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Gansett Lifeguards Demonstrate Skill and SunAWAREness

Brian Guadagno, Narragansett Surf Rescue Senior Lifeguard Captain and founder of Raw Elements USA sunscreen, lives for days on the ocean. During his 17 years as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, he came to realize the damaging effects of environmental sun exposure and chemical sunscreens. Today, Guadagno continues to spend his days on the ocean in Rhode Island, protecting himself from the sun while encouraging his fellow rescue team and beach goers to stay SunAWARE as well.

“Summer 2013 was a huge success for Narragansett Surf Rescue,” said Guadagno. “Most importantly we have managed record numbers on our beach with great efficiency. To date we have logged over 200 rescues and assists of distressed swimmers and surfers.” The rescue team’s latest competition, the Waterman Eco-Challenge three mile ocean paddle, turned out to be a huge success thanks to some dedicated surfers, paddlers and great sun protection advocates. “Although the weather wasn’t the greatest, the event was awesome,” said Guadagno.

“I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled the entire 2013 Narragansett Surf Rescue team was to have their Coolibar hats this summer,” said Guadagno. “The crew wore them every day on the beach and throughout tournament competition. It was a great new look for our team and everyone took notice. Our Coolibar rash guards are an instrumental part of our gear as well, as you can see in the photos.”

Check out photos from the 2013 season and Coolibar testimonials from the team!

Coolibar extends a huge congratulations and two-thumbs up to the Narragansett Surf Rescue for a great season and a job well done on keeping our oceans safer to paddle in.

“I kayak 7 miles a day on the ocean for the past 3 years and I’ve never felt more protected from the sun as I did this year wearing my Coolibar hat. Simply awesome!” – Mike Florio, Narragansett Surf Rescue Lifeguard Captain

“The Coolibar hat this summer has been a lifesaver. Combining the hat with Raw Elements sunscreen has protected me from the sun’s harmful rays, which is a high priority for me and the whole Surf Rescue Team at Narragansett. Thank You Coolibar!” –Nicholas Batista, Narragansett Surf Rescue Lifeguard

“Our Coolibar hat and team rash guard were my everyday choices life-guarding this summer. Lightweight and quick drying, I always felt comfortable and totally protected under all conditions, especially during two immense heat waves. Thanks for your support of our team!” – Drew Schneider, Narragansett Surf Rescue PWC Team

About Raw Elements USA
Sunscreen gentle enough for use in infant care yet meets all the performance demands of the most extreme athletes. This is all delivered in an eco-safe, reef-safe, all natural formula. Raw Elements is the conscious consumer’s answer to safe, serious sun protection.

Shop Raw Elements Sunscreen

Like the UPF shirts and sun hat they’re wearing? Shop Coolibar.

Coolibar provided free swim shirts and hats for the Narragansett Surf Rescue.

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Coolibar Athletes

Surfing Lessons and Protecting Your Skin

Did you know ultraviolet rays from the sun bounce off water? Surf and paddle board instructor Carol Philips lives in Hawaii on the North Shore of Oahu, and is out on the water daily for 6 hours at a time, dressing smart for her time in the sun. She also tells her students do do the same. Read Carol’s sun protection recommendation for days on the water.

Surfing is an amazing sport. The only drawback is sun exposure. The sun does live on the North Shore, when she’s not shining, which is 99 percent of the time, she lives in the foothills of Mt. Kaala. Protecting one’s skin while learning how to surf is very important to many of our surf students. Protecting our skin while teaching our students is also very important to the North Shore Surf Girls. We usually wear long sleeve surf shirts, long leggings and Coolibar UPF 50+ Aqua Gloves. A word on the importance of protecting your hands from the sun while surfing — the skin on the back of your hands is very thin and easily damaged by the sun. Also, when you paddle your surf board the back of your hand facing up and exposed to the sun. Keep your skin covered and safe! See you out on the water.

– Carol Philips

Coolibar athlete Carol Philips received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

Carol Philips teaching stand up paddleboarding
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Parenting

4th of July Safety for Kids

Anticipation is growing as everyone awaits a weekend filled with water play, lip-smacking barbeques and grand firework displays this Independence Day. While the 4th of July can be fun, it can also be a hazardous day, especially for children who do not understand the dangers associated with some of the traditional festivities. This 4th of July, keep these simple safety precautions in mind when you and your kids are out at play.

 

Be SunAWARE

Whether this Independence Day is sunny or cloudy, you and your family will need sun protection when outdoors. If you’ll be around water, remember that the sun’s UV rays reflect off of the water’s surface, so you and your kids will be getting sun exposure in all directions! Be SunAWARE and protect yourself and your family from the problems associated with sun exposure by following these steps:

SunAWARE Advice

Be Alert Around Water

Any body of water can be dangerous for children who are not under close adult supervision. The American Red Cross offers this safety advice when in or around water.

* Actively supervise children whenever around the water—even if lifeguards are present. Do not just drop your kids off at the public pool or leave them at the beach—designate a responsible adult to supervise. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

* Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

* Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone. This includes when boating too.

* Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.

See all of the American Red Cross water safety tips.

Play it Safe with Fireworks

Each year approximately 8,800 people visit the emergency room due to firework-related injuries. The risk of fireworks injury is highest for kids ages 10 to 14 – more than twice the risk for the general population. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission asks that you please use the following safety measures if fireworks are legal in your area and you plan on creating your own celebratory display.

* Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

* Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Young children often suffer injuries from sparklers, which burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt some metals.

* Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Back up a safe distance immediately after igniting.

* Never re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully. If possible reach them with a hose and dowse with water before approaching.

* Keep a bucket of water or hose handy in case of fire and to dowse fireworks after use.

See all of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission firework safety tips.

Have a fun and safe Independence Day!

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What's Hot

Coolibar Shopping Spree

Bloggers, are you ready to start Getting Gorgeous? We are and we’re thrilled to be a part of Getting Gorgeous 2013!

Because you’re in the know, the Tanning is Out concept is probably not new to you, but here’s why we incessantly talk about it. Sun protection is important for healthy & radiant skin because excessive UV light exposure, natural or artificial, not only increases skin cancer risk, but also prematurely ages skin. Need a visual? Check out this pin. Your best defense is to cover-up and #PracticeSafeSun.

Your Coolibar Gift UPF 50+ Beach Sun Hat

Our Getting Gorgeous UPF 50+ gift to you is the Beach Sun Hat, yours free and included in your goodie bag. This best selling sun hat has a reinforced 7” brim for superior face and neck coverage and is crushable for travel.

You say you want more UPF 50+ coverage from Coolibar? You got it!

WIN a $500 Coolibar Shopping Spree! Here’s how:

1. Like us on Facebook, Facebook.com/Coolibar

2. Follow us on Twitter, @Coolibar.

3. Snap a photo of yourself being SunAWARE with Coolibar – in your hat, at our Getting Gorgeous Booth, perhaps pose with Elvis…

4. Share your photo, tag @Coolibar and use hashtag #GettingGorgeous. Tell your friends and followers about Getting Gorgous and Coolibar Sun Protection You Wear.

That’s it. Our winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday, April 30th.

Can’t wait to Get Gorgeous with you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Winner will be drawn at random on April 30, 2013. Entries accepted until 4/30/13 noon CST. No purchase necessary. To enter you must be an attendee of the Getting Gorgeous 2013 blogger event. Prize is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Cannot be used toward third-party merchandise such as sun shelters and sunglasses. One entry per person. Rules subject to change at the discretion of Coolibar, Inc.

 

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Inside Coolibar New Products What's Hot

Coolibar spring 2013 photo shoot: behind-the-scenes

Spring 2013 Coolibar Behind the Scenes

Behind-the-scenes footage from Coolibar’s spring 2013 photo shoot, including a sneak peak at our new UPF 50+ sunwear. Look for our catalog in your mailbox starting January 21 (may arrive anytime within a three week time frame). 

Click the first photo below to view them all.

Shop www.coolibar.com starting January 21st for new products!

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Let us know what you’re most excited about. Comment below!

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What's Hot

Coolibar Holiday Gift Guide

Destination holiday — living healthy and giving healthy. At Coolibar we have a gift-worthy idea — sunwear to go everywhere and do anything! We have sun protective clothing, sun hats, UV swimwear, sun shelters, UPF 50+ umbrellas and skin care perfect for women, men and children, all items for those who love spending time under the sun! Take a look and share our gift guides with your family and friends to drop the hint.

Shop Coolibar.com. Search Coolibar.com for your gifts by name.

Questions? Call 1.800.926.6509

Enter our contest to win a Coolibar UPF 50+ Titanium Beach Umbrella and Sand Anchor (a $100 value)! Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. Visit our contest page for details.

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Coolibar Athletes

Equipment Fit for the Coolibar Athlete

Looking to start a new sport, or possibly update your current fitness gear?

Run, hike, bike, ski, golf, swim and surf in the same equipment Coolibar athletes use to reach new heights! Coolibar athletes participate in a number of sports and fitness activities to stay in shape.

To see what our athletes recommend for your specific interests click the first image below and scroll through the following collages: #1 Running – Kristie Cranford; #2 Hiking / Adventure Racing – Jeremy Van Ek; #3 Golf – Elena King; #4 Windsurfing – Marion Lepert; #5 Skiing – Tania Prymak; #6  Biking and Running – John Barker; #7 Swimming – Molly Baross

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Coolibar is not affiliated with any other brand or product depicted in these collages other than the Coolibar branded clothing and sunscreens.

Shop Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Clothing

Shop Coolibar UPF 50+ Men’s Clothing

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Coolibar Athletes

Windsurfing with Coolibar Athlete Marion Lepert

US Nationals Competition: An update from Marion Lepert, Coolibar Athlete and Windsurfer:

I recently returned from competing in the US Windsurfing Nationals in Hood River, OR. This event took place on the Columbia River, a renowned location for windsurfing, where it is sunny and warm. I raced in both formula course racing and slalom racing classes and had a blast while doing it. Each day, we had three formula races followed by three slalom races, making for about 5-6 hours of total sailing every day.

Formula racing is done on big boards that can be sailed in 7-25 knots with fins up to 70 cm long and sails up to 12 meters big. The courses consist of a start, then upwind and downwind buoy roundings and then a race to the finish line. I have been racing in this discipline for five years. I was very pleased with my performance in this event; I finished 1st in the women’s category and 8th overall (men and women).

Slalom racing consists of much faster paced races than formula, and the gear is much smaller and done in more wind. The courses also have a start, but the rounding of buoys is different; they are all downwind and must zigzag through them to get to the finish line. I am still learning this discipline, but I had a great time racing in it at the Nationals. I had a difficult start to the event, still being uncomfortable with the format of the racing and falling on several of my transitions. However, I stayed focused and improved during the regatta to win the Women’s National Champion title.

Racing in the Nationals reminded me of why I love windsurf racing so much. Speeding around courses and trying to get ahead with tactics is a lot of fun, and the community of windsurf racers is very friendly and close-knit. I had a great time, but the event would not have been the same for me had I not had my Coolibar gear. I spent almost 10 hours every day in the sun racing, resting, or taking care of my gear, but wearing my Coolibar clothing helped me stay safe from the sun. I wore my Stash Pocket Swim Shirt, pink Long Sleeve Swim Shirt, Fingerless Gloves and red Sun Gaiter, all of which worked great and allowed me to focus on my racing, not the sun.

Thank you,
Marion

Marion Lepert, US Windsurfing Nationals in Hood River, OR
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Coolibar Athletes

Windsurfer Marion Reviews Coolibar Stash Pocket Swim Shirt

Marion Lepert, windsurfer and Coolibar athlete, spends almost 10 hours a day in the sun. She recently returned from the US Nationals in Hood River, OR where she became the 2012 US National Women Overall Champion. While there, she used her Coolibar Stash Pocket Swim Shirt on the water. Now she shares her thoughts on its on-course performance.

What are you overall thoughts on the shirt?
This is a terrific shirt to wear for water activities. I have tried many sun protection swim shirts over the years, but this one is my favorite. It is light, comfortable, and practical. I also like that it is not just a swim shirt, but can also be easily worn off the water.

What activities did you partake in when wearing the shirt?
I wear this shirt when I go windsurfing in the summer.

What are your favorite features?
My favorite feature is the fabric because of how it handles water. I also like the cut and the shirt’s special features: the thumbhole sleeves and the stash pocket. When I do not have my Coolibar gloves handy, I put on my thumbhole sleeves and know that my hands will stay protected from the sun. I also like the stash pocket because it is a great way to keep keys or sun protection lip balm on me.

What are your overall thoughts on the fabric?
I think the fabric is what distinguishes this shirt most from other swim shirts I have tried. Unlike other shirts, this shirt does not feel heavy or sticky after I fall in the water. It stays light and dries fast.

Did the fabric meet your expectations?
The fabric exceeded my expectations!

Did the fabric and shirt keep you cool?
The shirt does keep me cool. This is true even when I am in the hot sun and still dry on my windsurfing board.

Did the fabric stick to your skin?
No, the fabric did not stick to my skin.

What do you want others to know about this shirt?
This is a must have for anybody spending time in the water. With sunscreens not working well in the water, this shirt offers a more reliable way of staying protected from the sun. It is light and comfortable and makes being in the water enjoyable without having to worry about the sun. I definitely recommend it!

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Chad Grigsby Coolibar Athletes

Fishing Season Update from Coolibar Athlete Chad Grigsby

For those of you that don’t know me, and am I sure there are a few, I am Chad Grigsby and I am a professional angler on the FLW Tour – the PGA circuit of bass fishing. I have had the fortune of competing professionally full time for 10 years. That’s right, I fish for a living. I live in Maple Grove, MN, am married to Bridget and have two daughters – Isabelle, who is 4 and Avrey who is 2.

This year the season kicked off in January on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, FL. Okeechobee is one of my favorite lakes, as I tend to do well competitively there; however, this year wasn’t my best performance- I finished 58 out of 164- but I am excited to go back and won’t complain about being in the Florida sun in January. (Photo: Me in a Coolibar long sleeve protecting me from the Florida sun during practice).

Next I was off to Lake Hartwell in Columbia, SC where I struggled again and finished 120…on to Table Rock in Branson, MO where I finally cracked the top 50! (Photo: Me with my largest bass from Table Rock before weigh in with Isabelle, Coolibar shirt underneath the jersey – amazing that the long sleeves keep you cool and dry when fishing all day in 85 degree weather).

 

After Table Rock, I was able to head to Scottsdale, AZ with my family, where we celebrated Easter and had fun in the sun! (Photo: My daughter Isabelle after her Easter Egg Hunt wearing a kids Coolibar zip up to protect her Irish skin from the sun rays!)

Next up Beaver Lake in Rogers, AR, which is also a favorite of mine for a couple of reasons. I tend to do well there and that is where I met my wife (I am originally from Michigan- Go Big Blue!).

Well, I will check in again after Beaver, hopefully with a great story of my fantastic performance.

Stay cool. Chad

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