10 UV-Rated Sailing Essentials for Summer Camp Girls

Sending a young sailor out on the water for a week of summer camp means bracing for a mix of blistering sun, constant wind, and reflective glare. Without the right technical gear, a fun week of learning to tack and gybe can quickly turn into a miserable battle with severe sunburn and windburn. Equipping them with high-quality, UV-rated gear ensures they stay protected, focused on their knots, and comfortable from morning rigging to afternoon de-rigging.

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Why Sailing Campers Need Dedicated Sun Protection

On an open dinghy, protection from the sun is doubly difficult. Water reflects up to 10% of UV radiation, meaning campers are hit from both above and below while sitting on the gunwale. Standard cotton t-shirts offer an average UPF of only 5, which drops to almost zero when wet, leaving young skin highly vulnerable during long hours on the water.

Sailing camp also introduces physical wear that demands rugged, specialized fabrics. Moving parts like mainsheets, centerboards, and fiberglass decks create constant friction against clothing. Dedicated UPF 50+ sailing gear combines lab-tested UV protection with abrasion-resistant weaves, meaning the clothing will not wear thin or lose its protective qualities after a few slides across the deck.

Sunscreen alone is rarely enough for a busy camper. Kids frequently forget to reapply every two hours, especially when caught up in the excitement of a capsize drill or a fleet race. Outfitting them in high-coverage technical apparel provides a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it barrier that does not wash off in the saltwater.

Rash Guard – O’Neill Youth Basic Skins Long Sleeve

A long-sleeve rash guard is the baseline defense against both chafing from life jackets and direct UV rays. When spending six hours on a Laser or Opti, the underarms and torso take a beating from constant movement. This piece acts as a second skin, preventing painful salt-crusted rubs while shielding the arms and core.

The O’Neill Youth Basic Skins Long Sleeve stands out because of its premium 6-ounce polyester/spandex blend and UPF 50+ rating, which is the highest possible rating for sun protection. The material uses a 4-way stretch system that moves with the body, ensuring it won’t restrict movement when crawling under the boom during a quick tack.

When buying, keep in mind that rash guards are designed to fit snugly to prevent bunching under a life jacket. If the camper dislikes a tight compression fit, size up one full size, but ensure it remains close enough to the skin to avoid catching on rigging. This rash guard is perfect for campers who need all-day chafe protection, but it is not ideal for those who prefer loose-fitting, casual shirts.

• Best for: Full-day dinghy sailing and protection from life jacket chafing
• Sizes: Youth 4 through 16
• Key feature: Overlock stitching for flat, irritation-free seams

Sailing Hat – Gill Marine Expedition Sun Hat

Standard baseball caps are easily lost in a gust of wind and offer zero protection for the ears and back of the neck. A dedicated sailing hat must secure firmly to the head, shield the entire face from high-angle sun, and survive getting repeatedly soaked. A simple cotton hat will quickly sag and block vision once it gets wet.

The Gill Marine Expedition Sun Hat is built for high-wind marine environments with a stiffened brim that won’t flop down into the camper’s eyes when wet. It features a water-repellent finish, UPF 50+ protection, and a secure chin strap with an adjustable toggle to keep it attached during a sudden capsize.

Be aware that this hat is designed to sit low on the brow for maximum shade, which can interfere with some bulkier sunglasses. Look for the side ventilation panels, which are crucial for dumping heat on windless, humid dog days. This hat is perfect for campers who need reliable, all-day shade, but it is not right for those who find wide brims distracting while looking up at the sail.

• Best for: Windy days on open water and high-angle sun protection
• Sizes: Junior (One size with adjustable drawcord)
• Key feature: Floating brim design to prevent loss in water

Sunglasses – Rheos Eddies Floating Polarized

Eye strain from water glare is a major source of fatigue for young sailors. Polarized lenses are essential because they filter out the horizontal light waves bouncing off the water. This allows campers to see wind shifts on the surface and spot underwater obstacles clearly.

The Rheos Eddies Floating Polarized sunglasses solve the number-one problem with eyewear on the water: they actually float. Made from an ultra-lightweight TPX material, these glasses will bob on the surface if dropped during a capsize. This prevents a costly trip to the bottom of the lake or bay.

While the lenses feature a dual-sided anti-scratch and anti-fog coating, they still require a retaining strap (eyewear retainer) for active sailing. These are ideal for older youth campers who can manage their gear, but they may be too large for very petite sailors under the age of eight.

• Best for: Cutting water glare and preventing gear loss
• Sizes: Youth/Small Fit
• Key feature: Floating frame construction with 100% UV protection

Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Deck Hand Gloves

Pulling wet, salty lines all day will quickly shred soft hands, leading to painful blisters that can ruin a week of camp. Sailing gloves protect the palms and fingers from rope burn while providing the grip needed to control a loaded mainsheet. Without them, a camper may struggle to hold the lines in heavy wind.

The Gill Championship Deck Hand Gloves feature Dura-Grip fabric on the palms, offering incredible grip and durability without absorbing water. The short-finger design leaves the fingertips exposed. This is critical for tying tricky knots, adjusting small clevis pins, and managing rigging tape.

These gloves should fit tightly; loose gloves will bunch up in the palm, causing the very blisters they are meant to prevent. Note that the neoprene wrist band is adjustable, but it is wise to rinse these in fresh water after every sail to prevent the salt from stiffening the material. These are essential for older kids handling loaded lines, but they are unnecessary for very young campers who are not yet actively trimming sails.

• Best for: Sheet handling and preventing hand blisters
• Sizes: Junior XS to L
• Key feature: Seamless wraparound palm construction

Neck Gaiter – Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional

The neck is one of the most frequently missed spots during morning sunscreen application. A neck gaiter fills this gap, offering a physical barrier that covers the back of the neck, ears, and lower face. This protection is vital when the sun is reflecting intensely off the deck.

The Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional is made from 95% recycled polyester microfiber that features active cooling technology. It pulls sweat away from the skin, lowers body temperature, and offers UPF 50 sun protection without feeling heavy or restrictive.

This gaiter can be worn in multiple configurations, including as a headband under a helmet or pulled up over the nose. Remind the camper to wet the fabric on hot days for an instant evaporative cooling effect, though it is not ideal for those who feel claustrophobic with fabric over their face.

• Best for: Versatile face and neck sun shielding
• Sizes: One size fits most youth
• Key feature: HeiQ Smart Temp cooling technology

Spray Top – Zhik Youth Kiama Sailing Jacket

Even in the heat of summer, getting wet and sitting in a steady breeze leads to rapid wind chill. A spray top is designed to cut the wind and keep spray from penetrating the inner layers. This keeps the camper’s core warm and dry throughout the day.

The Zhik Youth Kiama Sailing Jacket is a lightweight, two-layer waterproof jacket with fully taped seams and a high collar to block wind. It features adjustable wrist seals that keep water from running up the arms when reaching into the water or holding the tiller.

This is a technical shell, meaning it does not provide insulation on its own; it must be layered over a rash guard or fleece. It is the perfect choice for windy, overcast days, but it should be stowed in a gear bag when the wind dies down to prevent overheating.

• Best for: Blocking wind chill and cold spray on active days
• Sizes: Youth S to XL
• Key feature: Fully taped seams and water-resistant zippers

Sailing Shorts – Helly Hansen Waterwear Shorts

Sailing on a dinghy involves constant sliding across non-skid fiberglass decks, which can shred standard swimsuits in a matter of days. Sailing shorts need to be exceptionally durable, quick-drying, and designed to stay put. This ensures comfort when climbing back into a capsized boat.

The Helly Hansen Waterwear Shorts are constructed from heavy-duty stretch polyamide fabric that offers built-in UPF 50+ protection. They feature strategically placed reinforcement panels on the seat to handle the abrasive surfaces of a sailboat gunwale without wearing through.

These shorts are designed with a secure drawstring waist and a close fit to prevent dragging in the water. While they provide excellent protection and durability, they lack deep pockets, so campers will need to rely on their life jacket pockets for storing small items like whistles or snacks. They are perfect for active dinghy sailors, but they might feel too restrictive for casual beach swimming.

• Best for: Deck wear and protecting the seat from abrasion
• Sizes: Unisex Youth S to XL
• Key feature: Reinforced seat panels for durability

Sailing Leggings – Under Armour Youth HeatGear

While shorts are great for warm water, full-length leggings offer the ultimate sun defense for the legs. They eliminate the need for constant sunscreen application on the thighs and calves. These are the areas most exposed when sitting on the deck or hiking out.

The Under Armour Youth HeatGear leggings are engineered with lightweight fabric that wicks sweat and dries incredibly fast. The UPF sun protection helps block harmful rays, while the 4-way stretch construction allows for total freedom of movement in the tight confines of a cockpit.

These leggings are highly breathable and designed to keep athletes cool in hot weather, making them ideal for summer sailing. However, because they are thin and lightweight, they can snag on sharp cotter pins, so they should be worn under sailing shorts for maximum durability. They are a brilliant solution for fair-skinned campers, but they might be too warm for dead-calm days with zero wind.

• Best for: Total leg sun protection and quick-dry comfort
• Sizes: Youth YXS to YXL
• Key feature: HeatGear fabric for hot-weather cooling

Mineral Sunscreen – Thinksport Kids SPF 50+

Even with full-coverage gear, exposed areas like the nose, cheeks, and hands still need chemical-free protection. Mineral sunscreen is preferred for sailing because it sits on top of the skin to reflect UV rays immediately. This is far better than chemical options that require time to absorb.

Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ uses a non-nano zinc oxide formula that provides broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. It is highly water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, meaning it won’t instantly wash away into the camper’s eyes when a wave hits the bow.

This formula is thick and leaves a slight white cast, which is actually a benefit for camp counselors who need to visually verify that a camper has applied their sunblock. It requires a bit of rubbing to apply evenly, but the reef-friendly formulation is gentle on sensitive skin and safe for marine environments. It is ideal for face and hand applications but can be difficult to wash out of dark-colored gear.

• Best for: Water-resistant, high-exposure skin protection
• Size: 3-ounce or 6-ounce tubes
• Key feature: Reef-safe, non-nano zinc oxide formula

Water Shoes – Astral Loyak Outdoor Athletic Shoe

Footwear for sailing camp must protect toes from heavy rigging, provide traction on wet decks, and dry quickly. Traditional flip-flops or heavy rain boots are dangerous hazards. They can easily slip off or fill with water during a capsize.

The Astral Loyak Outdoor Athletic Shoe features a high-performance G.15 rubber outsole that grips wet fiberglass like glue. The low-profile design fits easily into hiking straps, while the durable Cordura upper resists abrasion and drains water instantly through built-in ports.

These shoes are designed to be worn sockless and fit snugly to prevent foot movement inside the wet shoe. While they offer excellent drainage and grip, they have minimal arch support, making them less suited for long hikes on land but perfect for active on-the-water use.

• Best for: Wet-deck traction and toe protection
• Sizes: Women’s/Youth 5 to 11
• Key feature: High-friction rubber sole with self-draining ports

How to Wash Technical Sailing Gear to Protect UPF

High-performance sun gear relies on tightly woven fabrics and specialized chemical treatments to block UV rays. Simply throwing this gear into a hot washing machine with standard detergent will quickly degrade the fibers and strip away the UPF protection.

To extend the life of these garments, always rinse them in cold fresh water immediately after use to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. Use a mild, tech-wash detergent specifically formulated for synthetic outdoor apparel, avoiding fabric softeners at all costs as they clog the fabric pores and destroy the wicking capabilities.

Never put technical UPF clothing or neoprene items in the dryer, as high heat breaks down the elastic fibers and warps the shape. Instead, hang the gear to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can cause UV degradation before the gear even gets back on the water.

Conclusion

Sending a camper off to sailing camp with the right UV-rated gear is the difference between a week of painful recovery and a lifetime love for the sport. By investing in durable, marine-grade protection from head to toe, you ensure they can focus on mastering the wind and water. Equip them properly, pack the gear bag, and let them sail into summer with confidence.