Surfing is a demanding water sport that requires swimwear with specific performance characteristics. From the rough, unforgiving surface of a surfboard deck to the unpredictability and power of breaking waves to the dreaded “getting swept away,” it’s important to choose a swimwear that will help mitigate any potential challenges you may encounter during a surfing session. In general, there are three questions you should ask before choosing the best surfing swimwear for you:
• In what conditions will I be surfing?
• How long do I plan to be in the water?
• Will I hang out on the beach after surfing?
These will help you determine where to start when searching for your next swimwear.
Swimwear by Activity Type
Based on the information above, surfing swimwear options can be narrowed down to three different categories:
• Small Conditions/Beach Hangs
If you plan on spending the day at the beach and jumping out of the water for a fun, playful (i.e., small) surf or two, you have a lot of surfing swimwear options to choose from. At this point, style and loose, casual comfort can take precedence over a swimwear designed for surfing performance. You’ll want a swimsuit that’s just as comfortable on the beach as it is on the board, so consider comfortable fixed-waist boardshorts, elastic-waist boardshorts, or even hybrid walking shorts as your best options.
• High-Performance Conditions
If you’re choosing a swimsuit specifically for surfing, then you’ll want to narrow down to the more “tech-specific” shorts. These are primarily the fixed-waist boardshort category, with streamlined cuts, engineered performance fabrics, and features designed to minimize any friction you might experience while surfing.
• Multi-Hour Sessions
Finally, if you plan on surfing for extended periods of time (more than two hours per day), you may want to consider other options to help prevent chafing and prolonged sun exposure. These options may include wetsuit jackets as well as fixed-waist shorts, rash guards, or other warm-water wetsuit options (like spring suits or shorts) that eliminate the need for a swimsuit altogether.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Surf Swimsuit
• Length and Fit
Boardshorts are designed to minimize drag, be more streamlined, and fit close but not tight. As for length, the average fluctuates with trend cycles, but the median over the past 30 years has been an 18.5-inch outseam.
• Rash Protection
While technical boardshorts feature high-performance fabrics designed to minimize friction, sometimes long days in the water or on the beach can lead to uncomfortable rashes on the legs/inner thighs. If you plan on spending more time in the water, an inner compression garment (polyester/nylon body shorts) will help prevent this.
• Is There a Liner?
Any swimsuit with mesh or built-in liners is most likely not suitable for surfing. These liners tend to fill with water and “bulk” when submerged in water, which can make the surfing experience a very draggy experience.
Style
While surfers want a pair of boardshorts that allow them to perform at their best, style is also important. Very important. So keep that in mind when choosing your next pair of boardshorts. With countless options on the market, there is undoubtedly a style that is right for you.
Start by searching for the best swimsuit based on the type of surfing you want to do, then choose the features that best suit you and be ready for your next surf session.
