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The clothes come in different sizes and thicknesses, and the design has improved significantly in recent years, adding more flexibility and printing. This fall, Patagonia is launching a new U-Zip version of the suit, with a long zipper that goes from one shoulder to the chest. I tried it this winter and it was much warmer and more water resistant than any other suit I’ve ever used. They are on the pricier side, but they are durable and should last you a long time.
If you want to save a little money, Billabong’s Upcycler line is a great alternative. I tried 3/2 Furnace Natural Upcycler ($380) last year and it was one of the most comfortable, flexible dresses I’ve ever worn. Like Patagonia, it’s also made from natural, high-yield rubber (Hevea, not Yulex), Bolder Black, and polyester with added elastane. It started to leak out of sight much quicker than the Patagonia suits, but I still love it on less cold days. The women’s line is less than 4/3 sizes, which is unfortunate.
Simple, Inexpensive Bathing Suits
On the men’s side, the best shorts I’ve ever worn are comfortable and affordable, and this could be it Hurley’s Phantom-Eco Block Party Boardshorts ($52). Its four-way fabric is lightweight and highly flexible, and is made from recycled and ocean-bound polyester. Repr cloth.
For pure stability, it’s hard to beat Outerknown’s Apex Evolution Trunk ($168). 90 percent of the trees are produced NetPlus for Boreowhich is nylon from recycled fishing nets (one of the most harmful things that can be left in the ocean). It’s a well-designed trunk that sheds water and reduces drag, and a nice zippered pocket on the back. They are on the scratchy side, though, and I felt a little frustrated after long sessions. They are also very expensive for boardshorts.
On the women’s side, there are plenty of eco-friendly and surf-friendly options. While I haven’t tried this myself, I’ve heard great things from female surfer friends Carve art. The brand was founded by female surfers and offers a variety of functional (and stylish) surfboards. Almost everything the brand makes is made from recycled (and/or organic) materials, and rightly so Oeko-Tex certificate, Fair Trade Certifiedetc.
If you live in a very hot climate, or are traveling to tropical climates, you will still need sunscreen. I’m also not a fan of grinding my bare ribs into a waxed board. This is where predatory guards come in. Patagonia Shirts ($65) they are made from 85 percent recycled materials and are Fair Trade Certified. Outerknown also makes a Rash Guard ($125) in the Apex Evolution line.
Gaining traction
There are few things more frustrating than being in a great position, only to have your hand or foot slip off the board at a critical moment. Wave wax was usually made with paraffin (made from refined oil), but now there are alternatives that offer the same performance without all the chemicals.
OG in this space is Matunas Surf Waxwhich has been around since 1998. They are made from homegrown ingredients on their 25-acre farm in Santa Cruz, California. Wax is organic, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
Sister Betsy
