A river in the west - an angler's paradise

Ask any dedicated fly fishing enthusiast  – casting a dry fly is an art. It’s not just a matter of getting the fly into the water without getting tangled up in your own line, or reaching  the required distance. Even accuracy is only one piece of the puzzle. Fly casting is about understanding where the line should be, and how it should fall. So, when a fish does hit the fly,  you’re in the best position to hook it and bring it in. For those who do it well, casting a fly is both practical and beautifully measured.  To me, it’s more than a little complicated. I can’t reach the level of art because I’m floundering with the simple actions. So, unsurprisingly, I’m not that good at fly fishing. I prefer to sit and watch others – those who excell at it. And, sometimes, those who don’t. Luckily, my dad is a true artist and he’s given me a few tips.  Advice he thinks that everyone should be able to follow – even me.

1. Wear sunglasses – being able to see what you’re doing and where any hazards lurk is vital. Polarized lenses help by blocking glare – light travelling in the horizontal plane.  We have a great range of sunglasses designed to give anglers good coverage, lightweight styles and the advantages of our superior lens technology.

2.Start the cast when your line is straight – paying attention to this will reap dividends later. Lift your line with a steady arm movement. And always start with your rod tip pointed down.

3.Lift your arm only to a 90 degree angle – pitching your arm backwards like your signalling a small aircraft is a mistake. Instead, gracefully lift your arm so it forms an L. It’s not about expending energy, it’s about conserving it.

4.Let the line straighten our behind you – looking backward to check is fine. Try watching  your line and giving it time to reach it’s full length.

Of course, entire books are written on fly fishing and casting. But reading them can confuse the inexperienced. My advice is to focus on three easy things. As you progress you can add more details and learn all the finer points. The other thing I would recommend is bravery in the face of any error or confusion. Fishing is a great equaliser and gives both the great and small ample opportunity to make mistakes.

Send us your best fishing photos!

Polaroid Sunglasses brings you top fly casting tips is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Elton Murphy in Polaroid's Hydro 36

At Polaroid Eyewear, we take fishing pretty seriously.

After all, anglers understand just how important it is to have sunglasses that protect your eyes from glare. Elton Murphy recently did a review of our Hydro 36 for – one of most popular styles - for AnglersNet.co.uk. Not only did he appreciate the quality of our lenses, he was happy with the way they fit. When you’re not used to glasses of any kind, comfort is even more important.

Have a look at what he has to say.

Thanks Elton!

Fishing and Polaroid Sunglasses – Performance when it counts! is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Richard Merry reports on Alex Flynn’s efforts to raise money for Parkinsons research.

Alex Flynn-making a difference to Parkinsons research

On Sept 1st at about 4am, Alex Flynn will set off on the Europe 135 Ultra – a 135 mile run from Niederaichbach to Mittenwald in Bavaria, with a total of 4020meters of climbs to overcome all in under 60 hours!!.  Oh I forgot to mention – Alex suffers from Parkinsons Disease, and is only 39. This race is one of many as Alex attempts to race over 10 Million Metres, with support from Rich Merry, Dave Clamp and John Saunders, among others, over the next 4 years (825,000 already raced since August 2009), all to raise £10m for Cure Parkinsons Trust .

And for this race Polaroid have really pulled out the stops to help and support Alex and his crew. Supplying not only a Polaroid Digital Camcorder to record the events for passing on to other media, but also by supplying 4 pairs of their superb sunglasses, to help cope with all lighting and conditions, so that seeing clearly will be one thing less for Alex to worry about.

Polaroid have been extremely supportive in supplying both Alex and Rich with glasses for all their races this year, which have included the Marathon Des Sables, Grand Union Canal Race, Country to Capital 45 mile Ultra, as well as London Triathlon and the up-coming London Duathlon and 7 Oaks Triathlon. With many more ultras planned for the next few years, including a massive run across Europe in 2011/12, as well as Ironman events and major marathons, Polaroid’s support will ensure that a clear field of vision will help to clear a field of dreams!

As Alex & Rich say – Keep moving forward!!

On the 135 Alex will be using and reviewing the following a range of different sunglasses.

If you want to support and sponsor Alex go to his just giving site

Or out more about  the duo go to Alex’s or Rich’s sites.

Alex Flynn and Polaroid – going to Extreme Ultra, and beyond is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Pro 20:20 - good for more than golfing

Out here in the American West it’s hot. Cowboy hot. And that means the sun is bright and my sunglasses never leave my head until it’s dark and I’m ready to have ribs or a hamburger or some other American-style feast.  So far on this holiday I’ve been golfing, hiking, canoeing and driving long distances. It’s been great. And one of the reasons I’ve been so comfortable is my Polaroid sunglasses.

When I golfed, it was around 90 at the first hole and 96 when we finished. I wore a pair of Polaroid golfing sunglasses. And no matter how much I twisted and turned the sunglasses stayed put. My game was at the beginning of the holiday while we were in Illinois. I love the Mid-West for its hospitality and the general kindness and goodwill of the people you meet. The game was friendly and pleasant -  which means I played well but the men I golfed with played even better.

A few days ago, it wasn’t quite as hot when we hiked down a canyon to see the falls at Yellowstone Park. At the end, there were 337 steps to walk down. I’m not an athlete or a dedicated outdoor fanatic. But this was a walk worth taking to see something beautiful. It was strenuous, but my sunglasses never moved. I forgot I was wearing any. The waterfall was spectacular – and very hard to describe. The quality of the lenses meant I could appreciate the water and the rough outcroppings of rock. I had a remarkably clear view – thanks to the quality of Polaroid’s lenses.

And driving. When you spend eight hours at a stretch in the car, your sunglasses have to work, really work. And  my trusty Polaroid golfing sunglasses didn’t let me down. When the sun was at its very brightest, I could still see clearly and for long distances. But, I also think that early evening can be a bit tricky. Idaho is a big and tiring state to drive across. But with my Polaroid sunglasses, I could see well into the distance when the sun was getting very low in the sky -  exactly the time when you’re starting to get tired and find it hard to concentrate. The glare can be particularly annoying when you’re already past your best. For me, safety when you’re behind the wheel makes any trip – long or short – more enjoyable.

Now, I’m in Oregon and looking forward to more golf and possibly some cycling.

Holidaying in Polaroid style! is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Hydro - useful for fishing.

Fishing takes a lot of dedication and patience. So the last thing you want is to be distracted by the glare from the sun reflecting off the water. That’s no way to fish but it’s a sure fire way to eye fatigue and headaches.

Apart from the health implications, glare makes it difficult to see what’s happening below the water’s surface, and you might miss out on the catch of your life. That’s why Polaroid’s fishing sunglasses are an essential part of your angling kit.

The only choice to make is which lens colour floats your boat?

The choice is yours; let us know which you prefer.

Fishing sunglasses keep you out of deep water is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Forty Not Out likes classic aviators

This time, it’s Forty Not Out who have discovered just how fashionable and fun a good pair of aviators can be. And, I have it on good authority that they’re also perfect for your holiday wardrobe. What she liked wasn’t just the great protection from UV rays that Polaroid Sunglasses offer, it was the fantastic looks of the sunglasses themselves. And if you can combine anti-aging with real style how can you go wrong?

Have a look at what she has to say.

Who’s wearing Polaroid aviators? is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Check out the review and see the gallery on MSN.

Men’s driving sunglasses – perfect for summer is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Vector 99 - ultra light and flexible.

Cricket is one of those games where you never know how long it’s going to last, so you need to be prepared. A pair of Polaroid’s cricket sunglasses provides a comfortable fit all day long, so you’re ready to play no matter how long the match lasts.

As with a lot of sports, reaction is everything. Whether you’re batting or fielding, you need to make sure you can see the ball in all light conditions. When you’re the batsperson, the ball needs to be visible against the green, and out in the field you need see the ball clearly in the sky. Polaroid’s cricket sunglasses are technically advanced and designed to prevent glare affecting your vision through their polarized lenses.

Polaroid’s also done its research on lens colours. Copper lenses in Strike, for example, give good definition in low light and cloudy conditions, as it stops blue light to make it easier to see colours like the red of a cricket ball.

Or, if you prefer brown lenses, Vector 99, is perfect for bright and sunny days as it also cuts out blue light to give clear contrasts right up until the last wicket. Vector 99 also comes with interchangeable clear and orange lenses to suit varying light conditions.

Cricket sunglasses for fun at the park and professionals on the pitch is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Mercury - designed with performance in mind.

Cycling can be for everyone. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast biking through the park, it’s a great way to keep fit. And Polaroid’s polarized cycling sunglasses will help you get the most out of your ride as they cut out glare from the sun, letting you see the ground more clearly.

As sportspeople know all too well, there’s nothing worse that grit in your eye when you’re concentrating on training. That’s why Polaroid Eyewear has come up with a solution. Their close-fitting, lightweight frames sit comfortable around your eyes to protect you from debris flying up form the ground – just perfect.

You might like to try Mercury which has a curved frame for added protection and nose grips to keep the frames firmly in place. Check out the recent review outdoor sport magazine, Wide World, gave Mercury for a professional opinion.

Cycling sunglasses for pros and enthusiasts is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses

Running4Women - off to an amazing start

September is right around the corner. And if you’ve invested in your fitness regime over the summer, you’ll want to make the most of it while the good weather lasts. So, while you have a minute, sit down, relax and have a look at some of the runs we recommend.

And don’t forget your running sunglasses.

Hackey Marshes Two2Go 10K and 5K 

September 11

Everything kicks of with registration from 9:30 – 11:00. You can sign up ahead of time, or register on the day. And while you’re running, there are kids’ activities, food and drink. The festivities continue until 6:00, so you’ll be able to relax after your exertions.

Kyles 10 Miles Scenic Run – Argyll, Scotland

September 12

The race starts at 1:00. It’s a brand new 10-mile road race that takes place less than two hours from Glasgow. It’s an incredibly scenic run that follows the Ardlamont Penninsula along Argyll’s secret coast. Entry must be completed in advance.

The 2010 Tree-Athlon – Battersea Park, London

September 18^th

The London race will have three groups; runners, barefoot runners and buggy sprinters. The organisers are asking that every participant raise £25.00 in sponsorship to help make London a better, greener place.  Registration is quick and easy. The race itself starts at 10:15.

Running4Women Windsor 8k – London

September 25^th

This race is for women only – whatever your ability or goals. And it promises to be a great day for everyone. There’s free car parking, food and a bouncy castle for the kids. You can even raise funds for Breakthrough or the charity of your choice.

Have fun and enjoy the good weather.

Polaroid Sunglasses brings you the best September running events is a post from: Polaroid Sunglasses