Surfing is an incredibly popular sport that requires certain clothing items to ensure comfort, protection, and performance. If you’re new to the surfing world, you might be wondering what to wear surfing. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information regarding what clothing items are ideal for surfing. Moreover, we’ll also discuss their functional roles, material properties, and the best brands to purchase from.
What to Wear Surfing: Clothing Items
Surfing requires several clothing items that enable you to move freely, protect you from the sun, and enhance your performance. Some of the most vital clothing items you’ll need while surfing are:
1. Wetsuit
A wetsuit is a form-fitting garment worn by surfers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts to keep them warm in cold water. The typical wetsuit is made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber polymer with excellent insulation properties. Wetsuits come in various thicknesses, ranging from 1mm to 7mm, and they’re categorized by seasons. A 2-3mm wetsuit is ideal for summer surfing, while a 4-5mm wetsuit is suitable for winter surfing.
2. Wet Boots
Wet boots are footwear specially designed to keep your feet warm and protected while surfing. Wet boots are made of neoprene and have thick rubber soles that offer traction and stability. They come in various shapes and sizes, and the choice depends on the water and air temperature. In colder water, you’ll need a thicker boot for better insulation.
3. Rash Guard
A rash guard is a shirt-like garment that you wear over your wetsuit to protect your skin from chafing and rashes caused by the wax on your surfboard. Rash guards are often made of Lycra, a stretchy and lightweight material that dries quickly and offers sun protection. They come in long or short sleeves and different colors.
4. Board Shorts
Board shorts are the most commonly worn shorts by surfers. They’re made of lightweight and quick-drying materials such as polyester, nylon, and microfiber. Board shorts are longer than regular shorts and can reach the knees or the mid-thigh. They have a waistband that’s adjustable with a drawstring or a Velcro fly.
5. Sun Protection Hat or Cap
A sun protection hat or cap is essential when surfing. It protects your face, scalp, and neck from the sun’s harmful rays. The ideal cap or hat should have a wide brim, be made of lightweight and breathable material, and be water-resistant.
6. Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays. When choosing sunglasses for surfing, consider their fit, lens type, and polarization. Polarized lenses are ideal because they reduce glare and enhance clarity.
7. Wetsuit Hood
A wetsuit hood is a vital addition to your surfing gear when surfing in cold water. It covers your head and neck and offers additional insulation and protection from the cold water.
Functional Roles of Surfing Clothing Items
Surfing clothing items serve various functional roles that are crucial to the safety and comfort of the surfer. Here are the functional roles of each clothing item:
1. Wetsuit – The primary function of a wetsuit is to keep you warm in cold water. A wetsuit achieves this by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit, which your body then heats up and maintains.
2. Wet Boots – Wet boots keep your feet warm and safe from rocks, debris, and any hazards on the ocean floor.
3. Rash Guard – The primary function of a rash guard is to protect your skin from rashes, chafing, and sunburn.
4. Board Shorts – Board shorts enable you to move freely and comfortably while surfing. They also dry quickly and allow easy movement to accommodate various surfing techniques.
5. Sun Protection Hat or Cap – Protects your face, scalp, and neck from sun damage.
6. Sunglasses – Protects your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and increases visibility by reducing glare.
7. Wetsuit Hood – Provides additional insulation and warmth, especially in colder water temperatures.
Best Brands for Surfing Clothing Items
When it comes to surfing clothing items, there are several brands to choose from. Some of the best brands for surfing clothing items are:
1. Rip Curl – Rip Curl is a popular brand known for its high-quality wetsuits, board shorts, and other water-sport-related gear.
2. O’Neill – O’Neill is another reputable brand that produces wetsuits, rash guards, and board shorts of exceptional quality.
3. Billabong – Billabong is a brand that offers a wide range of surf-related clothing items, including wetsuits, board shorts, and rash guards.
4. Quiksilver – If you’re in search of trendy and stylish surf gear, Quiksilver is the brand to go for. They produce high-quality wetsuits, board shorts, and rash guards that are perfect for the style-conscious surfer.
5. Patagonia – Patagonia is a brand that produces sustainable and eco-friendly wetsuits, board shorts, and rash guards. They’re known for their high-quality and durable products that are also environmentally conscious.
Final Thoughts
When surfing, it’s essential to wear the right clothing items to ensure comfort, protection, and optimal performance. Wearing a wetsuit, wet boots, rash guard, board shorts, sun protection hat or cap, sunglasses, and a wetsuit hood are essential for any surfer. Make sure to choose clothing items from reputable brands such as Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, Quiksilver, and Patagonia, to guarantee their durability, quality, and functionality. With the right clothing items, you’ll have an enjoyable and successful surfing experience.
