Surfing Waves

Hey guys how's it going? I just had a quick question for you all. I'm still generally new to surfing and I'm buying my first wetsuit in a couple weeks. I've read some horror stories on rashes and I'm pretty paranoid now haha. So I'm planning on getting a rash vest and shorts. I don't want to be too restricted so I was planning on getting an actual vest model. I don't need it to be very thick, just functional. All the ones I see online are loose fitting. Would this be uncomfortable or would it work? I'd prefer it to be tight fitting if possible. Anyone have any suggestions? Or would a short sleeve rash guard work?

Appreciate any help, thanks everyone

You can wear a short sleeve rash vest no problems - well, except for the sun if that is an issue

there are two types of 'rash vests' - the traditional rash vest that is tight fitting, and the new style 'rash shirts' (or 'surf tees') that are loose fitting (more like exercise shirts). I prefer the latter but if you want a tighter one, look for one made with Elastane

Thank you man! Much appreciated, these items will both be under my wetsuit though, will the tshirt be comfortable or too restrictive?

tshirt would probably be more noticeable than a vest but you shouldn't really feel any restriction with either one. You'll just need to adjust them as you put your wetsuit on so it doesn't bunch in areas.

However, I'd say it would be better to hold off on either one of those purchases and just go out in your wetsuit the first few times and see how it goes. People do get rashes, but that's not the norm(unless you have sensitive skin), no need to waste money on something you may not need. .

dansadler3 wrote:Thank you man! Much appreciated, these items will both be under my wetsuit though, will the tshirt be comfortable or too restrictive?

ahh - didnt realise that. Agree with oldgrom - try the wetsuit first and then see if you actually need anything. Rash vests are designed to be worn instead of wetsuits; while you can wear them under wetsuits you do need to make sure they fit properly and dont bunch up, as oldgrom said.

Another option for rash prevention is what are called 'dive skins' - basically rash vests but can be 'full body'

The rash from wetsuits is either because its badly fitting or because of an allergy to something in the suit (the rubber or chemicals etc). If you dont usually get a rash from similar products then you probably wont get a rash from a wetsuit.