DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with “Summertime”

Does it ever strike you as strange that summer doesn’t officially start until around June 21st (if you’re a northern hemispherian like we are)? Sure, sure, we get the whole “astronomical alignment of the sun with the earth’s axis at whatever degrees and blah blah blah” but can we as a society just agree that summer should be like 4 months long at minimum? Maybe mid-May to mid-September? Is that too much to ask? Anyone? Bueller?

Don Henley with “The Boys of Summer”

Our San Diego Padres are lookin’ pretty, pretty, pretty good right now and we couldn’t be more excited. We’re in the hunt in the NL West and have a significant shot at making a wild card berth if we don’t top our division (knock on wood, don’t want to jinx anything). If you keep an eye out at home games, you’ll see the Knockaround logo on the Petco Park jumbotron fairly often, which for us is, ahhhh how do we put this, REALLY COOL. Stay tuned for some exciting baseball-related Knock news coming soon!

VHS Collection with “Waiting on the Summer”

There’s nothing like counting down the days until summer break as a kid in school. Going from educational lockdown to complete sun-soaked freedom has to be the best lifestyle shift known to humankind. Days at the pool, playing ball at the sandlot, chasing down ice cream trucks with fistfulls of change and a complete lack of responsibility...man, youth is wasted on the young. Enjoy it, kids.

Sly & The Family Stone with “Hot Fun in the Summertime”

San Diego doesn’t vary a whole lot when it comes to temperatures (our January average high of 66º isn’t far off from our August average high of 77º), but that doesn’t mean it can’t get pretty toasty here from time to time. Last year our record high was 100º, and the all-time high was 111º back in 1963. Luckily for us, beating the heat is as easy as a trip to the ol’ Pacific (as long as you don’t mind sharing the beach with hoards of ‘Zonies).

Childish Gambino with “Feels Like Summer”

On a serious note, there’s a reason temperature highs are getting hotter, storms are getting stronger, issues with water (or lack thereof) more frequent...the list goes on. Climate change is no joke and human activity plays a significant role in it. As we’ve grown as a company, it’s become increasingly important to us to look internally at ways we can continue to make a more positive impact on, and reduce harm to, Mother Earth. From constantly tinkering with our process and product; to implementing 100% recyclable kraft paper packaging; to giving back through partnerships with groups like Oceana, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Project CAT (a partner of the World Wildlife Fund); each new step in the right direction is not only exciting, but encouraging. The road to a healthier planet has no end, but we’re grateful to be taking the journey. Learn more about what you can do here.

Lil Rob with “Summer Nights”

We’d be remiss if we left this OG San Diego bop off the list of summertime favorites. It might not be a nationwide go-to, but around these parts you’ll hear this coming from speakers all over the beach once the sun starts to dip. Like Lil Rob himself says, “Ain't nothing like them summer nights.”

The Lovin’ Spoonful with “Summer in the City”

San Diego is full, FULL of things to do in the summer. Surfing, concerts, beach days, mountain hikes, bike tours, zoo trips, road races, Padres games...the list is practically endless. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll probably leave thinking “dang, we’ve gotta come back here and try [insert list of things that you didn’t get too because there is never enough time to try it all]!” And if you’re in the 619 looking for a place to grab a sweet treat to beat the heat, check out our blog on the best ice cream spots in town!

Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood with “Summer Wine”

Hot summer weather and cool drinks go hand in hand, even if wine isn’t your go-to (if it is, check out our blog on the top 10 wine subscription clubs). From refreshing cocktails to craft beers, there’s no more welcome sight than a full glass dripping with condensation after a day in the sun. Just make sure you mix in some water too. Hydration is key.

Sam Cooke with “Summertime”

Before Sublime’s “Doin’ Time,” Sam Cooke knew that in summertime, “the livin’s easy.” Originally composed in 1934 by George Gershwin for an opera called “Porgy and Bess” (which obviously we all know about), this cool track has been covered 67,591 times according to the Guiness Book of World records. Whichever version you pick, you’re sure to feel a wave of nostalgia and laid-back summer vibes.

Shaggy feat. Rayvon with “In The Summertime”

Step aside Mungo Jerry, it’s time for Shaggy to take a turn. This reggae twist on an already-classic summertime jam has got all the makings of a party starter, and if you’re looking for some beach-inspired dance moves look no further than this full-fun, full-sun music video.

Bonus: Sheryl Crow with “Soak Up The Sun”

We get asked a lot about how dark our lenses are, so we figured we’d take this opportunity for a little Sunglasses 101. There are five categories of sunglasses:

Category 0: These shades frames have “zero or very light tint” and are basically for impact protection. Our Blue Light Blockers fall into this category, and while they don’t do diddly-squat for light protection (they still block all UV light), they’ll definitely protect your peepers from a screen-induced headache.

Category 1: Sunglasses in this category have “light tint,” and won’t help much with blocking sunlight either. NEXT.

Category 2: These shades have a “medium tint,” and are often lighter non-mirrored colors like rose or orange. Think Bono.

Category 3: This is what brings home the bacon. ALL of Knockaround’s sunglasses are in Category 3, which means they have a “dark tint.” This is as dark as lenses can get without becoming illegal to drive in (we want you looking fresh behind the wheel too). On top of that, all of our lenses (including Blue Light Blockers) are UV400 rated, which means they block 99%-100% of all UV light, UVA and UVB included.

Category 4: This category includes sunglasses with a “very dark tint,” which is really only useful if you’re summiting an ice-capped mountain or traversing a desert on camelback. Maybe one day we’ll hop into those categories of sport, but for now we’ll stick with the Cat 3’s.