- Measures protection against UVB rays.
- UVB rays cause nasty sunburns.
- Higher numbers mean stronger defense.
- ☀️ Broad-Spectrum Protection
- Shielding against one ray isn't enough.
- Covers both UVA and UVB rays.
- UVA causes long-term skin damage.
- Ensure your bottle explicitly states "Broad-Spectrum".
- Crucial for surfers and swimmers.
- Formulated not to wash off instantly.
- Tested for specific time limits.
- Look for 2 to 4 hours of resistance.
- Reapply immediately after towel drying.
- Dosen't wipe off when pulling your wettie over your head.
- Reef-Safe Ingredients
- Protects our fragile marine ecosystems.
- Standard sunscreens wash into the ocean.
- Chemical blocks damage coral and sea life.
- Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate on labels.
- Choose mineral-based zinc or titanium dioxide.
- Shop instore @ New Wave and try first, we have testers for most sun products.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
Chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens differ primarily in their active ingredients and how they handle UV rays: chemical formulas absorb rays and turn them into heat, while physical formulas sit on the skin to block and reflect them
Chemical Sunscreen
Ingredients: Uses carbon-based compounds like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate.
How it works: Sinks into the skin, absorbs UV rays, and releases them as heat.
Pros: Lightweight, blends invisibly with no white cast, and often water-resistant.
Cons: Needs 15 to 30 minutes to work after application and can irritate sensitive skin
Physical (Mineral)
Sunscreen Ingredients: Uses natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
How it works: Sits on top of the skin to reflect and scatter UV rays.
Pros: Works immediately upon application and is very gentle on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Cons: Can feel heavier and may leave a white or grey cast on darker skin tones
Surfscreen is the choice of sun protection for New Wave team rider Jay Quinn, proudly made here in NZ, surfscreen packs some seriously impressive features such as; SPF50, 4 hours water resistant, UVA and UVB broad spectrum, reef friendly, PABA fee paraben free.
" Surfscreen is the go to sun protection for our family. The kids and I never hit the waves without it. It delivers total sunburn protection and seriously stays locked on, no matter how intense the session gets. If you want a sunscreen that actually survives your surf, this is it! " - Jay Quinn
One of our fav's for surfing Sol Goods Performance Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 This zinc based award winning sunscreen is a big hit with its clean ingredient list, plus its been tried & tested by the New Wave crew.
+ Certified, proven SPF 40 UVA + UVB broad spectrum protection+ Thicker cream to stay put for those long sessions+ High performing physical mineral shield for sports and adventures+ 2 hours water resistant+ Off-white to blend clear into skin+ Kid safe recommended from age 6 months ++ Reef friendly ingredients AND plastic free packaging
Check out our range of Sun Products below
Posted: Monday 7 September 2026