I'm from a cold Scandinavian country and decided to learn surfing. I have no experience whatsoever. In order to kickstart that project I bought a 1 month ticket to Siargao Island in the Philippines incl a 1 week surf school. After the first week learning the basics, I want to just rent a board and become better myself.
I am a bit confused about surf clothes. The air temperature will be something like 30 degC all year round, and the water will be something like 28 degC - hence I will not need a wet suit. I was planning on using my swim trunks (short legged) and then I started reading about rashes, waxed boards, boards with a rubber decking instead of wax. Then I sort of got the impression that all men use these long board shorts (to avoid rashes when sitting on the wax/rubber), however girls seem to use a regular swim suit outfit - so they dont have rash problems? I am not very fond of these long legged shorts - is it just fashion, or does it really serve as a purpose to avoid rashes? Moreover, I see from old retro pictures that men used short legged shorts in the 70s.
Can anyone explain whats up and down?

Lucas