Sun protection for water sports: Caps, hats and scarves for surfing put to the test

When surfing - whether with a wing, on a SUP or as a windsurfer - the sun beats down on your head. Thin sprays are often the only way to protect your sensitive scalp, especially if you have thinning hair - unless you opt for full textile protection in the form of a cap, hat or pirate scarf. We have extensively tested a few options for sun protection on the water: Under the Caribbean sun of Tobago, hours-long test sessions not only show whether harmful UV rays are completely blocked, but also the wearing comfort during long, fast runs.

Style shouldn't take centre stage when it comes to protection from the sun, but there are caps that do look stylish. For Nico Meisner, founder of Buster Surfboards, a cap and a high sun protection factor are as much a part of water sports as a leash and surf wax after his own skin problems. He also developed a surf cap for his own benefit, which not only offers particularly good protection on the water, but is also a pleasure to wear on the beach.

After three weeks with a cap on your head, you feel as naked 'topless' in the sunshine as you do without a harness."

Surf hats, headscarves or caps: pros and cons of the various options

If you are looking for headgear for surfing, you will find various types:

• Headscarves, beanies and above all bandanas are popular with bikers and cyclists - as sun and sweat protection without or under the helmet - often with skulls or other funny motifs on the cheap sales platforms. We also ordered a model there for just under ten euros - which basically works. Compared to the bonnets from IQ-UV presented here, however, at least our randomly selected test sample seemed a little flabbier and less tight-fitting even on thick skulls - the main disadvantage therefore appears to be the frequent lack of size selection. The general advantages of the tight-fitting "swim caps" are the airy feel and the lack of additional wind noise or flapping. However, ears, face and neck are not additionally shaded
• Surf hats probably originate from the surfing longboard scene and may not appeal to everyone. But when almost all wing instructors in Porto Pollo, Italy, are wearing them, you can't go completely wrong in terms of style. The brim not only protects the scalp, but also casts shadows on the face, ears and neck. However, this often flips at higher speeds. As with all caps, the chin straps with ear flaps can also be stowed out of sight in the hat for shore leave. The width of the Olaian hat can be adjusted with an integrated elasticated band, and ION has two sizes in its range.
• Surfcaps are also often developed for surfers and are therefore equipped with a particularly soft peak that can fold up even with moderate pressure. This is to prevent the canopy from being torn backwards during a duck dive or wash. The Buster cap nevertheless sailed stably in the wind, and the ION cap is also stiff. With the FCS cap, the soft canopy folds up at an angle when planing - which is not noticeably annoying, but also casts less shadow on the face and eyes. If you often wear boards or sails on your head, you will feel the decorative button on the centre of the Buster and ION cap pressing down on your head. In contrast, the hats and the FCS cap provide comparatively comfortable padding.

By the way: A helmet also offers protection from the sun like a beanie and at the same time protects against external injuries. However, ventilation holes should be covered, otherwise you will still get sunburnt!

The additional wind noise from hats and caps was perceived very differently by the testers - from annoying to insignificant."

Surf hats, caps and headscarves put to the test

ION Beach Hat

The ION hat is available in two sizes and can be extended with optional neck protection. The ears are open, which may require a little more cream, although the brim already provides shade. Unnecessary wind noise is reduced and full hearing is guaranteed. The umbrella is quite stable in the wind, but not quite as solid as the ION or Buster cap. Price: 29,99 Euro >> available here

Quite stable, comfortable, wide brim
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Two sizes available

OLAIAN Surf Hut 500

The one-size-fits-all hat from Decathlon still fits a large 60 cm head circumference - tight and straight without pinching. The all-round brim is reinforced at the front and remains stable in the wind even with good pressure for 7.8 mm sails. The soft chin strap is slightly elasticated and comfortable, providing perfect all-round sun protection. The strap can be folded into the hat on land with plenty of "storage space". Price: 11,99 Euro >> available here.

Stable peak, very favourable, circumferential elastic band for width adjustment
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Two sizes available

ION Surf Cap

Compared to the FCS cap, the ION is very stiff at the front. The peak protrudes particularly far forwards but does not fold up even in strong winds. The one-size-fits-all cap can be worn comfortably up to a head circumference of over 60 cm, but the metal button in the centre of the head may pinch when sailing. The strap is slightly elasticated and soft with mesh over the ear. Price: 29,99 Euro >> available here.

Stiff glider, secure hold
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Umbrella quite long, button on the head

FCS Essential Surf Cap

The FCS cap is available in three sizes and is also infinitely adjustable in width and even available with optional button-on "Legionnaire's" neck protection. The fit is close to the head, barely noticeable, particularly comfortable and soft. However, the soft peak tilts slightly upwards in a good gliding wind, which reduces the shadow on the face and eyes. Includes safety line. Price: 35,00 Euro

Very comfortable, no permeable mesh material
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Canopy folds upwards at an angle in gliding winds

BUSTER Convertible Surf Cap

One size in the cut of a classic trucker cap, with enough air to stow the folded chin strap without pressure points. The mesh area is particularly tightly woven. The visor also withstands strong winds very well if the width of the cap is adjusted tightly. In the widest setting up to a head circumference of 61 cm, it is still easy to use. The chin strap is slightly elasticated and soft. Price: 29,90 Euro >> available here.

Looks like a trucker cap on land, windproof, buoyant

Button on the head

IQ-UV Aqua Bandana

The classic "pirate scarf" is available in various plain colours and in three sizes. It can also be easily adjusted using the knot - a (self-made) safety line can also be attached here. The ears remain partially uncovered, there is no sun protection provided by a visor, but it is barely noticeable and already covers the forehead to a large extent. The material is elasticated, but very solid and tight. Price: 21.95 euros >> available here.

Very comfortable, inexpensive, space-saving storage, three basic sizes
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No umbrella

IQ-UV Beanie skull

The beanie is available in two sizes (S/M and L/XL), is significantly larger, more elasticated and slightly thinner than the bandana above and can be pulled completely over the ears and up to the eyebrows. (Photo size L/XL). Very good UV protection for the entire head including ears. A safety cord is obviously not provided, but can be threaded into the small label on the side. Price: 19,95 Euro >> available here.

Very comfortable, inexpensive, space-saving storage, leak-proof all round.
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No umbrella