Avid Fishing Sun Mask
Pickup available at BSS
Usually ready in 24 hours
Built for Anglers Who Take Sun Protection Seriously
The Avid Fishing Sun Mask is engineered from the ground up for on-the-water use. While generic polyester sun masks absorb heat and cling uncomfortably, AVID specifies COOLMAX® fabric because it is a purpose-built performance textile with engineered moisture-transport channels that actively pull sweat away from the skin and accelerate evaporation. The result is a mask that stays noticeably cooler and drier through long days on the flats, offshore, or in the surf.
Coverage extends across the face, neck, and ears, the three areas most exposed to direct and reflected UV on the water. The seamless, tube-style construction means there are no seam ridges to irritate skin under a tight-fitting buff position, and 2-way lateral stretch lets you pull it up, down, or sideways without fighting the fabric.
UPF 50+ Sun Protection for Face, Neck and Ears
The mask blocks 95% of UV rays and carries a UPF 50+ rating, which makes it one of the most effective non-chemical sun-protection options for anglers who prefer to cover up rather than reapply sunscreen every two hours. Unlike sunscreen, COOLMAX fabric does not wash off in spray or sweat, and protection is consistent from the first cast to the last.
The fabric composition is 50% polyester and 50% COOLMAX, and the entire construction is made from 100% RPET, meaning the fibers are spun from recycled plastic bottles. This keeps the performance profile high while reducing the raw material footprint.
Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying Performance
COOLMAX® is not a finish or a coating applied to standard polyester. It is a proprietary fiber construction with a modified cross-section that increases surface area relative to standard round polyester filaments. More surface area means faster wicking and faster drying, which matters when temperatures spike mid-afternoon or when spray soaks the mask. The quick-dry characteristic also means the mask is ready for the next day without needing a full launder cycle between short outings.
Versatile Tube Design
The gaiter-style tube fits over the head and pulls up to cover the lower face or down to drape as a neck shade. It can also be worn as a beanie, headband, or wristband depending on the conditions. The 2-way lateral stretch accommodates a wide range of head and neck proportions without separate sizing. AVID designed this mask specifically for fishing use, and that shows in how it sits under a cap brim and stays in place when you pivot to cast.
Care
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. Do not use fabric softener, as softeners can coat the COOLMAX fibers and reduce moisture-transport performance over time. Do not iron or dry clean.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
Returns are eligible within 30 days of receiving your order. Return shipping labels are FREE for IWS Beach Club Members. See more
Specifications
- Brand
- Avid Gear
- UV Protection
- Blocks 95% of UV rays / UPF 50+
- Fabric
- 50% Polyester, 50% COOLMAX®
- Sustainability
- Made with 100% RPET (recycled plastic bottles)
- Construction
- 100% seamless tube
- Stretch
- 2-way lateral stretch
- Moisture Management
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying
- Coverage
- Face, neck and ears
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a fishing sun mask and how does it protect you?
- A fishing sun mask is a tube-style fabric gaiter worn over the face, neck, and ears to block UV radiation while on the water. The Avid Fishing Sun Mask uses COOLMAX fabric rated UPF 50+ to block 95% of UV rays, providing a non-chemical, sweat-resistant alternative to sunscreen for anglers spending extended time in direct sun.
- What is COOLMAX fabric and why does it matter for sun masks?
- COOLMAX is a premium performance fiber engineered with a modified cross-section that dramatically increases surface area compared to standard polyester. That extra surface area accelerates moisture wicking and drying, which keeps the mask cooler and more comfortable than generic polyester options during long days on the water.
- Is the Avid Fishing Sun Mask made from recycled materials?
- Yes. The Avid Fishing Sun Mask is constructed from 100% RPET, meaning the fabric fibers are spun from recycled plastic bottles. This delivers the same UPF 50+ performance with a reduced environmental footprint.
- How do you wear a fishing sun mask or neck gaiter?
- Pull the tube over your head and position it as needed. Worn high, it covers the lower face, nose, and ears. Pulled down, it drapes as a neck shade or sun collar. The 2-way stretch also allows it to be worn as a beanie, headband, or wristband when full face coverage is not needed.
- How do you wash a COOLMAX sun mask?
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low or hang to dry. Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the COOLMAX fibers and reduce their moisture-wicking performance over time. Do not iron or dry clean.
- Can a sun mask replace sunscreen for fishing?
- A UPF 50+ sun mask provides consistent, reapplication-free coverage for all skin it covers, and unlike sunscreen it does not wash off in spray or sweat. For areas the mask does not cover (forehead, hands, forearms), sunscreen or other sun protection is still recommended.
- Where can I buy the Avid Fishing Sun Mask?
- The Avid Fishing Sun Mask is available in store and online at Island Water Sports, serving South Florida anglers and water sports enthusiasts.

