Wondering what to wear under a wetsuit for surfing? You’ve come to the right place!
If you just started surfing, you might be asking yourself “what do surfers wear under their wetsuits”? As long time surfers who have tried it all, in this article we will answer just that.
Wetsuits are tight neoprene suits, and finding the right piece of clothing to wear under them can be tricky. You also need to think about why you want to add another layer under your wetsuit.
Is it to add some extra warmth in particularly cold water temperatures? Is it to protect your private areas from the neoprene rashes? Whatever your main reason is, it’s always good to know what your different options are.
In this article we will look at why you should wear something under your wetsuit, things to consider when choosing what to wear, and examples of what to wear under a surfing wetsuit for both males and females.
So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover what you should wear under your wetsuit for surfing!
Greta wearing a full body 3/4mm wetsuit
Benefits of wearing something under a wetsuit
Before we look at what you should wear under a wetsuit, I wanted to go over why you should wear something in the first place.
Hygiene
First and foremost, hygiene is the single most important reason why you should wear something under a wetsuit.
You can obviously be more flexible if its your own personal wetsuit, but if you’re using a rented wetsuit you should definitely wear something beneath it.
Surf schools will wash their wetsuits at the end of every session, but they’re still being used by a different person every day. Would you really want to wear it without an extra layer between the wetsuit and your private parts?
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Warmth
Wetsuits have different thicknesses to fit different water temperatures. However, it might sometimes be exceptionally cold for the weather you’re used to, and for the wetsuit thickness you have.
In that case, it can be a good idea to add an additional layer of under wetsuit thermals, to help keep you warm.
You don’t want to go too overboard with this though, as too many layers will just limit your movements while surfing.
Comfort
The neoprene material that wetsuits are made of is fairly comfortable, but the friction between it and certain body parts can irritate your skin.
No one likes sore red skin, so adding an extra layer between your body and wetsuit can help prevent that.
Greta surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Public decency
Getting out of a wetsuit is never fun, with the tight wet neoprene material clinging to your body.
Wearing something under your wetsuit ensures that you can jiggle it and stretch it around without worrying about flashing someone in a public place.
If you add a surf poncho, surf shower and surf changing mat to the mix, changing out of your wetsuit becomes even easier.
Changing after a surf session with my surf poncho and wetsuit changing bucket
Things to consider when choosing what to wear under a wetsuit surfing
You now know why you should wear something under your wetsuit, but before we dive into specific examples, let’s look at some elements you should consider before choosing what to wear.
Weather
Wetsuits come in different thicknesses for different water temperatures, but if the weather is particularly cold for your wetsuit, you might want to wear an additional thermal layer for extra insulation.
These would usually be thermals of some sort, to ensure that they’re tight enough, but also provide that extra layer of warmth you need.
A perfect wave for surfing
Ease of movement
Ease of movement is one of the biggest things to take into account when deciding what to wear under a wetsuit for surfing. You want to maintain your smooth paddle and movements.
If you wear something clunky or uncomfortable, you simply won’t be comfortable and it will affect your surfing.
This is why it’s best to get the right wetsuit thickness for the temperatures you’re surfing at, and limit the layers you wear under a wetsuit to the bare minimum.
Under a wetsuit you want to wear things that are tight fitting, so that they don’t get rolled over themselves and wrinkly when you put your wetsuit on.
Greta’s family surfing for the first time on foam surfboards
Ease of changing before & after your surf session
Just a little bit of logistics to think about. If you’re going surfing straight from your house, you can easily change at home before heading out.
If you’re at school, work, the library or wherever else it means you’ll probably have to change at the public beach or the parking lot.
That often means you only want to bring the surf essentials with you, and not overpack your day bag. If you bring too many layers or towels too change, that can get annoying over time and not be very practical.
What you’re doing before or after surfing
Another logistical point to think about. Before or after your surf session, what are you doing?
If you’re just chilling at the beach you might be comfortable just wearing a swimsuit under your wetsuit, but if you’re going to work or heading out you’ll need a dry change of clothes.
It might seem silly, but these are all things to think about, which will help you decide the best thing to wear under a surfing wetsuit for you.
Changing after a sunset surf session
What to wear under a wetsuit for females
We’ve looked at the why and the elements to consider when deciding what to wear under a wetsuit surfing, so here are some examples of what the lady surfers can wear under their wetsuits.
One-piece swimsuit
I always wear a one piece swimsuit under my wetsuit. It’s a matter of personal preference, but I find it to be the most comfortable option when choosing what to wear under a wetsuit for surfing for girls.
A bathing suit won’t move around inside your wetsuit while you’re surfing, and it will stay in place also as you remove your wetsuit.
They’re usually made with lightweight materials, which will stay tight to your upper body and won’t create bumps inside your tight wetsuit.
Click here to purchase a one piece swimsuit for women!
Changing out of my wetsuit on my surf changing mat
Sports bra and underwear
I usually prefer to only wear a one piece under my wetsuit, as it won’t move around as much and is less likely to be out of position when you take off your wetsuit.
That said, if you don’t have a one piece swimsuit, you could also wear regular underwear and a sports bra.
Click here to purchase your sports bra for surfing!
Sporty bikinis
Personally, I don’t recommend wearing a bikini under your surfing wetsuit.
Unless it’s a very sporty two-piece swimsuit, with a top that is tight and wide like a sports bra, and a one-piece bottom without laces, I would avoid bikinis.
Greta surfing a whitewater wave in the inside in Tenerife, Spain
Bikini bottoms that have laces to tie them at the hips will just get rolled up inside your wetsuit, as will bikini tops with laces that tie behind your neck and back.
Triangle shaped bikinis might stay in place while surfing, but they’ll roll all over the place when you take your wetsuit off, and you’ll end up flashing the whole beach.
The only major difference between a two-piece bikini and a regular bra and underwear set is that the swimsuit will be of swimsuit material, and thus dry quicker.
If you plan on just chilling at the beach after your surf session you can go for the bikini option, so you don’t have to change after.
Click here to find the perfect sporty swimsuit for you!
Greta surfing in a sporty two-piece swimsuit in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Thermal wear or rash vest
Using a rash guard, spring suit or thermal shirt under your wetsuit are a great option for girls that are particularly sensitive to the cold.
My little sister even went as far as wearing a thinner wetsuit under her thicker one!
However, this isn’t always ideal as it can restrict your movements. Choosing a thicker wetsuit, which is more adequate for the colder temperatures you’re facing is usually better than just accumulating layers.
If you do go for a rash vest or thermal, make sure it has long sleeves and is tight fitting, so that you’re more comfortable and don’t create space for a thin layer of water to get in, and make you feel even colder.
Click here to purchase a long-sleeved rash vest to wear under your wetsuit!
Using a portable shower after a surf session
What to wear under a wetsuit for males
While the basic concepts are the same, what men will wear under a wetsuit for surfing is different from what women wear.
Thermal or lycra shorts
A good choice for men to wear under a wetsuit are tight thermal, neoprene shorts or lycra shorts, similar to bike compression shorts. They need to be tight, so that they can fit comfortably under the wetsuit.
If you wear normal board shorts or boxer shorts they will get all bundled up inside the wetsuit, and will be uncomfortable for the whole surf session.
Whether it’s your first surf lesson and you’re learning how to stand up on a surfboard, or you already have an advanced surfing level, you need maximum flexibility for surfing, and wearing scrunched up shorts under your wetsuit won’t give you that.
Click here to purchase your lycra shorts for men!
Ale doing a tail snap on the lip while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Swimwear briefs
You know the ones I mean, the speedo-style suits that swimmers use. You could also substitute this for normal underwear, just to add a protective layer between your sensitive parts and the neoprene material of the wetsuit.
Click here to purchase swimwear briefs to wear under your wetsuit!
Commando
Now this is something you should only be doing if it’s your own wetsuit.
I’m sure I don’t need to get into the why of this, but your sensitive areas will be in direct contact with the neoprene material, so for hygienic reasons, I recommend you only go commando on a personal wetsuit.
There are different opinions about this, but some people prefer it, as it means there are no layers between you and the wetsuit where water can get in.
Ale doing a bottom turn while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Final thoughts on what do you wear under a wetsuit
There you have it, the ultimate guide to what to wear under a wetsuit for surfing! Have you surfed with a wetsuit before? How did you find it? Let us know in the comments below!
Surfing in warm water where you can do so just in a swimsuit and shorts is the dream, but for those of us who surf in colder waters and need to use wetsuits, it’s important to be well prepared.
While wetsuits are very personal and you will likely want to buy a new one when you start surfing, what you wear under your wetsuit doesn’t have to be new, it could even be a lycra you find when thrifting.
Choosing what to wear under a surfing wetsuit is important, as it can impact your movements while in the water. It also ensures you stay warm and comfortable.
It might not have a direct impact on how long it takes you to learn to surf, but it will definitely help you avoid rashes and embarrassing situations.
I hope you found this article useful, and that it answered your question “Do you wear anything under a surfing wetsuit?” In case you’re why surfers wear wetsuits in the first place, here is your answer!
If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below!
Enjoyed reading about what to wear under wetsuit surfing? Pin it!
