When it comes to enjoying time in the water, both swimming and surfing are popular choices, but they require different kinds of apparel. While both sports are water-based, the physical demands, environmental factors, and safety concerns differ significantly, which influences the types of clothing and gear you should choose. In this blog, we'll break down the essential apparel differences between swimming and surfing, highlighting how each sport impacts your gear choices for comfort, performance, and protection.

1. Suiting Up: Swimsuits vs. Wetsuits

One of the first and most obvious differences between swimming and surfing is the type of suit you wear. Swimmers typically wear swimsuits or trunks, designed for minimal resistance in the water and maximum freedom of movement. Swimsuits are usually made from lightweight, quick-drying materials like Lycra or spandex. These materials stretch easily to provide a snug fit while allowing for fluid motion in the water.

On the other hand, surfers generally wear wetsuits, designed to offer insulation and protection. Wetsuits are thicker than swimsuits, made from materials like neoprene that provide warmth, buoyancy, and some level of padding. Surfing often takes place in cooler water temperatures or during extended periods of time spent on the water, so wetsuits are crucial for maintaining body heat and preventing hypothermia. Depending on the conditions, wetsuits can vary in thickness, ranging from 2mm for warmer water to 5mm or more for colder waters.

2. Comfort and Flexibility: Movement in the Water

In swimming, comfort and freedom of movement are paramount. A swimming suit is designed to fit snugly without restricting the swimmer’s range of motion. Swimsuits have minimal seams and often feature high-cut legs or sleek designs that prevent drag. For serious swimmers, racing suits (also called tech suits) are engineered to compress the body, reduce water resistance, and enhance performance.

Surfing, however, requires a balance of warmth, flexibility, and durability. While wetsuits provide warmth, they must also allow for a range of movement. The materials used in wetsuits, like neoprene, are stretchable to ensure surfers can paddle, pop up, and ride waves without restriction. Wetsuits can be restrictive in some areas, particularly around the shoulders and chest, which is why many surf brands design wetsuits with flexible panels or specific cuts to improve comfort while paddling.

3. Protection from the Elements

Swimming apparel generally doesn’t provide much protection from external elements like the sun, wind, or debris. However, competitive swimmers often wear swim caps to reduce drag and protect their hair from chlorine exposure. Goggles are also a common piece of swimming gear to protect the eyes from irritation caused by pool chemicals and to improve visibility.

In contrast, surfers spend much more time exposed to the sun and the ocean’s environment. Surf apparel, therefore, must offer added protection from UV rays, wind, and even potential abrasions from the surfboard or the ocean floor. Many surfers wear rash guards or surf shirts made of UV-resistant fabric, which provide an extra layer of protection against sunburn. These garments are lightweight, quick-drying, and often have antimicrobial properties to help prevent odor build-up. Additionally, surfers may wear booties or gloves in colder waters to protect their feet and hands from the cold, while hoods or thick wetsuits offer insulation in frigid temperatures.

4. Safety Gear: Different Needs for Different Sports

In swimming, safety is usually about knowing your limits and staying within a safe distance from shore. Competitive swimmers may wear earplugs or nose clips to prevent water from entering the ears or nose, but most casual swimmers don’t need additional gear. Swimming can also be done in controlled environments like pools, where safety measures like lifeguards and shallow depths are in place.

Surfing, on the other hand, presents more significant safety challenges. Apart from the risk of falling off the board, surfers must also contend with strong currents, waves, and potential collisions with other surfers or underwater rocks. Surfboards are typically equipped with a leash to keep the board close in case of a wipeout. Surfers may also wear helmets in certain conditions, particularly when surfing big waves or in more dangerous areas. While these safety measures are not mandatory for everyone, they are strongly encouraged for those venturing into challenging surf spots.

5. Footwear and Accessories

For swimmers, footwear isn’t typically necessary, though some prefer water shoes for walking on rocky shorelines or slippery pool decks. Swimmers may also wear goggles, swim caps, or earplugs, depending on the type of swimming they’re doing.

For surfers, however, footwear can be more important. In addition to wetsuit boots for colder conditions, surfers sometimes wear water shoes or booties to protect their feet while paddling or walking on sharp rocks or coral reefs. Surfing accessories like board bags, sun hats, and surf wax are also crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

While both swimming and surfing involve water and require suitable clothing, the gear needed for each sport differs greatly. Swimmers prioritize comfort and minimal drag with sleek, lightweight swimsuits, while surfers require insulation, flexibility, and protection from the elements with wetsuits, rash guards, and other accessories. When choosing apparel for your next adventure in the water, it’s important to consider the specific demands of the sport, the environmental conditions, and your personal comfort preferences.