Surfing has long felt like the reserve of cool Californians or tropical island dwellers. But since appearing in the Tokyo Games in 2021, the Olympic effect has seen more and more Brits get involved in the sport.
No doubt in part to the rising number of retreats — offering travellers the chance to travel abroad to try riding waves as part of a group, coastal towns have seen a boom in visitors with surfing among the activities in their sights (5 million people visit Cornwall a year, according to stats from the University of Exeter). There is also The Wave, an inland surf simulator in Bristol which opened in 2019 to allow landlocked Brits to get involved. “We currently welcome around 70,000 individual surfers a year, but I expect to see an increased appetite for people wanting to learn to surf on the back of the Games this year,” says The Wave founder and Surf England director Nick Hounsfield.
Indeed with surfing featuring in the 2024 Paris Games, with a competition in Teahupo’o in Tahiti, more people will be exposed to the sport’s creative appeal. While those who give it a try are often hooked by the sense of freedom that it offers, the blue health benefits and the thrill of learning a new skill.
So, whether you’re choosing to get on board as a newbie to surfing, or can already rip, choosing the best surf brands and investing in the right surf sunscreen and beauty products will ensure you stay safe in the water for long sessions to reap the rewards.
So, what are the best surf brands if you’re keen to invest in your own gear?
Lindsey Holland is a keen surfer and founder of Marnie Rays retreat. She is experienced in hosting new surfers everywhere from Cornwall to Portugal and Bali, and shares her packing list for cold water surfing. “Finisterre’s back zip wetsuit is my favourite wetsuit - comfy, supportive and warm! To and from the beach I'm wearing a tracksuit and a hoodie, and I always pack an over-the-head hooded towel for ease of getting dry.” In spring and summer conditions, look for surf brands stocking a 3/2mm wetsuit to stay warm between temperatures between 15 to 20°C.
A fun fact: Jack O’Neill invented the neoprene wetsuit in 1952 and Rip Curl introduced new innovations from 1969 which revolutionised their production. This made surfing into a year-round pursuit, even in the coldest climes and waters like those in the UK.
In warm water conditions, if you’re headed to surf hotspots such as Indonesia or the Olympic’s new location Tahiti, you can opt for more conventional swimwear, though bear in mind the agility required and the fact the force of waves will pull on your suit — so you’ll want hardwearing fabrics and protection from the sun if you’re headed out for a long session. This is why people often wear a long-sleeve rash vest — to stay in the water for longer in the heat without the risk of burning or damaging parts of the body most exposed to rays while you’re swimming out.In warm water, Holland recommends looking for a swim set with, “no underwire, always soft, I like a crop top as it’s more secure.” She also packs a “cap, a shirt as a cover-up and a spare bikini in my bag,” as beach and travelware for when it’s time to head home.
To keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays in the water, how do you pick the best sunscreen for surf? A formula made for sports or swimming that won’t wash off is essential to ensure you’re protected from sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and avoid premature skin ageing caused by UVA and UVB rays. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto explains, “When selecting a sunscreen for extended water sports, ensure it is labelled as "water-resistant" or "very water-resistant," offering protection for 60 to 80 minutes in water.
“Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against both UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum SPF of 30. Consider a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tends 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? These are the brands every surfer should know.
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Free-est at Free People
Best for: surfwear
Free People’s surf offering has surged in popularity since being launched in the UK last year (call it the Olympic effect) and now it’s part of its boho-cool Free-est range. Pieces such as its Sonny Printed Tee and matching Billie Printed High-Waist Bikini Bottoms make up the perfect set for warm water surfing but also look great for beach lounging.
Fun patterns, textures and plenty of silhouettes mean the offering is unbeatable for fashion lovers versus more conventional surf brands.
FP also has pieces that will see you through long surf sessions, such as the long-sleeve Jesse Surf Rashie to keep you protected while staying protected. And for cold water swimming, the retailer stocks brands such as Inner Realm, Abysse and Wallien wetsuits in a range of cool colours with all the smart features you’ll need to maximise your performance.
Buy now, Free People
Finisterre
Best for: surfwear
From drybags to bikinis, wetsuits to storm-proof waterproofs, Finisterre is a favourite with British surfers for its high-performance, long-lasting pieces. The Devon-based brand makes surfwear with an eye on sustainability and transparency (wetsuits are made from Yulex rubber, which is a cleaner alternative to neoprene), with multiple schemes to encourage care for the ocean.
Finisterre is a certified B-Corp and offers services including wetsuit rental to get more people in the sea in the right gear, and repairs from £5 to ensure your surf and landwear has a longer life. Its pieces have a cool minimalist aesthetic and come in sleek silhouettes.
Rip Curl
Best for: surfwear
A stalwart in the surf space, Rip Curl started making surfboards and wetsuits in the late 1960s in Torquay, Australia. Now it makes products for riders worldwide with a playful aesthetic which stays pretty true to the laid-back era it was born from when surf culture blossomed.
Price points from Rip Curl are affordable and its swimwear comes in a versatile range of silhouettes. For warm water swimming, look out for rash vests which have Ultraviolet Protection Factor which blocks UV radiation from the skin.
Wallien
Best for: sustainable wetsuits and changing robes
Founded by women, for women, Wallien has an eye on comfort and freedom of movement. The brand was created by Madeleine Wallien who is a surfer, paddleboarder, sailer and open-water swimmer, so she knows what looks and feels good.
The second-skin suits are also designed with a love of the ocean in mind, crafted from Yulex plant-based rubber with an 80 per cent lower carbon footprint. The company also partners with the Blue Marine Foundation, a global leader in marine conservation.
As well as wetsuits in cool colourways, the brand sells statement swimwear and cocooning robes for when you’re fresh out of the water.
Sun Bum
Best for: surf sunscreen
Sun Bum is a small brand with a love of the planet, working out of Florida. Its vegan, water-resistant sunscreens are a favourite among surfers as they provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The original SPF50 Lotion allows you to stay in the water longer, while its antioxidant-rich Vitamin E supports the skin barrier. It also smells great. The same formula is available in a spray version and face stick so you can top up easily and look after more sensitive skin.
Buy now, lookfantastic
Philip Kingsley
Best for: surf haircare
Surf lover Lindsey Holland swears by Philip Kingsley Swim Cap Hair Protection Mask (£24) to stop hair drying out in seawater and the sun. It’s water resistant and protects hair from chlorine, salt and UV rays, and you know it’s got legs as it was created for the US Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team.
It’s also a wonder product for bleached hair, to stop it from turning green in chlorine. Complement it with other moisturising products from the range to keep surfer girl hair bouncy and fresh.
Buy now, Cult Beauty
Whistles
Best for: high street surf swimwear
This long-running collaboration between sustainable label The Longing and Whistles is design-led with eye-catching prints for in and out of the water. If you’re looking to mix and match pieces for chilling as well as on the board, it’s a great option. The rash vest with cutout details is a standout piece in the signature wave print.
Bond-Eye Swim Australia
Best for: investment surf swimwear
For fuller coverage swimwear in durable fabrics that look good and stay secure while surfing, we love Aussie brand Bond-Eye Swim’s styles. The Saint and Sasha tops are flattering and offer medium support, while the Dom shorties and Palmer briefs will complete your surf set. Try the Renee suit for an all-in-one option.
The flattering crinkle fabric pieces are also handcrafted with recycled fabrics, so it’s a more sustainable and ethical option than many competitors. The brand is a favourite with influencers such as Jessie Bush.
Buy now, Beach Cafe
