Whether you are a novice surfer or you’ve been catching waves for years, women’s surf gear has evolved over the past decade. Choices for women surfers in the past were at first non-existent. Many women had to use men’s surf clothing and just make do. Then women’s surf gear was developed but it was just like the men’s—all black with not a touch of style.
Even though records show Polynesian woman riding waves as far back as 1819, surfing has mostly been thought of as a man’s sport. Surfer “dudes” canvass the waves every chance they can always hoping to catch the big one. But the number of women taking up the sport has increased throughout the years and today, women from six to sixty are hanging ten with their peers. With the number of women surfers steadily increasing, surf gear for women recently had to play catch up.
Board shorts are another popular item among women surfers. These shorts have an even broader use of color and patterns and are available for the tiniest swimmers to plus sized woman. Not just for surfing, board shorts can be used for swimming, water skiing or even just as casual wear. They are available in short short styles—1 1/2″ inseams to 5″ in length. If you are in the market for women’s surf clothing, there is an online directory that will give you access to a selection of shops that specialize in the latest clothing and accessories for women.
Elizabeth Pepin, a surfer herself since the eighties, saw more and more women riding the waves. Looking through the popular surf magazines, she only noticed women featured if they were wearing bikinis. While she has nothing against bikinis or the women who wear them, she began taking photographs of serious women surfers. With more and more women becoming professional surfers, it’s nice to know they will be able to ride the wave of this exciting and growing trend. They will finally be able to compete in the water and in the surf shops.
