How to prevent surf rash and chafing
If you’ve spent a few hours surfing, you probably know the feeling: irritated skin, red marks, or that painful surf rash that seems to appear out of nowhere.
Surf rash and chafing are common, especially when you’re spending long hours in the water. The good news? A few simple changes to your surfwear and routine can make a big difference.
What causes surf rash?
Surf rash is usually caused by a combination of friction, salt water, sand, and wet fabric rubbing against your skin.
Common areas for surf rash include:
- Under the arms
- Around the neck
- On the shoulders
- Along the bikini line
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
The longer you surf, the more friction your skin experiences. That's why a bikini or rash guard that feels fine for a quick swim can become uncomfortable during a two-hour surf session.
1. Wear surfwear that stays in place
One of the easiest ways to prevent surf rash is to wear surfwear designed for movement.
A regular bikini can move around while you paddle, duck dive, and pop up. Constant movement means more rubbing — and more irritation.
A surf bikini should fit securely without digging into your skin. Look for comfortable straps, a supportive fit, and bottoms that stay in place when you're moving.
2. Try a rash guard
A rash guard is one of the best pieces of surfwear for preventing irritation.
It creates a layer between your skin and your surfboard, helping reduce friction around your stomach, chest, shoulders, and arms. A long-sleeve rash guard can also provide extra protection from the sun.
For tropical surf sessions, look for a rash guard that is lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying, and comfortable when wet.
3. Use surf wax correctly
Surf wax gives your feet and body the grip you need to stay on your board, but too much friction between your skin and the board can contribute to irritation.
Make sure your board has enough wax to provide grip without creating unnecessary rubbing. A good traction pad can also help reduce how much your skin slides against the board.
4. Apply anti-chafing balm
If you know you're prone to chafing, an anti-chafing balm can be a simple solution.
Apply it to areas where you usually experience friction before getting in the water. Pay particular attention to places where your surfwear or board tends to rub.
It's especially useful for longer surf sessions or when you're surfing several days in a row.
5. Rinse your surfwear after surfing
Salt water, sweat, and sand can all contribute to skin irritation.
After surfing, rinse your bikini or rash guard with fresh water to remove salt and sand. This also helps keep your surfwear in better condition.
Avoid leaving wet, salty surfwear sitting in your bag for hours.
6. Don't ignore small irritation
Surf rash often starts as a little redness or sensitivity. If you keep surfing without giving the area a chance to recover, it can quickly become much more uncomfortable.
If your skin is already irritated, give it some time to heal. Wear clean, dry clothing and avoid unnecessary friction until the skin feels better.
Can you prevent surf rash completely?
Not always. Even with the right surfwear, long sessions in the ocean can cause some irritation.
But choosing well-fitting surfwear, reducing friction, using anti-chafing products, and taking care of your skin can significantly reduce your chances of getting surf rash.
And once you find the combination that works for you, you'll be able to focus less on irritated skin and more on catching waves.
Surf more, chafe less
The right surfwear should move with you — not become something you have to constantly adjust.
Whether you're heading out for your first surf lesson or spending the whole morning in the water, comfortable, secure surfwear can make your session a lot more enjoyable.