Prioritizing Sun Protection for the Outdoor Enthusiast Community: Bimini Bay Outfitters
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 28 October 2024 | Allies & Partnerships, Prevention
“As a company who both employs and serves the outdoor enthusiast community, sadly most of us know somebody who has been affected by skin cancer,” Bimini Bay Outfitters (BBO) President Bob Feldsott shared.
Bimini Bay Outfitters has been serving the outdoor enthusiast community since 1992, providing products specializing in fishing tackle and outdoor apparel. Understanding firsthand the sun-centric lifestyle of their customers, BBO has a keen interest in not only protecting their customers’ skin, but also raising more awareness of skin cancer and supporting research. “At BBO, we are garment manufacturers, but we are also outdoorsmen, so there’s a reason behind everything we do when producing our apparel,” said Feldsott.
After over three decades of building their respected reputation as a leader in outdoor apparel, Bimini Bay Outfitters joined forces with the Melanoma Research Alliance in 2023 over a shared mission of advancing skin cancer research and promoting sun safety.
Skin Cancer Risk and UV Exposure in the Outdoor Enthusiast Community
Longer and increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun leads to a higher risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer. This fact rings true for melanoma as well, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed each year. Experts estimate that 90% of all skin cancers, including melanoma, are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices. Fortunately, it is highly preventable and, in most cases, can be cured with surgery alone when it is caught early enough.
Exposure to UV rays is a common occurrence for those who consider themselves outdoor enthusiasts. However, you can still enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer.
Preventing Skin Cancer with UPF Clothing
When it comes to preventing skin cancer, protective clothing is an often-overlooked method. That is because many people focus first and foremost on sunscreen. While sunscreen is an important piece of the puzzle, sweat, water, and other conditions can cause it to rub off and become less effective.
While all clothing offers some protection from the sun, some fabrics are specially designed (and tested) to offer measurable protection, what experts call UPF clothing. UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective clothing.
At BBO, UPF clothing is an important part of their arsenal of products. “Our apparel has you covered at the canyons, on the beach, fishing the flats, or cruising the intercoastals– with plenty of functional and convenience features,” their website states.
In fact, BBO goes the extra mile to ensure that they are providing their customers with the high level of protection they promise. They not only use fine denier yarns so that their clothing can be weaved tightly for optimal protection – while still being lightweight – they also test all products with a certified third party laboratory to guarantee that all UPF claims are verified.
“We work diligently to make sure we deliver an outstanding and affordable product to our consumers, while also protecting their skin from the harms of the sun,” said Feldsott.
A Partnership Built on Sun Safety
Ensuring sun protection for their customers goes beyond just the products BBO sells. Partnering with MRA has been an exciting new endeavor, and through this collaboration four key messages are at the forefront: never intentionally tan, wear UPF clothing, wear sunscreen, and avoid peak rays.
In addition to spreading awareness, BBO donates a portion of their proceeds to MRA’s awareness and research funding efforts. It was important to BBO to partner with an organization who was not only highly effective, but who could ensure the money being raised is used for the shared cause. Thanks to the support of MRA’s founders, 100% of donations made to MRA go directly towards our research and awareness efforts.
“BBO and MRA are both extremely focused and likeminded in their intention to serve those who are at higher risk of skin cancer,” explained Feldsott of the partnership. “Sun safety is a critical issue for us, and UPF clothing will always play an important role in encouraging more people to take their skin health seriously.”