Rethink Your Surfwear

By Bev Sanders, Founder of Las Olas Surf Safaris
 

We often see first-time surfers make the same mistakes in their swimwear choices. Romanced by the dream of tanned and blonde models in surf ads, they imagine gliding on water wearing a teeny string bikini like the pros. But in reality, after after a few hours of constantly pulling up their bottoms, shifting their tops back into place, burned shoulders and tender rib rashes, they’re wishing for a rashguard or one-piece suit.

Today, modesty is the new cool for women surfers who spend days in the hot tropics and want to stay covered during wipeouts and mishaps (which still happen to even the most experienced wave riders!). From UPF protective swim tights to long-sleeved one-pieces, there are endless choices for women surfers and paddle boarders beyond bikinis and boardshorts — none of which sacrifice fashion for function.

Here, Las Olas’ coaches guide you through the colorful landscape of swimwear for surfing and paddling, highlighting some of the key apparel items that you can use for your next surf trip and specific products that we like.

1. Surf Leggings

For sensitive skin, surf leggings are like a rashguard for your legs! They offer the same UPF protective benefits, plus they protect you from chaffing while sitting on your board. Bonus: You’ll look trés chic and use a lot less sunscreen. I love the Billabong Surf More Surf Pant, or the Speedo Leggings. 

2. The Rashguard

All surf coaches wear rashguards, which protect your shoulders and back from sunburn and prevents board rash on your belly. Today’s rashguards come in fresh hues and trendy prints that will make you want a new one each season. Or a few!

Seea makes a ton of cute prints, like the Selva Hermosa L/S Rashguard.

3. The Surf Bikini

To wear underneath your rashguard, choose a bikini top with supportive straps across the back, more coverage over the bust, and elastic support under the bust to stay put during mishaps. Look for bottoms with elastic around the waist (instead of the seamless finish), so they stay up in the whitewater.

The Carve Hana Bikini Top and Cardiff Bottom, Eidon Solid Madison Top and Bottom, and the O'Neill Salt Water Solids Top and Boy Short are a few of my favorites.

4. The Surf Suit

Combining the one-piece swimsuit and the rashguard, the revolutionary long sleeved surf suit is one of my favorite new styles of the last five years. The fitted design reduces fidgeting and adjusting, and sleeves offer UPF protection.

Seea does it again with the Selva Zuma, Dawn Solanas and Heather Solanas styles.

5. The One-Piece Suit

The epitome of elegance, one-piece swimsuits easily balance style and function. For surfing, look for suits with supportive shoulder straps, and higher neck and back coverage. 

I suggest something like the Helen Jon Essential Tie Back or anything from the Roxy Pop Surf collection. 

Bev Sanders is founder and president of Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women and editor-in-chief of getdressedandgo.com, the online fashion and travel portal for women adventurers. Bev started surfing at 44 continuing her lifelong pursuit of introducing women to sports.