Barz Optics founder Kevin Barr dies, age 71

A respected Gold Coast businessman who pioneered surfing sunglasses, as well as dual-purpose “sunnies” for cyclists, has tragically died, age 71.

Kevin Barr of Barz Optics with his Floating sun glasses. Picture: Mike Batterham

A respected Gold Coast businessman who pioneered surfing sunglasses, as well as dual-purpose “sunnies” for cyclists, has tragically died.

Kevin Barr, who founded Barz Optics, died at the weekend after a battle with cancer. He was 71.

A former champion kneeboarder, Mr Barr invented his surfing sunglasses in the mid 1990s as a cross between traditional sunnies and swimming goggles to protect surfers’ eyes from the sun’s relentless glare.

“I started designing the glasses because there was an obvious need for a product

like this and although all the major surf companies used to talk about coming up with

something – they never did,” he said in a 1995 interview.

“I was one of those people who were getting up early to surf and being hit with this

almost unbearable glare, which can have permanent damage. It has taken a lot of hard

work, a few initial failures, but now I think we have a great product, which we will

be able to advance further.

“Sunglasses are not designed for use in the water; they come off and they allow water

to reach the eyes. Swim goggles cause tunnel vision and are hopeless to see through

when out on the water.

Kevin Barr at his West Burleigh offices. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Our sunglasses solve all these problems and they can also be fitted with prescription lenses.”

Mr Barr sold his sunglasses worldwide and they were worn by US marines for water and air activities, as well as by Gold Coast lifeguards.

Together with good mate and keen cyclist and triathlete Scott Birdsall, he later developed photochromic bifocal sunglasses for cyclists to enable them to read performance stats while on the road.

Mr Barr also developed a range of sunglasses with floating frames for boaties.

His death sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media.

Kevin Barr was a former champion kneeboarder.

Dan Adler, a member of the Gold Coast’s pioneering surfing industry family the Adlers, said Mr Barr was “an inspiration”.

“Rest in peace Kevin Barr. always generous with your time and gifts, keeping fit, working hard, and smiling through the struggles,” he wrote.

“Forever a friend of the Adler family. You’re a legend of the surf industry, and we’ll miss seeing you working the trade stand selling your sunnies, sharing a story and leaving us feeling like we just spent time with someone special. The Adler family salute you.”

Originally published as Barz Optics founder Kevin Barr dies, age 71