I read with interest an article in the NOV 2007 medical journal of Australia regarding a 35 yo male professional kite surfer who died from metastatic melanoma. He presented with multiple liver lesions. The primary was found to be from his eye,more specifically his retina. The kite surfer never wore sunglasses. Melanoma from the retina spreads more quickly than skin lesions as their are no lymphatics in the retina. Skin melanoma's might spread first to a lymph node (surgical treatment still reasonably effective ), whereas from the retina it goes straight into your blood stream to your liver ( your cactus).
Kiting exposes you to direct UV radiation as well as reflected. You can reduce your risk of melanoma by wearing sunglasses.
Thanks Jeremy, I pasted this into kiteforum and into the windsurfing section.
Also don't forget the lipbalm as the lip is often forgotten and is common site for oral cancer.
Even if you don't get melanoma, if you're out in the sun a lot and don't wears sunnies you've got a good chance of developing cateracts too.
My girlfriend is always having a go at me for not wearing sunnies! I am going to grab a pair for those extended sessions. I am sure there is a 'cool' factor involved in not wearing them but there is nothing cool about metastatic melanoma at 35. I think i will purchase my helmet, crash vest, reel leash and board leash at the same time.
Cheapest option is to buy a pair of $15 sunnies from the servo and tie the things to your harness. that way when you get dragged after failing to stick your new trick, it only costs you $15.
D
What's the difference between Cataracts and Dterijium's (spelling?) anyone know off-hand?
I have had the sea specs which were $89 inc postage briskites.com.au for 2 years really good value - polarised and with strap stay on well
Also
cataracts are when the lens becomes opaque, while pterygiums are overgrowth of the conjunctiva (kind of like skin) across the surface of the eye. both are caused by sun
IMO polarised suks for kiting.
Overall vision may be better but they make it hard to spot your landing, read the chop or the face of a wave etc. etc.
And (for Woodies kiters) watching the sharks cruising around underneath you can be a bit disconcerting at times. 
For my 2c's - darker type lenses with max UV but not polarised is the way-to-go for kiting.
but then 
- if you are cruising the reef up at Ningaloo then polarised is a hell-awesome experience. Definately should be on everyones 'must do' list.
