Floating Sunglasses

One of the main risks of wearing sunglasses on the water is the risk of losing them, either through a moment of clumsiness or more often because we have taken a tumble in whatever activity we are doing. While a wipeout on water is usually a harmless experience, it can be a costly one if your eyewear is ejected and sinks to the ocean floor.

Floating sunglasses can be ideal for a number of watersports, but not all of them. They are perfectly suited to calm days and still waters – for example SUP or kayaking along the coast or in reservoirs. However, the benefits of floating eyewear are soon lost if the wind picks up or if there is a current to navigate. Spotting sunglasses that float in the water is often not easy especially if you are contending with waves and/or white caps, and if there is a current or riptide, the speed of the current can rapidly put a distance between you and your floating sunglasses.

Should My Polarized Sunglasses Float?

The central idea behind floating eyewear is that you can simply return to the location where they came off, scoop them up and pop them back on. This is often aided by a colourful and highly visible frame.

There are certainly many activities where this will be desirable, especially those activities where you are largely static or moving at slow speeds (e.g. fishing, kayaking, SUP, or leisure boating). Note however that the larger the vessel, the more difficult and cumbersome this manoeuvring becomes.

And if you are in any kind of race or competition, then there simply isn’t an opportunity to go back and retrieve your sunglasses from the water without taking a performance hit.

As keen watermen and waterwomen ourselves, we will always opt for our floating sunglasses on suitable days for their simplicity and versatility, but if we are headed out to the ocean to ride the wind and waves, our floating polarized sunglasses will be returned to the kit bag and replaced with sunglasses with a more secure tethering system.

What's the Difference Between Standard Eyewear and Floating Sunglasses?

The core differences between sunglasses that float in water and those that don’t is weight and construction. Floating eyewear is either constructed from a material which has a relatively low density of molecules, or because air has been injected into components of the frame (such as the temples). In both cases, this leads to a lightweight frame which will always bob on the surface if dropped in the water. Alternatively, some sunglasses float not because the material or manufacturing processes create buoyancy, but rather because floating accessories are attached to the frame. In these latter cases, in the event that the buoyancy accessory is separated from the frame, the frame would sink.

For watersports of all kinds, LiP Sunglasses offer both floating eyewear and a tethering option so that there is a solution for every combination of activity and weather / water conditions. Our three watersports sunglasses models are Flo, Typhoon and Surge, each of which come equipped with a variety of lens options for optimum performance.

Flo is currently our only floating sunglasses model – achieved through our unique FLOT8 manufacturing process. It’s perfect for leisurely days spent on the water in calm weather conditions. SUP boarders and FLO go together like peanut butter and jelly, but other fans of FLO include coastal fishermen, e-foilers and paddlers of all stripes. For leisure-craft owners too, if you want boating sunglasses that float – the FLO is the ideal solution.

The Typhoon and Surge models are designed for when the surf’s up, winds are high, and you need something a bit more resilient. Both come equipped with our FAILSAFE proprietary leash system which is guaranteed to keep you connected to your sunglasses at all times. This mechanism means that however bad the wipe out, however rough the sea, however strong the current, your shades will always stay connected to you.

Are Float Sunglasses Worth the Investment?

If you’re looking for sunglasses that float, then there’s a good chance you’re already familiar enough with the water to know that it can be an untameable force to be reckoned with. And if a wave comes along – you’ll want to ensure that your sunglasses aren’t quickly making their way down into the depths.

But what if there was a better way?

When you invest in sunglasses that float, you want to make sure those glasses will stand the force of choppy waters and being thrown about a bit during rough weather. If the air-filled frames are too flimsy, then they’re going to break – and fast. And that won’t do anything for their ability to float at all!

What if you could get sunglasses that are designed to stay put? Using a failsafe leash system engineered by experts you won’t have to fish around in the water trying to hook your float sunglasses. And during races, you won’t have to choose between your time and your money! Floating sunglasses have their place, but if you take your water-based sports seriously, just like us, then it makes sense to prevent the problem in the first place by investing in a premium quality leash retention system that makes sure you keep your investment close, at all times.

If you feel an integrated leash system provides more safety than you really need, take a look at our Flo sunglasses. These sunglasses float and offer a lightweight, durable, and versatile eyewear solution, and as with all of our watersports sunglasses they offer enhanced peripheral vision and 100% UVA/B/C protection.

Why Choose LiP's Floating Eyewear?

We are as passionate about eye health as we are about watersports. Our mission, through continuous research, testing and innovation, is to bring to the market the best eyewear for watermen and waterwomen who need reliable eye protection for their watersports passions.

Our three watershades offer a versatile and tailored solution as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach. By investing in premium quality eyewear with state-of-the-art frame technology and lens materials, we are doing our best to help protect your eyes against the sun’s harmful UV rays while at the same time ensuring that your wallet is protected from the consequences of accidental loss.

For detailed information about which lenses are best for your watersports discipline, consult our ‘Choose your watersports lenses guide’ for the various options available. For those that need protection against blinding reflected glare in addition to UV radiation, then look no further than our floating polarized sunglasses to deliver outstanding results.

Browse our collection of floating glasses today and give yourself a new lease of life on the water!

Buy Your Floater Sunglasses from the Experienced Professionals at LiP Sunglasses

Our floatable surfing sunglasses are a true testament to ingenuity, liberating watermen and waterwomen to immerse themselves in their passion fully in the knowledge that their eyes are being looked after 100% of the time. Sunglasses that float and which do not come equipped with a tethering system are generally suited to light conditions because they are easy to locate and pick out of the water when you take a tumble. For rougher conditions and especially if you are travelling at speeds, you’ll need to tether up with either our Typhoon or Surge model, both of which incorporate our tried and tested leash system.

Since our inception, LiP Sunglasses has fostered a reputation as one of the leading brands forging forwards in the watersports eyewear market. The marine environment is a difficult space to occupy – there are many physical challenges. It is unfathomably deep, corrosive and dangerous. Our design team approach every aspect of product design with a view to meeting these challenges head-on and delivering solutions which enhance our daily experiences on the water.

When you choose us for your sunglasses that float, you can rest assured that you are buying from a focused and dedicated crew of watermen and waterwomen who are specialists in their craft. With our effective and durable sunglasses that float, you can protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV radiation and continue to enjoy your watery passions for many years to come.

Enjoy Our Quality-Assurance Warranty on Our Floater Sunglasses

Every product we sell, including our floater sunglasses, has to pass the same high standards of quality-assurance that have enabled us to meet and exceed the expectations of all our customers for over a decade. Our team work with only the very best quality materials and equipment, ensuring that each and every item we produce is up to the mark.

In fact, we are so confident in the quality and longevity of all our products that we offer a 3-year warranty on all our watershades. And if for whatever reason you discover that the glasses you’ve ordered are not quite the right fit for you, you’ll have 30 days to return them for a refund.

Customer Reviews

Kite

Not yet on the water but very good made

Windsurfing

I’m extremely pleased with my Surge polarized glasses. I’ve never had a pair of sport safety glasses that were this comfortable to wear. The same holds for the retention system, super comfortable and easy to adjust. The lenses provide fantastic protection , are well vented, and the tint is perfect for either partly overcast or sunny conditions. I highly recommend these sunglasses.

Wingfoil

Impressed with anti fog lenses. Was able to use them in 40 degree air and water temps without lenses fogging.
Impressive!

KiteSurfing

Love the Vivid Clarity!

Great glasses, great design. I ordered every option. These lenses are the best I have had in my 79 years. I have never written a review before but these glasses are amazing!!

Outrigger canoe paddling

Great glasses for OC1 paddling! Prescription is perfect. Customer support has been fantastic, shout out to Graham.🙏

Wingfoil, SUP foiler

Good quality glasses, I bought new lenses for my old ones too. The photo chromes are a little light for bright days on the water here , but perfect for overcast. The gold rose polarized lenses are more appropriate for sailing around reefs and turtles anytime the sun is shining. The arms have yet to break or nosepiece go adrift like Jokeleys or the discontinued Maui Jimmys.
The rubber leash and retainer system work well in moderate surf.
The lenses did scratch after three years hard use, being thrown in a bucket and tossed in the car without the case, Keep sunsceen away from the lenses and use the micro fiber cloth only , they will serve you well. A quality product designed for ocean use.

Kayaking

Bought these for my dad who ocean kayaks as a Christmas present. He loves them and didn't take them off the rest of the day! He can't wait to test them out on the water once it gets warmer.

Surfing

Nice surfing sunglasses, helps a lot the first hour...afterward it began to get blurred by the seawater oils...but it worths it

Surfings Best

This is the 2nd time I purchased LIP sunglasses after initially having the Surge, which worked really well surfing but wanted to get a slightly larger frame to give better peripheral vision, which the Typhoon does extremely well. This would be the ideal pair for this sport.Cheers Terry

Kite,-Wind and Wingsurfing

Top Glasses

Kitesurfing

I love my Lips !! This is the 4th pair I buy and i would by more if needed!!
I simply use ( or lost a couple ) them and some time I love to change. I bought the new photocromic ANTIFOG lenses and I can't wait to test them

Kitesurfing

Best glasses I’ve found.

Windsurfing

These are best sunglasses for windsurfing and for casual use on shore. Have all models and keep buying more 😉

Bodyboarding

These glasses are great. Well made, lightweight and they look and feel good to wear. My eyes do not squint at all in the bright light - they feel relaxed and do not get sore.

Kite surfing

Lip sunglasses are awesome!

Surfing

Look no further, these are the BEST surf sunglasses on earth. I’ve tried all the main brands and Lip Typhoon is by far the highest in quality and function. Living in Hawaii, I face the elements everyday and the glasses are my favorite in the ocean, I don’t travel without these shades, Just got back from surf trip in Central America and couldn’t have surfed without them. Aloha!
Tyler

kitefoiling

I have Lip sunglasses 3 years. Positives are sharp vision thanks to polarization and hard antiobrasion surface.
To prevent them from fogging I glued 2 foam 6mm thick distances on the sides, and one at the middle - under the nosepad.
3This way there is much wider distance between my face and lenses enablind easy wind accesss to remove the vapour.
This is especially needed on colder days, but during the summer it improves comfort of foilriding significantly, as I have to observe water surface to evaluate the hight of my ride.
As I wear a helmet, wide gap above glasses is protected from sunlight

Kiteboarding

Loving my second pair of Lip glasses, my first ones are on the ocean floor 😞. Saving my eyes from glare on the water for years to come.

Kitesurfing

Best kitesurfing sunglasses on the market I've tried!

SUP, Kayak

Great sunglasses. Love the lenses, love the color and floating 🙂 Makes it easier to find in case one ends up in the water 🙂

Jet Boating

These glasses are great. Really help with the sun glare and wind while jet boating.

Surfing

Needs a better headstrap similar to older Oakley water jackets. Otherwise comfortable and good for the current price point. Would easily pay additional 50-100 if more sturdy face fit for surfing activities.

Wingfoiling

Lens quality is fantastic. High clarity and water beads off.

Surfing

I love the fit and that they look cool. I used them in bigger surf and they stayed on my head even through powerful duck dives. The downside is that after two duck dives they became so cloudy that I couldn't see through them. Please send me suggestions on what to do. I'd love to wear them for the summer but they are unusable if you can't see through them.

Floating Sunglasses

Should My Polarized Sunglasses Float?

What's the Difference Between Standard Eyewear and Floating Sunglasses?

Are Float Sunglasses Worth the Investment?

Why Choose LiP's Floating Eyewear?

Buy Your Floater Sunglasses from the Experienced Professionals at LiP Sunglasses

Enjoy Our Quality-Assurance Warranty on Our Floater Sunglasses

Customer Reviews

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