Surfing Waves

Can you wear rashguards like regular t-shirts? I don't live near the ocean at all (live in the Midwest), but I really want to get this Hurley rashguard because it looks cool lol. Plus, during the summer time, I can use it to paddle around on the lake in my backyard. Would it be obvious that it is a rashguard if I wore it as a regular long sleeve or would it look like a regular polyester long sleeve?

kyleisanoob12 wrote:Can you wear rashguards like regular t-shirts?

Can you wear a long-sleeved black rash vest like a regular t-shirt?

Depends whether or not you're Batman.

Yeah wear black Lycra rashy, Batman cool, superman sweat stink, creature from the black lagoon armpit rot, fungus infection and a try hard kook label on your forehead. No one will notice though the smell will drive them away. Cool is not an image you put on it is how you are in your normal day to day life.
Many Japanese surfers have the "Cool" look and can't surf one bit!

Let your surfing do the talking!

Wear it if you like it. I doubt people in the Midwest even know what a rashguard is. They'll probably think it's a cool soccer jersey or a fancy road racing compression shirt or a bullet proof vest. I think you should buy two in neon orange and grey, one for you and one for your girlfriend, and then go out on the town together.

If you got 6-pack abs, the rash guard will look like Under Armor the jocks wear. If you belly looks more like a Keg, then it just make you look even fatter.

Are there any hazards (can't think of a better word) of wearing a rashguard if not in the water or is it similar to a regular polyester shirt (like dri-fit)?

Cool kids might beat you up

kyleisanoob12 wrote:Are there any hazards (can't think of a better word) of wearing a rashguard if not in the water or is it similar to a regular polyester shirt (like dri-fit)?

From your link to the rashguard you want to purchase.

Fabric: 100% Lycra

Google: Is there any danger in wearing lycra?

https://www.google.com/#q=Is+there+any+ ... g+lycra%3F

These guys had no problems.......


(Warning...80's pop culture reference showing my age coming up....)

Now we dance!

I stopped wearing them after wiping out one too many times and coming up with the rashie pushed up under my chin and in my armpits then choosing between pulling it down and getting hammered while inside or getting on the board to get out of there and paddling with the rashie looking mostly like a scarf with my belly, chest and back totally exposed.....they just aren't comfortable in or out of the water for me.....much rather wear an old tshirt or a neoprene vest with the loop at the base you can tie into your boardies so it won't flip up.....I have a sleeveless shorty wetsuit for the colder times and that's good because no flips.....tshirts flip up too but come down a lot easier....generally I just go with boardies and nothing else....would think if you wore one outside of the ocean, whether in Santa Monica or in Des Moines, you would look a little foolish and Toolish....but you're not dressing for me so do what you like.

Big H, have a look at sailing T-shirts / fast dry shirts for paddlers (canoeing etc). They are fitted like t-shirts (ie loose) but much more comfortable than a regular cotton t-shirt in the water ie dry, don't rub, much lighter. As you have found out, the looseness of the fit actually is better than the tighter rash vest

(I'm sure there are cheaper ones)

http://mockepaddling.com/product/fly-dry-t/
http://www.henrilloyd.com.au/products/f ... uo-t-shirt

No way will I ever surf in a cotton T-shirt again, super deep cherry rash kept me out water for two weeks while healing
Surfing is cool, just like rock band member, race car driver etc. but you might want to rethink the whole 'surferJoe in the corn field town' look. rock on

roczombie wrote:No way will I ever surf in a cotton T-shirt again, super deep cherry rash kept me out water for two weeks while healing

Really? Never heard of that....I just go with boardies 95% of the time....exceptions being on dawn patrol during the months from June to September, and then only if there is any wind. I suppose I'm lucky win that I don't get rashes I guess....

21th century lycra attire would be... a morphsuit



Seriously, I've never thought a rash guard could be a fashion statement in midwest US. Wouldn't a cotton T-shirt more comfortable out of water and still a "surfing lifestyle" item whatever that means?

I believe there is nothing wrong at all! I personally really like the feel of rash guard shirts/swim shirts and own multiple. I wear them nearly everyday, mostly at home, and even to sleep. Nowadays rash guards are starting to look more like shirts, without the tall collars and all, someday, they might even be considered streetwear! why not start early?