Been asked the question many times in the past…. What is the best bikini to surf in? (by females of course) This, I thought would be a great blog to write about except for the fact I am male and don’t use surf bikini’s. The odd fun/mess around surf contest, I have to admit I have given it a go! I can honestly say wearing a bikini probably sits up there in the top 5 most difficult things I have ever worn! So, Tash Mentasti (ex-pro female surfer) kindly agreed to do a write up on what best to cover up with whilst surfing…
Many believe there is no such thing as the perfect surf bikini.
No matter what shape or size, we all sit with the same problem.. Big waves, small waves, ride of your life, or wipe out.. There’s always a little worry that the twins may get a little too excited and have a peek at whats going on outside.
That new two piece you’ve been saving for summer always looks oh-so-perfect in the fitting room, or laying on the beach with our glowing sun kissed skin. The sun is shining, the water warm, perfect little offshore blowing your salty hair in the wind. Truth is, nothing can ruin a surf more than fighting with our sexy little bikinis to hang tight.
Not only do we have bikini tops blowing in the wind to worry about, but even the bottoms seem to find a way of sneaking off.
Just bare in mind that surfing is still a sport. Just like we need our fitness gear to perform on dry land, we also need our swimwear to perform in the water.
Reliably we could settle for a one piece or surf suit. But there is still nothing better than the freedom of a bikini in these tropical waters! To stay on the safe side, steer away from strings, tassels and boob tubes if you are a little more full chested. Its not a good idea to have anything with ‘bling’ or shells sewed on – put function before fashion!
So, the trick is to combine surfing with sportswear. I’m not saying paddle out in full joggers and a tank top. Just to imagine what support you need when choosing sports bra’s, and look for the same kind of reliability while trying on new bikinis! The less effort it takes to make sure it is on properly, the less chance you have of the surf taking it off for you. Look for a cross back or racer back bikini top – these distribute the weight of ‘peach and perky’ across your back and shoulders, while holding your assets closer to your body. There they will stick like a barnacle.
Look for a bikini bottom thats a little tighter – just like jeans, they stretch, and you definitely don’t want to be wrestling with your pants half way through a duck dive. If you don’t want to spend half your time picking your wedgie out the ‘teensy-weensy’ bottoms that inevitably occurs, opt for a more ‘boy-short’ cut or something with a little wider hip band.
Plenty of the well known surf brands we all grew up with have come up with some stylish and still sexy but extremely functional two pieces that protect our girls and keep them supported. You could even get your hands on two piece summer suits! Shaped like a bikini, but made out of neoprene or hyperdry material. Make sure your Surf-wear fits right, not too tight, but tight enough. And if you have to constantly pull and tug to keep your cozzie on just for a walk on the beach.. you shouldn’t be surfing in it!
Once you have found that perfect swimsuit – look after it! Always rinse the salt water out of it, as you definitely do not want to see it disintegrating before your eyes. Don’t hang it in direct sunlight as it will fade.
Spend more time surfing, and less time adjusting!
Below are some great examples of reliable surf bikini’s in action!
A good bikini will keep the girls in check, when surfing those dream waves
Lilly Foulkes rocking her Racer Bikini
Past rider: Lilly Foulkes , surfing some Indonesian perfection.