SWEETSTUFF

The importance of sun protection while playing has never been more recognized in the golfing community, and Boulder Colorado-based Wallaroo Hat Company has taken this trend to the next level with a stylish and effective collection of Aussie-inspired hats that give outstanding sun protection, look and feel great and are very travel-friendly.

With a UPF rating of 50+ and tested in the harsh sun of Australia, Wallaroo hats block up to 97.8% of the sun’s UV rays, providing a great amount of protection. All hats are light, comfortable and adjustable, allowing golfers to swing at ease. These hats keep their shape—even when packed in a suitcase and are very comfortable and functional for summer days under the sun.

“Today, the need for serious protection from the sun’s damaging ultra violet rays is more apparent than ever,” said Lenya Shore, co-founder of Wallaroo Hat Company. “Skin cancer is reaching epidemic proportions in America. We are now number two in the world and it is critical everyone takes responsibility for preventing the further spread of skin cancer!”

Shore and her other co-founder Stephanie Carter started the company back in 1999 after a trip to Australia where they found the Aussie secret to sun protection and from there have developed 41 spring/ summer styles available in solid fabrics as well as tropical prints and neutrals. Signature features include crushable fabric for durability and pliable two to 4 1/2inch brims for maximum sun protection. Most Wallaroo hats feature an internal or external drawstring to ensure one size fits all.

The Wallaroo Hat Company also donates 1% of its total profits to skin cancer research, education and prevention in the United States. Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States. In fact, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is now the most common type of cancer among women ages 25 to 29, making it extremely important to be mindful and take preventative measures in protecting oneself from the sun at a young age.

A study done by professors at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the summer of 2008 found that twice as many cases of scalp and neck melanoma prove to be fatal than cases of melanoma on the extremities.

Wallaroo hats are available in catalogues, on-line and in more than 2,000 outdoor, resort, golf, gardening and boutique retails stores throughout the United States.

For more information, or to view the many styles offered by Wallaroo, visit www. wallaroohats.com

Taking a cue from what long-distance runners like in a performance sock, Swiftwick sock company has introduced its MAXUS line of performance socks that feature a more cushioned footbed that reduces slippage. This is not only a feature that runners love to reduce the chance of blisters, but golfers can benefit from as well for a more secure fit in the shoe—especially during the swing.

“We wanted to expand our offering to include a style designed for

athletes who prefer a higher volume sock for their runs,” said Chuck Smith, president of Swiftwick. “It was important to our team that the sock retained the qualities that are core to all of our products--superior fit and moisture management. We feel the Swiftwick MAXUS hits these marks.”

To achieve maximum cushion without losing the moisture management benefits of a Swiftwick sock, the team utilized new fibers with a unique structure that wick moisture 40 percent better than competitive high-volume materials. With this innovative technology, the wearer will experience superior wicking performance without the chemical treatments used by some manufacturers.

In addition to this new material, the Swiftwick MAXUS is also constructed using Swiftwick’s signature Olefin fibers for superior strength and breathability. Another benefit comes from the sock’s Managed Compression™ and its Linked Toe technology for a blister-free experience and a sock the feels and fits like a fine glove.

“We are proud to develop a sock line that reinforces our commitment to creating USAmade, high quality products,” said David Fitzgerald, vice president of sales. “The creation of the MAXUS gives our dealers the ability to meet the continual demand of their customers.”

The new Swiftwick MAXUS line is available in four colors in both zero and oneinch cuff heights.

For more information on Swiftwick socks: www.swiftwick.com