Surfer wading across the reef at Uluwatu Bali

Speaking as someone who loves swimming, snorkeling and body surfing, but who has never surfed with a board, is there a reason for male surfers to wear “shorts” which are more like cut-off jeans, or is it simply a fashion statement? And if it’s regarded as necessary, why do some female surfers wear bikinis and seem to do OK?

Fashion just like the sport has become !

A Hui Hou

Rex, I’m not an expert but I know the ‘rash vest’ is worn to prevent the torso getting rubbed on the board. Presumably the long shorts help in that way too.

The shorts cannot be too long because if they hang over the knee it can make standing up difficult. The good shorts have a silk liner to make sure the shorts don’t just stick to your leg and hinder standing up.

Thanks for the comments guys.

Nick, I had a dream last night I was showing off your photos and this one in particular. I think I might’ve even been raising my voice to Sean saying “When are we going to make a book out of Nick’s photos!!!”

You know, in that demanding, I can’t wait another minute tone.

But when Sean just looked at me like I was nuts, I moved on to someone else who was interested in me showing off some of your other photos. Something ought to be done about this. At least a Bali calendar. Calendars sell well over here in the states. Lets think about it. WHEN?!