Family of five going surfing in Coast Rica at the end of the month. Thinking we ought to have long sleeve rash guards. Please point me towards durable fairly priced products.
Long or short sleeves? High or low neck? Tight or loose? Etc.
Oh, by the way, do I need the super long (goofy looking to me) shorts or will my Speedo trunks (Trunks - not briefs) from Costco be okay?
I’m not much of a surfer, but I get out 5-6 times a year.
I’d go with long sleeve rash guards. Your arms can get pretty chaffed paddling out if you’re new and aren’t careful. Plus it’s extra sun protection on the full arms. Tight is better I think. If it’s loose it’s a pain in the butt. Remember swimming with a tee shirt on as a kid? Extra weight/drag. If it’s tight it won’t get in the way getting back up on the board, swimming after you fall (or jump) off. I’m not sure about neck, I guess what ever is comfortable.
If you want to look cool you need the board shorts, but I don’t think they will make you a better surfer.
Check out whiskeymilita.com for some surf gear. They have rash guards and board shorts. Volcom mod shorts feel like you’re surfing naked. Pull them up above you’re knee when you’re getting ready to catch a wave. That way, it won’t mess you up when you try to stand up.
Most people surf without rashguards but it works your nipples… just don’t get a white rashguard… and don’t forget to put sunblock on the tops of your feet.
Go long sleeve and save yourself from having to cover even more skin with sunscreen. I like Quicksilver the best. No, it’s not the sheapest buy they use a better grade of lycra and more panels so the fit is really good.
We bought the kids shirts that they were selling in the surf shop. They also had a 50 spf rating which was nice. They worked well for both rashes and sunburn.