What to Wear For Surfing - Surfing Costume (Indian Edition) 🌊

A practical, no-nonsense guide for men & women

If you’re surfing in India for the first time, one of the biggest doubts is:

“What do I even wear?”

Social media will make you feel like you need to look like a Bali influencer while surfing. But let's break down what to wear for surfing - You don’t need anything fancy.

You just need something that’s comfortable, secure, and practical in the water.

What to wear for surfing : Women

The Basic Rule

If you're surfing for the first time, you might take a few stumbles.

If it can survive the falls and wipeouts, it works.

If you’ll constantly adjust it, don’t wear it.

Surfing = paddling + popping up + lots of falling + getting rolled in waves.

Your outfit needs to stay put through all of that.

So you will need something that is snug and does not retain water. Your regular swimwear / dryfit athletic clothes will suffice.

Option 1: Rashguard + Leggings (Most Recommended for beginners in India)

This is the safest, most comfortable choice. As a beginner, you will surf close to. the shore - on the sand bank.

• Full-sleeve rashguard or fitted athletic T-shirt

• High-waist leggings or surf tights

Full sleeves rashguard + full leggings are the most recommended for beginner surfers

Why this works:

• Protects from sunburn

• Protects elbows and knees from getting scratches/bruises from falling in the sand

• Prevents board rash (your stomach rubbing against the board)

• Feels secure during wipeouts

• No wardrobe malfunctions

This is what most women wear in Mulki, Pondicherry, Varkala, and Kovalam.

Option 2: Top + Shorts (For Beginners + Experienced Surfers)

• Tight, fitted top

• Surf shorts or tight athletic shorts

Top + Surf Shorts

Only wear this if:

• You’re comfortable in the ocean

• You don't mind the occasional bruising from sand

• You don’t mind showing skin

• The shorts are snug (loose shorts = trouble)

🔹 Option 3: Swimsuit (With Coverage)

If you prefer a swimsuit:

• Choose a one-piece

• Or bikini with strong support + rashguard over it

• One-piece rashguard

One- piece rashguards are a good option to keep eveything in place

Avoid:

• String bikinis

• Strapless tops

• Anything loose or decorative

You will fall. A lot. And the waves also have a lot of power. Plan accordingly.

What to wear for surfing : Men

Men have it simpler, but there are still a few things to know.

Option 1: Rashguard + Boardshorts (Classic Choice)

• Proper surf boardshorts (quick-dry, no pockets ideally)

• Tight waist or drawstring

• A rashguard prevents chest rash and prevents sunburn

Classic quick-dry boardshorts make the best option for surfing

Make sure:

• They don’t slip when wet

• They’re not too loose

Option 2: Rashguard + Leggings (Recommended for beginners)

If you are a beginner, leggings are the best way to prevent scrapes from the board and the sand from falling

Rashguard + Leggings are the safest options for beginner surfers

Why it works?

• Protects elbows and knees from getting scratches/bruises from falling in the sand

Trust us. Wipeouts can get aggressive.

India-Specific Tips

Surfing in India usually means:

• Warm water

• Strong sun

• Beginner-friendly beach breaks

So you don’t need:

• Wetsuits (unless in colder months in certain spots)

But you DO need:

• Sun protection

• Secure clothing

• Comfort over style

What NOT to Wear

• Cotton T-shirts (they get heavy and uncomfortable)

• Loose gym shorts

• Tank tops that float up

• Jewellery

• Hair clips - we suggest rubber bands

• Caps (they’ll fly off)

Keep it simple.

Bonus Tips

• Apply reef-safe sunscreen

• Tie your hair properly (braids > ponytails)

• Carry dry clothes for after

• Bring a towel + water

Final Thought

The best surfing outfit?

The one that lets you forget about what you’re wearing.

Because once you catch your first wave, trust us : you won’t be thinking about your clothes anymore.