Collection: Surfing Sunglasses

Surfing & Coastal Sunglasses 

Kukuna® Surfing Sunglasses are crafted for those who live life on the edge of the ocean. Built from ultra-lightweight TR90 memory polymer, these frames are engineered to be virtually unbreakable and heat-resistant up to 200°C—essential for days spent in intense coastal sun. Featuring Polarisation+ technology, our surfing collection eliminates 99% of reflected glare, providing the visual clarity needed for everything from the early morning paddle to the evening sets.

Optimised Optics for the Ocean

For the bright, reflective environment of the open water, we primarily recommend our Lifestyle Collection with two specialised HD5 lens options:

HD5 Blue Mirror (Grey Base):

Our top choice for full-sun surfing and boating. The Blue Mirror reflects high-energy blue light away from the eye, while the neutral Grey Base maintains true color perception, significantly reducing eye strain during long sessions.

HD5 Grey Mirror (Grey Base):

Ideal for bright conditions where you want a natural, "true-to-life" view. This lens reduces overall brightness without any color distortion, helping you read the water’s surface and swell direction with ease.

Kukuna® Architecture and Guarantee

Every pair of sunglasses, regardless of the range, is built using Kukuna® Architecture. This ensures that all frames are lightweight and impact-resistant for long-term outdoor use. We stand behind our quality with a lifetime frame guarantee and a 1-year scratch warranty on all lenses. This comprehensive coverage ensures that whether you are on the trail or the street, your investment is protected against the elements.

Why Blue Light Blocking Matters

Beyond UV protection, Kukuna® Performance lenses integrate Blue Light Blocking Technology. This filters high-energy visible (HEV) light, which is often responsible for "visual haze." By filtering these wavelengths, athletes experience sharper contrast and reduced eye fatigue, allowing for faster reaction times when tracking a ball on a court or spotting a root on a trail.

Prescription for your sunglasses

Direct-Glaze Compatibility 

Our Lifestyle collection is Direct-Glaze compatible. Built from high-grade TR90 polymer, these robust frames can be fitted with custom prescription lenses by your local optician, merging your specific optical needs with Kukuna’s signature heat resistance and durability.

Clip-In RX Inserts 

Engineered for cyclists, the Apex, Element and Ghost styles are compatible with our specialised Clip-in RX insert. This system snaps your prescription lenses directly behind the high-wrap performance shield, maintaining aerodynamic protection while providing corrected vision for high-speed pursuits. (RX inserts available to purchase in accessories).

The Kukuna® Saltwater Longevity Guide

Why Kukuna® Outlasts Standard Eyewear in Coastal Environments 

Standard fashion sunglasses often fail in coastal settings due to "lens peeling" and frame warping. Kukuna® eyewear is specifically engineered to withstand the three primary enemies of the ocean: Corrosion, Heat, and Abrasive Salt Crystals.

Anti-Corrosive Lens Technology

Unlike standard mirrored lenses that use basic metallic films, Kukuna® lenses feature Salt-Water Safe Coatings. These specialised layers are chemically formulated to resist the corrosive "eating" effect of sodium chloride (salt). This prevents the common bubbling or peeling of the mirror finish often seen in non-technical brands after exposure to sea spray.

TR90: The Maritime Frame Choice

Most lifestyle sunglasses use acetate or polycarbonate, which can become brittle when exposed to salt and UV. Kukuna® uses Swiss-engineered TR90 Memory Polymer:

• Chemical Resistance: TR90 is naturally resistant to the chemicals found in sunblock and saltwater.

• Thermal Stability: It withstands temperatures up to 200°C, meaning your frames won't warp or lose their tension if left on a hot boat deck or dashboard.

• Flexibility: It retains its shape even after the "soak-and-dry" cycles common in surfing and sailing.

The "Anti-Scratch" Shield

When saltwater dries on a lens, it leaves behind microscopic salt crystals. Wiping these away while dry is like using sandpaper on your vision. Kukuna® integrates an Anti-Scratch Hard Coating to provide a sacrificial layer of protection, but we recommend our 3-Step Saltwater Care Routine to maintain optical perfection.

The 3-Step Coastal Care Routine

1. Freshwater Rinse: Immediately after leaving the water, rinse your sunglasses under a freshwater tap. This dissolves salt crystals before they can bond to the lens surface.

2. Kukuna® Lens Spray: Apply Kukuna® Lens Spray to both sides of the lens. Our formula is designed to break down sunblock oils and skin lipids that fresh water alone cannot remove. It also restores the Hydrophobic & Oleophobic layers, ensuring water beads off during your next session.

3. Microfibre Dry: Gently pat dry with the provided Kukuna® microfibre pouch. Never use a t-shirt or paper towel, as these harbour salt-grit and wood-pulp fibres that cause micro-scratches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I choose polarised lenses for surfing?

A: Polarisation is non-negotiable for the water. It acts as a horizontal filter to block "blinding glare" reflected off the ocean surface. This allows you to see through the surface reflections to better read the wave's shape, depth, and potential hazards like reefs or sandbars.

Q: Will the ocean salt damage my sunglasses?

A: Most lifestyle brands suffer from "lens peeling" due to salt-air corrosion. Kukuna® lenses are treated with specialised Salt-Water Safe Coatings and Anti-Scratch Hard Coatings to ensure the mirrored finish and polarisation stay intact even after repeated exposure to the sea.

Q: How do I clean my sunglasses after a surf session?

A: Salt crystals can act like sandpaper if wiped dry. Rinse your sunglasses with fresh water immediately after your surf to remove salt and sand. Then, apply Kukuna® Lens Spray to lift any remaining oils or sunblock, and dry with our microfibre pouch for a streak-free, crystal-clear finish.

Q: Can I wear Kukuna® sunglasses in a saltwater pool?

A: Yes. Our Salt-Water Safe coatings protect against both ocean salt and pool chlorine. However, always rinse them with fresh water afterward to prevent chemical buildup on the TR90 frame.

Q: Why does sunblock damage most sunglasses but not Kukuna®?

A: Many sunblocks contain chemicals like Avobenzone that can melt standard plastic frames. Kukuna’s TR90 material and Oleophobic coatings are designed to repel these oils, preventing the "clouding" of the frame and lens.

Q: Is the 1-Year Scratch Warranty valid for saltwater use?

A: Absolutely. We understand that surf and coastal environments are demanding. Our 1-Year Scratch Warranty covers accidental lens damage, giving you the confidence to take your Kukuna® gear into the heaviest conditions.