What to wear when you next go surfing… This can take way too long to decide sometimes. The short answer is – wear what you want. But sometimes a little guidance never hurt 🙂
There are more women than ever before jumping into the surf and catching a wave or two, allowing more opportunity for surf companies to create new and interesting products to sell. One of those the newly introduced surf leggings.
For years I’ve been wearing bikinis, but no matter how far and wide I search (most) seem to find a way of my body. Enter the surf leggings.
For me this has been my go-to outfit for last two years, yes I’m lucky to call Byron Bay my home and yes you can surf nearly all year round with some form of lycra on your body. What I like most of all with surf leggings is not only are they functional they are also easily the best product out on the market for UV protection.
So let’s take a look at our two different types of surf fashion.
Surf Leggings
Surf leggings are a perfect alternative to wearing a wetsuit or bikini; they not only protect you from sunburn and board rash, they also make you look amazing and stand out from everyone else in the line-up.
They are super comfortable and flexible without limitations in your movement, (unlike a rigid wetsuit full of neoprene).
Pros
√ The best UV protection for your lower half
√ Cheap (Roxy have surf leggings starting from as low as $35 Aus)
√ They look rad
Cons
X They can start to become loose at the ankles
X Too much lycra for some
X You prefer to get a tan
Top 3 picks
1.Roxy
Cool design at reasonable prices
2. Salt Gypsy
The surf legging pioneer made with really good quality
3. Kassia
Probably one of the more expensive options on the web, but shes rips so you know you’re going to be buying something that makes you feel like you shred.
Bikinis
Being practical doesn’t come into the conversation for choosing a bikini for sunbathing at the beach.
But, unless you’re a bit of an exhibitionist, you’re sure as hell going to want to make sure that it’s practical and doesn’t fall off.
That doesn’t mean that it has to be ugly though, but a nice surfing bikini can be hard to find.
Pros
√ You get to show off your toned body (hopefully)
√ Nothing beats the feeling of water and sun on all of your body
√ You feel like a lady. It’s like the define feminine comes through all of us when we are in a bikini…
Cons
X The part of your body you don’t want people to see, is exposed at least once every surf
X Can be a nightmare putting you bikini back in the right places after every duck dive
X When you pop up, you pop out (boobs and all)
Top 3 picks
1.Rhythm
Have been matching the big dogs recently with their criss-cross back pattern, keeping your bikini on and they look pretty cool too
2.Hive Swimwear
One of the first to pioneer the whole ‘bikini’s that stick’ movement. Great designs and made with love
3. Josea
Really comfortable and you could pretty much practice your down these bikinis. They will definitely stay on. Bright colors to match.
If you feel this has helped in any way or have any questions please leave a comment below.
Happy surfing,
Lauren
LAUREN RINGER
Ex WQS warrior, and all-round frother – Loz is the technical coaching queen at the House of Surf.
She is also a mindset and life coach and has a habit of living in her van way too much.
