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Sun Protection for Anglers – Sun Awareness Week
Sunny weather, immaculate blue sky, plenty of fish. As spring leads to summer, we all long for a day session at the bankside. Unfortunately, the closer the warm season approaches and the longer and warmer the days become, the more significantly the risks of sun and UV damage to our bodies. As this week marks National Sun Awareness Week here in the UK, we at Angling Direct thought we would talk you through a few fishing items to consider adding to your summer angling tackle list!
Although the highest skin cancer rates in the world are traditionally reported in Australia and New Zealand, the global rise in temperatures and UV exposure means that the risk is not diminishing in any region. For this reason, the 'protective measures' are the focus of National Sun Awareness Week and for this Sun Protection Guide.
Why Should Anglers Protect Themselves from the Sun?
Although many anglers dream of nothing more than to travel to the bankside in sunny climates, the sobering fact is that ultraviolet light is the main cause of skin cancer. Worldwide, more people are affected than you might think. In the UK, in 2020, 35% of all respondents said they had had a sunburn at least once, and a further 28% admitted to having not only been cursed by the sun more than three times but also burned. Skin cancer is not just unsightly spots or so-called 'moles' on the skin. Skin cancer can be fatal, even if it's not, for the sake of it, in most cases. However, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and must be kept in mind as a potential danger.
Image taken for Korda TV
In 2021, Danny Fairbrass, founder and CEO of Angling Company Korda, spoke very openly about his experience with the condition to raise awareness in the fishing community. Danny was looking for a conversation with his doctor because of a dark mole on his arm. He referred him to a specialist who removed the mole. But unfortunately, cancer had already spread, and eventually, lymph nodes had to be removed. Danny has since made it his mission to raise money and awareness for skin cancer and the damage the sun will do to anglers.
Last year Korda’s own Danny Fairbrass spoke candidly about his experience with melanoma, donating 50% of ALL profits to supporting the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund and we at Angling Direct also want to encourage our fellow anglers to protect themselves from the risks of sun exposure.
Bivvies, Shelters and Brollies for Sun Protection
At Angling Direct, we pack highly effective protective fishing shelters that offer less sun exposure for your stay at the bank. For anglers that hang out a lot outdoors, bivvies and shelters are a good fit and brollies are great for those shorter, lighter sessions. Look for fishing shelters that offer plenty of breathability with ventilation otherwise, your shelter will feel stuffy and humid! Nonetheless, a good fishing brolly lowers the dangers of sunburn.
We usually associate larger protective equipment items such as brollies or bivvies as a robust response to the elements in winter, but they are also great for providing a little cooling, protective shade on a heat record day. A light option like the Korum Supalite fishing shelter or something from the umbrella range is great for those shorter sessions in the daylight.
Anglers Need Suncream!
Most of us know the importance of wearing suncream in the summer months to avoid sunburn and damage, but it should really be a year-round preventive health measure, especially while out fishing!
We are happy to announce that ALL profits from the new AD Suncream will all go to Cancer Research UK. Angling Direct are very happy to be working with this amazing charity to make a positive difference and donate towards supporting the research that saves lives.
The AD Suncream protects from UVA and UVB rays, comes in a 50ml tube of both 25SPF and 50SPF sunscreen and is a convenient squeezable bottle size for popping in your tackle bag! View the AD Suncream, here.
Sun Protective Clothing for Angling
Even with the support of a good sunscreen, you should not do without your t-shirt and ideally a sun hat, no matter how tempting it may be on a flawless summer day. The good thing about a wide-brimmed hat is that it covers more body parts such as the neck and ears, which unfortunately are all too often forgotten.
The Fox double-sided hat is a great, smart universal companion for every angler. It is lightweight and an optimal part of the individual sun protection program in the warm season. Many summer fishing hats in our range are surprisingly robust and available in a camouflage pattern or in plain khaki, so you are guaranteed not to stand out when stalking fish. Getting a bucket style hat for fishing offers anglers a circumferential brim so that the ears, neck and part of the face remain a little in the shade. Fishing caps will also help protect your eyes as the peak shades them, assisting with glare off the water.
Sun Protection for your Eyes
Anglers prefer polarized sunglasses to keep an eye out for fish under the garish surface, especially on bright days. Good sunglasses also block UV rays and protect not only the eyes themselves but also the skin around the eyes. Sunglasses are an indispensable part of the equipment of passionate anglers.
