Surfing has long felt like the reserve of cool Californians or tropical island dwellers. But since appearing in the Tokyo Games in 2021, the Olympic effect has seen more and more Brits get involved in the sport.
No doubt in part to the rising number of retreats — offering travellers the chance to travel abroad to try riding waves as part of a group, coastal towns have seen a boom in visitors with surfing among the activities in their sights (5 million people visit Cornwall a year, according to stats from the University of Exeter). There is also The Wave, an inland surf simulator in Bristol which opened in 2019 to allow landlocked Brits to get involved. “We currently welcome around 70,000 individual surfers a year, but I expect to see an increased appetite for people wanting to learn to surf on the back of the Games this year,” says The Wave founder and Surf England director Nick Hounsfield.
Indeed with surfing featuring in the 2024 Paris Games, with a competition in Teahupo’o in Tahiti, more people will be exposed to the sport’s creative appeal. While those who give it a try are often hooked by the sense of freedom that it offers, the blue health benefits and the thrill of learning a new skill.
So, whether you’re choosing to get on board as a newbie to surfing, or can already rip, choosing the best surf brands and investing in the right surf sunscreen and beauty products will ensure you stay safe in the water for long sessions to reap the rewards.
So, what are the best surf brands if you’re keen to invest in your own gear?
Lindsey Holland is a keen surfer and founder of Marnie Rays retreat. She is experienced in hosting new surfers everywhere from Cornwall to Portugal and Bali, and shares her packing list for cold water surfing. “Finisterre’s back zip wetsuit is my favourite wetsuit – comfy, supportive and warm! To and from the beach I’m wearing a tracksuit and a hoodie, and I always pack an over-the-head hooded towel for ease of getting dry.” In spring and summer conditions, look for surf brands stocking a 3/2mm wetsuit to stay warm between temperatures between 15 to 20°C.
A fun fact: Jack O’Neill invented the neoprene wetsuit in 1952 and Rip Curl introduced new innovations from 1969 which revolutionised their production. This made surfing into a year-round pursuit, even in the coldest climes and waters like those in the UK.
In warm water conditions, if you’re headed to surf hotspots such as Indonesia or the Olympic’s new location Tahiti, you can opt for more conventional swimwear, though bear in mind the agility required and the fact the force of waves will pull on your suit — so you’ll want hardwearing fabrics and protection from the sun if you’re headed out for a long session. This is why people often wear a long-sleeve rash vest — to stay in the water for longer in the heat without the risk of burning or damaging parts of the body most exposed to rays while you’re swimming out.
In warm water, Holland recommends looking for a swim set with, “no underwire, always soft, I like a crop top as it’s more secure.” She also packs a “cap, a shirt as a cover-up and a spare bikini in my bag,” as beach and travelware for when it’s time to head home.
To keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays in the water, how do you pick the best sunscreen for surf? A formula made for sports or swimming that won’t wash off is essential to ensure you’re protected from sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and avoid premature skin ageing caused by UVA and UVB rays. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto explains, “When selecting a sunscreen for extended water sports, ensure it is labelled as “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant,” offering protection for 60 to 80 minutes in water.
“Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against both UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum SPF of 30. Consider a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tends to be more stable in water,” she adds. “Look for formulations designed for sports, which often resist sweat and have a non-greasy texture. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or towel drying, regardless of the SPF rating.”
Ready to get on board? These are the brands every surfer should know.