Boardcave’s Surf Leggings Buying Guide

Leggings have long been used in other sporting activities such as yoga or gym workouts. They’re not exactly a new type of equipment or piece of clothing but using swim leggings in surfing is fairly new.

What are Surf Leggings

Surf leggings are basically similar in shape and form to other types of leggings. The major difference is the purpose they serve and what they are made of. As the name implies, these leggings are specifically designed for surfing and other water activities such as swimming and kayaking.

Why Wear Surf Leggings

Flexible piece of clothing. These look great, on and off the beach. Wouldn’t it be nice to have something you could wear going to the beach and surf in them too? While surf leggings are especially designed for swimming activities, this does not stop you from wearing them on your next yoga workout or stroll in the park.

Sun protection. Here’s something that your workout leggings don’t provide. Surf leggings come with sun protection. Of course, a good sunblock provides the same protection but with swim leggings you don’t have to worry about constantly reapplying.

They work as your second skin. It’s just like having an extra layer of skin which does not only protect you from harmful sun rays but also prevent board rashes. This is a constant danger for surfers, rashes from your legs rubbing against the surfboard. These can also protect you during wipeouts where you can get roughed up against the reefs or sharp stones.

Keeps us comfy and warm. Some of the best surf leggings are made of the same material used in wetsuits. These are highly breathable, quick drying, and flexible. Wearing surf legging during cold water conditions also helps in keeping us warm by preventing heat loss in the legs.

Makes you stand out. In a sea of swim wear, wetsuits, and board shorts, surf leggings help you stand out from the crowd. These come in a variety of designs and colours giving you the opportunity to express your individuality.

Security and privacy. For women, the chance of a wardrobe malfunction is a real possibility when you’re engaged in a high-intensity sport such as surfing. Form-fitting and body-hugging leggings makes this impossible. It gives you the peace of mind that you could execute any manoeuvre without worrying about losing your bikini.

Things to Consider When Buying Surf Leggings

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

The best surf leggings or clothing designed for water activities comes standard with UPF or protection against UVA and UVB rays. Surf leggings with UPF 50+ blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays.

Quick Drying

Standard leggings or those worn in the home or street are made of cotton and designed to keep us warm. Surf leggings on the other hand are made from quick drying materials (spandex, nylon, polyester). Just imagine if these were made from cotton, it would just absorb water and prevent it from drying quickly.

Stitching

Have you ever experienced chafing or rashes after wearing your surf leggings? It does not mean that you're allergic with the fabric but likely caused by overlock seams. To prevent this, look for surf leggings with flat-locked seams.

Materials

The type of materials used determines the overall quality. Surf leggings are generally made from standard ‘swimwear’ materials. These include a combination of neoprene, spandex, polyester, and nylon, with each distinct combination giving the surf leggings specific properties.

Buying Guide - Best Surf Leggings

Platinum Sun Men’s Compression Swim Leggings

These surf leggings are perfect for any water sports activities. It comes with UPF 50+ for worry-free surfing and optimum protection against sun damage. The surf legging is designed to provide moderate compression to promote optimum oxygen delivery to the muscles and reduce muscle pain. Its flat-lock seams prevent chafing and discomfort while its quick drying properties keeps you dry and fresh all day.

· UPF 50+

· Moderate compression

· Flat-lock seams

· Quick drying, breathable

Coolibar Men’s Deep-Water Swim Tights

These lightweight, fast-drying surf leggings are designed to provide maximum comfort without compromising safety or mobility. It is highly stretchable (up to 30” inseam) and is secured with a drawcord at the waist for the perfect fit. The surf leggings also come with UPF 50+ and Aqua Classic fabric, a Chlorine and saltwater resistant fabric.

· Four-way stretch

· Drawcord waist

· UPF 50+

· Aqua Classic fabric

Ubestyle Men’s Active Surfing Leggings

The Ubestyle Men’s Active Surfing Swim tights provide optimum UV protection (UPF 50+) and are designed for use in all types of water sport activities. This form-hugging swim leggings offers perfect shaping and support without sacrificing stretch and durability.

· UPF 50+

· Made of 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex

· Four-way stretch

· Quick drying

AXESEA Women’s High-Waist Aurora Swim Tights

The High-Waist Aurora Swim tights is a truly versatile legging that is not only perfect for the beach but could also be used for daily wear and yoga sessions. Its high waist, hi-rise design offers tummy-control and vertical lines contribute to give you a slimmer profile. UPF 50+ rating ensures protection against UVA and UVB rays.

· UPF 50+

· High-waist, no-dig waistband

· Lightweight, comfortable

· Versatile (Swimwear, yoga, gym)

Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Deep-Water Swim Capris

These Deep-Water Swim Capris offer a clean and simple design for optimum comfort and versatility. It can be used for almost any water activity and comes with UPF 50+. Flat-lock seams prevents chafing and a wide elastic waistband and internal drawcord secures it in place. Made from Aqua Classic Fabric, it is chlorine and saltwater resistant.

· Four-way stretch

· UPF 50+

· Flat-lock stitching

· Mid-rise, mid-calf length

· 20 ½ Inseam

Surf Leggings – A Must Buy or Not

Versatile, stylish, and functional. Surf leggings are more than just another piece of swimwear. These too provide a specific purpose just like board shorts, rash guards, and wetsuits. Surf leggings do not make you a better surfer or have a significant effect on your surfing experience but having them wouldn’t hurt either. It all boils down to personal preference; if it makes you feel good then go for it.