Surfing has long been the preserve of Californians or tropical islands. But since appearing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the Olympic effect has increased as more Britons take part in the sport.
No doubt due to the increasing number of retreats – giving the opportunity to travel abroad to try riding the waves as part of a group, the coastal towns have experienced a boom in visitors with surfing among the activities in sight (5 million people visit Cornwall a year, according to statistics from the University of Exeter). There’s also The Wave, an inland surfing simulator in Bristol which opened in 2019 to allow landlocked Brits to take part. “We currently receive around 70,000 individual surfers a year, but I’m hoping to increase the appetite for people wanting to learn to surf behind the Games this year,” said The Wave founder and UK Surf director Nick Hounsfield.
Indeed with surfing featured in the Paris Games 2024, with the competition in Teahupo’o in Tahiti, more people will see the creative appeal of the sport. While those who try it are often hooked by the sense of freedom it offers, the health benefits are blue and the joy of learning a new skill.
So, whether you choose to board a boat as a beginner to surfing, or you can already rip it, choose the best surf brand and invest in the right surf sunscreen and beauty products will ensure you stay safe in the water for long sessions to harvest. reward.
So what are the best surf brands if you want to invest in your own gear?
Lindsey Holland is a surfer and founder of Marnie Rays retreat. She has experience in hosting new surfers everywhere from Cornwall to Portugal and Bali, and shares her packing list for cold water surfing. “The Finisterre back zip wetsuit is my favorite wetsuit – comfortable, supportive and warm! To and from the beach I wear a sports shirt and a hoodie, and I always pack a hooded towel for easy drying. In spring and summer conditions, look for surf brands that offer wetsuits 3/2mm to keep warm between 15 and 20°C.
Fun fact: Jack O’Neill invented the neoprene wetsuit in 1952 and Rip Curl introduced a new innovation from 1969 that revolutionized production. This makes surfing a year-round pursuit, even in the coldest climates and waters like England.
At warm water conditions, if you are going to surf hotspots such as Indonesia or Tahiti, the new location of the Olympics, you can opt for more conventional swimwear, although remember that agility is required and the fact that the force of the waves will pull on the suit – so you ‘ I want a hard fabric and protection from the sun if you out for a long session. This is why people often wear long-sleeved rash vests – to stay in the water longer in the heat without the risk of burning or damaging the most exposed parts of your body while you’re swimming. In warm water, Holland recommends looking for a swim set with, “no underwire, always soft, I like a crop top because it’s safer.” She also packed “a hat, a shirt as a cover-up and a spare bikini in my bag,” as beach and travelware when it’s time to go home.
To keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays in water, how do you choose? the best sunscreen for surfing? A formula made for sports or swimming that cannot be washed off is essential to ensure you are protected from sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and prevent premature aging of the skin caused by UVA and UVB rays. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Anjali Mahto explains, “When choosing a sunscreen for longer water sports, make sure it’s labeled as “water resistant” or “very water resistant,” providing protection for 60 to 80 minutes in the water.
“Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum of SPF 30. Try physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tend to be more stable in water,” she adds. “Look for formulations designed for sports, which often resist sweat and have a non-greasy texture. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or towel drying, regardless of the SPF rating.
Ready to get on board? This is a brand that every surfer should know.