Aaron Checkwood for Seea – Leggings by Seea

For more than twenty years at Las Olas Surfing for Women, I’ve seen my share of surfwear fails. I’ll keep details to myself, but I’ve witnessed enough to inspire me to write about it. Keep reading for colorful, innovative, and practical options for the modern day wave rider.

First-time surfers often make the same swimwear mistakes. Romanced by tan models in surf ads, they imagine gliding on waves in a teeny string bikini. But reality sets in after constantly shifting and pulling tops and bottoms into place. After paddling back to shore with burned shoulders and tender rib rashes, they reconsider a rashguard or the sensible one-piece suit.

Today, modesty is the new cool for surfers who want to stay classy during wipeouts. (Which still happens to even the most experienced wave riders.) From UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) swim tights to long sleeved one-pieces, there are plenty of choices for women surfers and paddle boarders beyond bikinis and boardshorts— none of which sacrifice fashion for function.

Keoki Saguibo for Seea – Rashguard by Seea

THE RASHGUARD

Las Olas surf coaches wear rashguards everyday. A rashguard (surf shirt) protects your shoulders and back from sunburn and also prevents board rash on your belly. Today’s rashguards come in many fresh hues and great prints. You’ll want a new one (or more) each season!

Aaron Checkwood for Seea – Leggings by Seea

THE SURF LEGGINGS

Many of us live in yoga pants, so this surf solution is a logical transition. The surf leggings above by Seea are like a rashguard for your legs. For sensitive skin, leggings offer UPF protective benefits and are easier, faster, and more effective than slathering slippery sunscreen on your legs. That’s not even easy to say, let alone accomplish.

Mike Ito for Seea – Surfsuit by Seea

THE SURF SUIT

Combining a one-piece swimsuit with a rashguard, the revolutionary long sleeved surf suit is hands-down my favorite new style. This is becoming popular for good reason– the fitted design reduces the need to fidget and adjust, sleeves offer UPF sun protection, and the designs are amongst the most stylish around. The suits above by Seea are great examples. What worked for Mary Lou Retton on the balance beam also works well on a board.

Keoki Saguibo for Seea – One Piece by Seea

THE ONE PIECE

The epitome of elegance and ease, the one piece suit easily balances style and function. Surf Style 101 tip: Look for suits with supportive shoulder straps as well as higher neck and back coverage. You’ll pass the class with flying colors.

Lucrecia O’Keefe Surf Bikini by Seea

THE SURF BIKINI

(Not to be confused with the bikini seen floating in the surf.) Under your rashguard, choose a bikini top with supportive straps across the back, plenty of bust coverage, and elastic support that stays put. For bottoms, look for an elastic waist instead of the seamless finish. They’ll stay up better in the whitewater and cover your derrière for style points.

Start with the shops below to rethink your swimwear and pick a style that fits you.

Surfing isn’t a fashion show, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling cool, comfortable, and confident in the line up.

See you in the waves!

SWIMWEAR RESOURCES

For one stop shopping, check out affordable finds here: Swim Outlet

Links to brands listed above and a few other great options:

Traveler – Founded by former Las Olas surf coach and partner, Traveler provides surf gear and apparel for those with an adventurous spirit.

Seea – Supreme style for lady sliders, Seea suits are a locally crafted, 100% Californian product. Hands down, my favorite, most durable brand.

Athleta – With the resonating slogan of “Power to the She,” this long standing company has offered women’s active wear since 1997. Did you know Las Olas coaches were featured on their catalogue covers for three years running?

Carve – Founded in 2003, our Nor Cal surf sisters have grown a complete beach lifestyle brand; offering gear for surf, swim, yoga and more.

Patagonia – Founded more than 40 years ago, this pioneering company stood for sustainability long before it was popular.

Prana – Versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories for surfing and other shenanigans.

Title Nine – Find a swimsuit built for you.

Left on Friday – Designed by women, Left on Friday is a swim (surf, fun) suit that can keep up with you, is easy to care for, and feels amazing on.

Summersalt – Summersalt uses recycled materials to create fabrics and product packaging. There’s no middleman here, which means you get the best designer quality at the best price.

Andie Swim – Luxury one-piece swimsuits and bikinis made for women by women. Fit experts help find your perfect swimsuit, and the highest quality nylon/spandex blend gives you coverage, compression, and support exactly where you want it.

Albion Fit – Albion is a local, family-owned company. They draw upon nature and its energy for inspiration and we love the look and feel of these stunning pieces.

For a quick tour of Las Olas surf vacations, visit At A Glance.

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