Rash vest or swim suit?? PLS Help

[surf patrol]

Hi,
I am a newbie in surfing. Will go to Portugal in June. Try to read and prepare but stuck with a girly question. If anyone could help please..

I have a swimsuit but its not as cool as bikinis ( i think you will agree on this ) ) so i was about to buy at least two bikinis (wet + dry) but the ones i like cost about £30 and i also saw rash vests for £10-£20.
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance

[camad727]

Hi, I am also going to Portugal in June (Ericeira), where are you heading? I am bringing a shortie wetsuit. I am just going to warn you the water may not be as warm as you think, Portugal is very exposed to the Atlantic so there are some cold currents coming from the North even in the Summer. If you are fine in cold water then a biquini/rash vest combo should be fine most days, I would still recommend picking up some kind of a wetsuit if you are going to be doing a lot of surfing.

[soi]

Hi, Thanks for your comment.. I think i may forget to mention the most important part that i wondering to wear these under a full long wetsuit...
Im going to Peniche..
I never surfed before so do not know how much will i be in the water .. but at least 2 x 2hours as these are the lesson / day.. )

[billie_morini]

soi: "...wondering to wear these under a full long wetsuit..."
billie: "usually, you do not have to wear anything. Many women will wear a small bikini so when they remove the wetsuit in public they have a little something on. Some men will wear a Speedo or shorts made from rash guard material for the same reason. When the water is really cold, you can wear a rash guard short (sleeveless, short sleeve, or long sleeve) for added warmth. The location you are going to will not require this. If by chance you find the water warm enough that you do not desire a wetsuit, you will probably want to wear a long sleeve rash guard and rash guard shorts or board shorts over a bikini. That way, you will not get wax on your bikini and unprotected body."

[soi]

ohhh, i thought this rush guard is some "protector" kind of thing against rubbing..
what does the wax do on the "dress"?

but if bikini is fine and enough i go for them.. Many Thanks.. See you in the water )

[Rickyroughneck]

Well I looked up sea temperatures and Portugal sea temperatures get up to 20 or more centigrade in the height of summer (July, August). That is only 6 degrees or so cooler than an indoor swimming pool! I think a rashguard + board shorts (or bikini/ w/e) would be fine. Might even be a bit hot in a rashguard if you are sitting at the line-up for a while with the sun out

[PadillaSport]

I will suggest to go with a rash vest because it is quit good now in this fashionable world to wear. It is quit comfortable

[Wherry]

i wear a rash vest under my wetsuit.. not because it is fashionable ^^ but because if i don't my neck gets a rash otherwise. i wear shorts and boxers under it too (Can't be bothered to take them off! )

[MaryAnderson]

Rash vest is made up of nylon or polyester and mainly protects the wearer against rashes caused by scratch but swimsuits are generally more lose and casually worn that also offer an alternative to sunscreen to protect from harmful UV radiations. I like to wear swimsuits and have various collections. I generally prefer to shop it online as we have various options through online shopping.