermen, divers, and other outdoors lovers I have encountered over the years.
So what is a surfer to do? Will you be able to surf with your kids when they come of age? Will you have to quit going to the beach and shun the sun like some mole rat? Maybe not.
Luckily, the surf industry has noticed this trend of sun-related eye
problems, and ...SeaSpecs has made eyewear specifically for
surfing, skiing, kite boarding, or any outdoor sport that requires that
glasses be not only light weight and secure, but they must also provide
total protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Therefore, in my quest to find the best protection for my eyes and future waveriding pursuits, I have personally tried...SeaSpecs surfing eyewear and based on my trials I recommend SeaSpecs based on price, style, and security.
The first day I used my Sea Specs, the surf was small, so I put them through the "kids at the beach" test which involves pushing my daughter into waves on her body board, throwing my son up in the air, falling backwards into the water, rolling around in the mud and building castles in the sand. ...My Sea Specs provided complete protection that I could leave on as I ran back and forth from the water the beach....
The following day saw the arrival of a good swell, and I was able to put my SeaSpecs through a real test. Under normal surfing conditions which included
paddling, duckdiving, and riding small to medium sized waves, Sea Spec worked extremely well. The lenses stayed clear, and the frame remained securely on my head even after some minor wipeouts.
They were most clear under full sun....and SeaSpecs makes glasses
with different tint levels....Overall, my surfing experience with Sea Specs was extremely positive.
In contrast to the other brands I tried, I found Sea Specs to be both more advanced in terms of function and more stylish in terms of fashion. Therefore, in terms of fashion, function and price, I find SeaSpecs to be the most effective "extreme surf sunglass" on the market.
SeaSpecs utilizes polarized lenses..., they float in the ocean and are specially designed with an adjustable strap which prevents them from falling off....
Costing about $59 (which I found to be the...least expensive of the different glasses I tried), Sea Specs are a great form of protection for any water sports enthusiast. Based on their stylish design, I have basically made my SeaSpecs my water glasses as well as my land glasses. They are just as effective when mowing the lawn and watching the kids at the playground as they are for riding waves and going fishing.
05 November 2007
Sea Specs gear review
In brief:
- Excellent design features: snug fit, side protection
- Floats on water
- Available in a range of frame colours and lenses, including prescription lenses
- Very competitive price.
We bought three pairs of Sea Specs at the start of the year and have used them on our last three trips. I'm pleased to report that they're working out great and they make a huge difference when you're on the Jet Ski.
There are two key benefits to using a product like this:
- Reduction of glare: you will avoid being blinded from sun reflection off the water, and your eyes will be protected from harmful UV light
- Protection against waves and spray: your eyes will be protected from the inevitable splashing and spray that you encounter out on the water.
The big drawcard for me in using a product like Sea Specs is that you need to be able to see at all times while you're out on the water. My greatest concern is the possibility of collisions with other craft - a real issue at busy jet ski beaches - and the risk of running over someone in the water, e.g. divers. A little bit of diving does go on around the cliffs to the north of Safety Beach.
The fact that Sea Specs are available in prescription lenses is a HUGE bonus in this regard.
Sea Specs provide enhanced protection from both sun glare and water, thanks to their snug fit. The frames wrap right around the side of your face, blocking out sunlight and keeping water from getting in behind the lenses.
The secure fit is further enhanced with a generous rubberised nosepiece and an adjustable strap which runs around the back of your head, to prevent the Sea Specs from coming off if you collide with a wave. Having the strap also means you can loosen it and hang you Sea Specs around your neck when you're not jet skiing - definitely a better option than perching them on your head, where they can be accidentally knocked off into the sand.
Sea Specs suitability for water sports is further enhanced by the fact that they float on water, so if you accidentally drop them in the water you won't lose them!
We are very happy with our Sea Specs - they are very favourably priced compared to competing products from Oakley and other manufacturers - and now that we have them we definitely wouldn't jet ski without them.
I also found Sea Specs great to deal with - very friendly, with prompt responses to email enquiries and an excellent experience ordering over the web.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (June 3, 2008) — I received an email from this company a couple of weeks ago. Normally most of these unsolicited, "cold-call" aka SPAM email. messages get tossed in the trash and the sender's email address tagged forever for deletion.
This is one of the times I am glad I didn't pass this one up. SeaSpecs.com is currently promoting a buy 2 get one free offer and with each pair at just $55.00 that's not too bad for a pair of sunglasses. After reading their specifications on these glasses and then reading the extensive number of absolutely glowing reviews on the Internet (Google: Sea Specs) I was sold, so I ordered 2 with the third pair being free. My glasses were shipped within a few hours and I got them in one week from their home base in Florida. Each pair comes with its own carrying bag. So, then it was time to wait for some sun! Geeze what whacky weather we're having. It feels like November. Must be Al Gore and his "global warming".
Anyway, I have had them a couple of weeks now and have to say they are now my fave sunglasses. And I also have a pair of Maui Jim and Serengeti, two of the best rated sunglasses on the market today. The fit of the SeaSpecs are awesome. The become part of your head and they are so lightweight, it's not long where you forget you even have them on. Very comfortable rubberized nose and ear pads make all the difference here. The head strap is easily adjustable and when adjusted there is not anything going to take these puppies off your head!
And now for the meat: SeaSpecs remove the glare off the water with their polarization and still leave your vision bright and clear. I have found many types of sunglasses mask glare by just darkening it, but also reducing the clarity of your vision. SeaSpecs do not use that method. Your vision stays ultra-clear and without glare. They also work quite well on bright, cloudy days reducing that annoying glare but keeping your vision crisp and they look cool too! So, I highly recommend these glasses by my experience. To take advantage of this buy 2 get 1 free offer, go to their website at www.seapecs.com.
Please note that I am not affiliated with this organization in any way, shape or form.
Dear Seaspecs,
Just a note to let you know how well your seaspecs worked for me.
I just purchased a set of your sunglasses prior to teaching boating/PWC water safety course for Law enforcement at the Colorado River. I wore the seaspecs throughout the course and was very surprised by the comfort, clarity, and wind block while operating the PWC’s at high speeds.
I have been working the River for about 15 years and have tried many high end and expensive sunglasses over the years. The seaspecs out performed the others in this environment.
Sergeant Steve Hinojos
Rancho Cucamonga Courts
|
Polarized, lightweight, extreme sunglasses specifically designed for outdoor watersports.
|
SeaSpecs - Specifications |
SeaSpecs Patented Extreme Secure Strap
SeaSpecs Non-elastic, Easily Adjustable and Comfortable Secure Strap keeps SeaSpecs on your head during your Extreme Surfing, Kite Surfing, Windsurfing, Jet Skiing, Snowboarding and all other Extreme Sports! |
SeaSpecs are made for Extreme Conditions,
therefore our patented strap is not removable!
Removeable straps will fall apart under Extreme Conditions. Insist on a Non-Removable Strap! Beware of using a leash instead of a Non-Removable Secure Strap. Sunglass leashes are designed to be worn around your neck. Never wear a leash/noose around your neck during Extreme Sports!
|
SeaSpecs Patented Extreme Lenses
All SeaSpecs come standard with our Patented, High Quality Impact Resistant Polarized Extreme Lenses at NO EXTRA CHARGE and provide 100% UVA & UVB Protection! All SeaSpecs Extreme Lenses meet or exceed all applicable United States, European, Australian and many other countrys' regulations. |
SeaSpecs Provide Different Shaded Lenses
For Different Sunlight Conditions
SeaSpecs Grey Polarized Lenses are our most popular lenses and come in all of our Models/Frames and are great for all conditions. SeaSpecs Brown Polarized Lenses, come in our Black Frame (our "Sunset Specs) and are excellent for cloudy, early morning and late afternoon, low light conditions. Both SeaSpecs Grey and Brown Lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection! |
|
Prescription SeaSpecs
SeaSpecs offers Prescription Lenses in our Standard SeaSpecs Frame in both Grey and Brown Polarized Lenses and Clear Lenses. SeaSpecs Single Vision Polarized Prescription Lenses and Frame, complete, cost $195.00 and there is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR POLARIZED LENSES. Please see our FAQ page for additional information. |
|
SeaSpecs Patented Injection Molded Nylon Frame and Hinges
SeaSpecs Patented Injection Molded Nylon Frame is made for Extreme Conditions and is extremely strong, yet lightweight. SeaSpecs Hinges are an integral part of our Frame and are also made of Nylon, thereby making SeaSpecs hinges as strong as our frame. SeaSpecs Do Not use metal hinges, because Metal Hinges Will Rust and fall apart. |
|
SeaSpecs Patented Full Wrap-Around Frame
All SeaSpecs utilize our Patented Full Wrap-Around Frame which provide Complete Coverage of your eyes and keep sunlight and spray out of your eyes during Extreme Conditions. |
|
SeaSpecs Frames are Ventilated!
SeaSpecs Frames are Ventilated which help keep your Lenses clear! When using sunglasses during Extreme Water Sports, insist upon Ventilated Frames for Optimum Clarity! |
SeaSpecs Float!
SeaSpecs Patented Design allows SeaSpecs to Float while enjoying your Extreme Ocean Sports! |
SeaSpecs offer Different Color Frames
All Five Model SeaSpecs use the same Frame. The only difference is the color of the Frame and the color of the lenses:
1. The Jet Specs, our most popular, use the Black Frame, with the Polarized Grey Lenses and are best for real sunny days;
2. The Sunset Specs use the Black Frame with the Polarized Brown Lenses and are good for low light conditions;
3. The Cobalt Specs use the Blue Frame, with the same Polarized Grey Lenses;
4. The SunFire Specs use the Red Frame, with the same Polarized Grey Lenses; and
5. The Copper Blaze Specs use the Copper/Orange Frame, with the same Polarized Grey Lenses. All Lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection! |
|
SeaSpecs Patented Soft Nose and Bridge Cushion!
SeaSpecs are designed for Extreme Conditions and come standard with our Patented Non-Removable Soft Nose and Bridge Cushion which protects your nose and the bridge of your nose in the event of a wipeout. Insist upon a Non-Removable Nose and Bridge Cushion for Extreme Conditions! |
SeaSpecs Head Size
SeaSpecs Patented Extreme Secure Strap is easily adjustable and fits almost all Men, Women and Children. |
SeaSpecs Warranty
SeaSpecs warrants our Extreme Sunglasses to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of two years from date of purchase from us. |
SeaSpecs Cost $55.00 each
SeaSpecs cost $55.00 each. Shipping within the United States is $5.95 and anywhere else in the world is $9.95. However, when you buy two (2) SeaSpecs, Shipping is FREE of charge anywhere in the world and you also receive a FREE Jet Specs (please see below)! |
SeaSpecs Free Shipping Worldwide!
SeaSpecs provides FREE SHIPPING Worldwide when you purchase two SeaSpecs! |
|
SeaSpecs Today's Special - Buy Two SeaSpecs and get one SeaSpecs FREE of Charge, along with FREE Shipping Worldwide!!
When you purchase any two (2) SeaSpecs, you will receive one (1) FREE Jet Specs (our most popular Model), for a total of THREE (3) SeaSpecs and FREE SHIPPING Worldwide, for the total sum of $110.00.
SeaSpecs Today's Special will allow you to purchase one of our Models with our Polarized Grey lenses (for bright conditions) and one of our Sunset Specs (should you prefer) with our Polarized Brown Lens (for low light conditions) and have an extra SeaSpecs for a loved one or friend!! |
|
SeaSpecs Testimonials
Don't take our word for how great SeaSpecs are for your Extreme Sports. Please visit our Testimonial/Gallery Pages and see our Many Satisfied SeaSpecs Customers!! Please click here |
Dimitri Maramenides and his SeaSpecs.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Hi Richard, Thank you so much for hooking me up, the glasses were over the top!
John Openshaw, In The Maldives
Outstanding comfort and retention...I pull barrell rolls, backflips and big surf re-entries while getting hit by waves all day long and have yet to lose a pair from them just popping off!
"I am very happy with my new SeaSpecs sunglasses. I love them. They are awesome." Pavel Andrassy
Eric Akiskalian of towsurfer.com charging Teahupoo, Tahiti, wearing his SeaSpecs
Please take a look at Sgt. Steve Hinojos' testimonial to the left.
I am so happy with my new SeaSpecs! I will never kitesurf without them again! I gave one pair to my boyfriend who is raving about them also, and the third pair I am loaning to my kitesurfing students for their lessons.
-Lynita Howie, Queensland Australia
"I could see this big guy 25ft off the back of the boat, no one else saw him but me with the SeaSpecs on. Thanks."
Jeff -No Benthooks, Sandiego, CA
Team SeaSpecs
"We are very satisfied with our sunnies and wear them all the time, Our friends our a bit envious and impressed with them, they have all had a go and love them. I know what I'll be getting them for X-mas! A solid investment!!!!" -Mick & Krissy, Queensland Australia-
|
