sun protected clothes for snorkeling in Hawaii
 

We are leaving for Maui in three weeks and I need to protect my skin from the sun when I snorkel. Is there a place online where I can get long sleeve shirts and capris that will cover me in the water. I have had skin damage in the past and need to be super careful. Any suggestions would be so appreciated.
Love to snorkel.

I just slip on a t-shirt when I go in the water. Of course, I don't care whether I look fashionable or not, so this may not appeal to you. I have not found that my legs are affected. They are slightly under water and seem to be OK.

I would think you could wear a long sleeve cotton shirt - perhaps over another shirt if you really need the protection.

Maybe even turn the collar up while swimming? Just guessing really - as never have done it.

You might also check to see if some of today's sun screens last a even a little while in the water.

There are several online sites. Google - uva uvb clothing women to find them.

In NZ people wear rash tops, mostly children but some adults also.

http://www.myrashguards.com/WomensRashGuards/

Rash guards are great as they are very quick drying and light weight.
My legs do burn so I sometimes were a swimskirt over my suit or boardshorts

I've used snorkel mart to buy masks online and they also have rash guards.

You can also buy rash guards at the ABC stores in Hawaii
http://www.snorkel-mart.com/master.cfm?CategoryID=33

Link for ABC stores
http://www.abcstores.com/

LL Bean has a line of the sun proof clothing.

I paddle board alot and I bought a fabulous long sleeve rash guard while I was on Maui in April. They are so much more prevalent than they were when I was a kid. Check out Quiksilver, Roxy and Honolua Surf Co. I liked the Quiksilver ones best. Nice styling and lightweight/breathable.

Don't worry too much about getting it beforehand. You'll find a better selection there than online, which tends to focus on men/boys (*snarky aside* yes, online manufacturers, women surf too, you know!). Don't know where you are staying but I got a bunch in Wailea Shopping Village (yes, it was top $$ but I can't risk getting burnt/tan anymore so the $$ wasn't the issue). I didn't see anything in the stores at Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center in Kahului so don't bother looking there.

One other side note...don't get white. It will be more see-through and will let more sun in once it gets wet. I got a great turquoise one with yellow stitching highlights. Navy/black/dark colors are really hot, even in the water.

Finally, if you really MUST buy before you get there, coolibar dot com looks to carry a few different options. They look more like shirts (called Swim shirts) than rash guards with UV properties. So they might not be as flexible when you move about but they'll do.

Found one more: title nine sports also carries a few rashies.

http://www.titlenine.com/product/613...kwd=rash+guard

I wear a rash guard, bought at Target (in Kona) for about $10. Comfortable, lightweight, dries fast.

I'm assuming you're a woman, I have a nice long sleeved rash guard from Athleta.com, it's called the summer shade tee.

p.s. BTW, because this is primarily for sun protection and not throwing yourself down on a boogieboard, any lighter weight long sleeved tee in a quick drying fabric will probably be fine.

I spend hours in an outdoor pool during summer months, and agree that you must protect yourself. Plain cotton t-shirts do not offer protection from the sun, especially if they become wet. At least that has been my experience. This is the type of shirt that I wear:

http://www.bodyglove.com/products/rashguards/

There are also shirts, and other clothing, that supposedly provide further protection. My dermatologist has recommended this company for these:

http://www.coolibar.com/rash-guard.html