Are Rash guards needed?

[Cali-surf]

Can you not get a rash from surfing without a rash guard?
i ask because i see alot of surfers without them.

[leolivi]

You can. I allways use mine, and beginners use because they are not used to the wax and because their clumsy movements on the board make more friction, but my cousin is a beginner and sometimes doesn't use it and she is just fine.

I think it depends a lot on each person. I personalu have rashes easily, so i dont eve try without one. And they protect from the sun too.