Essential gear for an active summer
Whether you golf, sail, cycle or walk, summer is a fabulous time to enjoy exercising outdoors. Here are the head-to-toe essentials you need to get the most from warm-weather activities, and the features to look for.
Sunscreen
Choose a product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays by looking for "broad spectrum" on the label. Use a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, but preferably 30 or more. (An SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 or higher blocks 97%.)
Insect repellent
Look for products with the lowest concentration of DEET that you need. A concentration of 5% to 6% lasts up to two hours, while 22% to 30% concentration lasts up to six hours. Never use products with DEET on infants age six months or younger. For children aged two to 12, you can use concentrations of up to 10%, applied up to three times a day; once a day for children six months to two years.
Sunglasses
Look for lenses with UVA and UVB protection in darker colours and even shading. Choose large or wraparound frames that shield your eyes as much as possible.
Hat
Wear a hat whenever you're gardening, walking, running, sailing or golfing. A wide brim (not a baseball cap) will shade your head, face, ears and neck.
Footwear
Be sure you have properly fitting footwear in good condition that's designed for your sport. This will help protect your feet, reduce impact on your joints and improve traction. Check the treads on the bottom of walking and running shoes regularly for wear — the signal that it's time to replace them.
Hydration
Carry a refillable aluminum or BPA-free plastic water bottle with you at all times when engaging in outdoor activities. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly before, during and after your activity. You may need a sports drink, bar or gel if you will be training hard for an hour or more.
Helmet
Always wear a helmet designed specifically for your sport (or talk to staff at a reputable sports shop). Look for a certification label from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell, the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Helmets should fit snugly and be level and stable.
Joint pads
In addition to a helmet, protective pads for knees, elbows and wrists distribute weight in a fall to reduce the severity of injuries and protect inline skaters and skateboarders. Choose sock-type pads for a snug fit, or pads with strap-style fastenings for warm-weather comfort. Just be sure that the pads fasten securely and don't come loose as you skate.
Reflectors
If you cycle, jog or walk after sundown, make sure you can see and be seen. A light for your bike is a must, as are reflectors for both the bike and your clothing. Look for an orange safety vest or reflective tape.
Life jackets
Everyone who spends time on the water should have — and wear — a properly fitting life-jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Look for a snug-fitting model designed for your weight and size and for your activity, in a bright colour for visibility. The device must be labelled, "Approved by Department of Transport Canada" or "Approved by Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans."