Surf Goggles

Jason Phillips wearing surf sunglasses in G-Land

Creating a water tight seal around the eyes (like goggles) is both futile and unfunctional. Trying to create a water tight seal leads to fogging, squeezing the face/ eye sockets, and, after a surfing wipe-out, a half water-filled goggle.

Click on the tabs (and subtabs) below for details . . .

Goggles vs. Sunglasses Considerations

Style

Style - Most people view goggles as not looking as stylish.
We estimate that for most of our customers, half of choosing the correct pair of sunglasses, comes down to style. And, choosing your style should be based on personal preference and your desired look.

Rigid Frame

A rigid frame with minimal give helps keep frames on your head. Flexible frames fail in the surf / white water for the same reason that goggles fail - too much give lets them come off too easily. All Silverfish frames are rigid.

Elastic vs. Non-Elastic Strap

Elastic straps usually found on goggles can cause pressure headaches from the force of the elastic towards your eyes. Elastic straps also have more play which makes it easier for the goggles to fall off in the surf / white water. All Silverfish frames have non-elastic straps.

Ventilation

Ventilation to combat fogging

- Ventilation is important in colder water - 66ºF, 19ºC and below.
- Closer fitting goggles work against ventilation, and often fog.
- Our Whistler and S Rat II frames have a removable nose piece that separates the frame from the face to increase ventilation beyond even regular sunglasses. The nose piece can be removed to get a close fit when ventilation is not an issue.

Prescription

Goggles often cannot accept a Prescription. All of our sunglasses frames can handle most prescriptions, but for really thick prescriptions, you will need a flatter frame front to accept your lenses. (In order of flatness - S Rat II, Road Trip, Whistler, Standard)
Click here to go to our Presciption Page and see Rx Ranges by frame

Removable strap

A removable strap is not often found with goggles, yet this feature allows for use out of the water. (Included with Road Trip, Whistler and S Rat II frames, option with Standard frame)

Necessities

All Silverfish Sunglasses Include These Items

-Polarized (option with Rx) lenses cut down glare, or vertical light that reflects off flat surfaces such as water, wet roads, etc.
-100% UVA/UVB protection
-Polycarbonate lenses