2010 I
like surfing in a wettie, I don’t have a problem with squeezing into a wet clammy suit even in the middle of winter, but no matter how much I dig a suit, there is something special about wearing a pair of boardies. I think it’s the whole free-balling experience I like, that feeling of total liberation as your tackle is swinging in the wind, unhindered by rubber and definitely not touched by any such French nonsense like Speedos. However that feeling of liberation that comes from wearing a pair of boardies minus undies used to come at a price. A Velcro fly used to specialize in ripping out pubes, nasty when you rip it open in a hurry. Then there was the fearsome John Wayne, you go to Indo or France or anywhere boardshort friendly and you used to be able to tell a surfer who was fresh into boardies after a long period out. They would walk with a gate similar to the famous gun slinger thanks to gnarly rubs on the scrotum and inner leg, courtesy of ill fitting seams. Nowadays though the simple board shorts have become as technical as a wetsuit, and new seam and seamless technologies mean the gunslinger walk is no more, and more often than not the Velcro fly is either discarded or modified to stop unintentional Brazilians happening when you go for a piss. The quality of fabric has also improved immensely, it means that boardies are now ultra flexible allowing you to properly throw you stick around, unhindered by the knee length shorts. They will all have been tested on the likes of Fanning or Smith or whoever the most demanding pro on team is so you can guarantee they will more than match your requirements. Although traditionally a male item of clothing the board shorts have now become a popular item for girls as well. Whilst the female of the species cannot enjoy the awesome experience of the free ball, they are more functional when it comes to surfing than a traditional bikini, although not as interesting for the male of the species, especially during duck dives. So with all this in mind, read on, we’ve pulled together some of the best in the business to showcase some of their boardies range. Generally speaking the more you pay the more tech a pair of boardies are, thus they are likely to be more comfortable for the high performance surfer.
WL SURFMAGAZINE
083
SURFWEAR GUIDE
THE ULTIMATE SURFWEAR GUIDE
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
Welshman, Nate Philips enjoying some boardie action in Mexico Photo: Ben Selway
SURFWEAR GUIDE
contact: web: nike6.com email: consumer.affairs.gbr@nike.com The Nike 6.0 2010 Board Shorts line has been developed with the European team Michel Bourez, Charly Martin and Nico Von Rupp in mind. The Other One board short has been designed to service all your surfing needs, super-suede quick drying fabric and a comfort cut that holds its structure when wet. That essential right hand pocket for keeping the important stuff close, double Velcro fastening to ensure that everything stays in except the water, which cleverly drains via 6 little holes. Great on the beach or in the warmer water climates - wherever your summer is, enjoy.
THE OTHER ONE
THE OTHER ONE
THE OTHER ONE
THE OTHER ONE
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
• Challenge Red RRP: £35
• Turbo Green RRP: £35
THE OTHER ONE • Varsity Red RRP: £40
• Deep Burgundy RRP: £40
• Beechwood RRP: £40
THE OTHER ONE • Black RRP: £40
Available Sizes – 28” – 38” (even) 084
WL SURFMAGAZINE
WL SURFMAGAZINE
085
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
SURFWEAR GUIDE
SURFWEAR GUIDE
contact: web: billabong.com email: billabong@dohltd.com tel: 01656 747 790
PX1
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
This boardshort is made from some of the finest stretch fabric that money can buy featuring 120% Quad X Stretch for maximum elasticity. • The lightest boardshort on the market • 4-way stretch technology including stretch welded seams • Water repellent coating and many more... • Available in black RRP: £75
Mass Hysteria
• In co-op with Green Day • Made of 100% recycled polyester • Length: 46 cm • Available in white and black RRP: £50
Surf Tail
• In co-op with Donavon • Made of 100 % polyester • Design by famous photographer Britt Tobia • Lengths: 55 cm and the Retro Havana in 46 cm • Available in one colour RRP: £50 086
WL SURFMAGAZINE
Rasta x SFC
• Cooperation with David “Rasta” Rastovich and Surfers for Cetaceans association • Made of 100% recycled polyester • Available in 2 different prints RRP: £60
Dominate
• New Joel Parkinson Signature BS • Made of Platinum X Quad stretch ( Hydro stretch ) fabric with strategic paneling for superior stretch • Available in 4 colours RRP: £75
Take Off Eco
• New Tiago Pires Signature boardshort • Made of Eco Supreme Suede (recycled polyester fabric) RRP: £55
SURFWEAR GUIDE download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
Billabong team rider Joel Parkinson wearing his Dominate boardshort Photo: Billabong
WL SURFMAGAZINE
087
SURFWEAR GUIDE download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
contact: web: analogclothing.com tel: 0800 37287866
Lewers
Iconic
• 22” Outseam • 100% Polyester Twill • All over Photo Sublimaton • Contrast Waistband And Back Patch Pocket • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise • Blank House Key RRP: £57.00
• 22” Outseam • 100% Polyester, Poly Extend Lite • Welded Hem, Seams And Pocket • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise • Blank House Key RRP: £65.00
locked up
striker
• 20” Outseam • 100% Polyester, Poly Extend Lite • Contrast Waistband And Binding At The Hem • Welt Zip Pocket • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise • Blank House Key RRP: £60.00
• 20” Outseam • 55% Cotton / 45% Nylon Micro Slub • Contrast Waistband And Notched Sides • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise • Blank House Key RRP: £50.00
Brighton
combat sushi
• 20” Outseam • Retro Notched Leg Opening • Contrast Waistband And Piping • 52% Nylon 48% Cotton, Light Weight Yarn Dye • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise • Blank House Key RRP: £55.00 088
WL SURFMAGAZINE
• 22” Outseam • Welt Zip Pocket • Chopstick Hang Tag • 100% Polyester, Poly Royal With Ion Wash • Anti Rash Lycra Facing At Inside Fly And Inside Front Rise RRP: £55.00
SURFWEAR GUIDE download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
Analog team rider Chippa Wilson Photo: Analog
WL SURFMAGAZINE
089
SURFWEAR GUIDE
contact: web: ripcurl.com tel: +44 (0)1637 859359
Mirage 3
Darkroom
Fire N Ice
Impossible
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
• Equipped with more features than fathomable, the Mirage 3 isn’t about smoke and mirrors. This is the ultimate boardshort for surfing. The Mirage 3 is proof that the bar for boardshort technology has been elevated, and wearing the Mirage 3 is LIKE WEARING NOTHING AT ALL. RRP: £95
• Made from 100% Buttersuede Polyester with lacing system and side zip pocket, the Fire ‘N’ Ice boardshort’s all-over flaming print puts some burn in your turns! RRP: £60
Resin Stripe
• Heralded by the young Owen Wright and dating back to the psychedelic coloured resin used on surfboards in the 60’s, the Resin Stripe boardshort takes the design effect from these works of art and brings a real touch of freshness and originality. RRP: £55
090
WL SURFMAGAZINE
• Made from 100% Ripsuede Polyester with Velcro cargo pocket and wax comb, the Darkroom boardshort gives an all-over multi-coloured print that really stands out from the crowd! RRP: £55
• As part of the Rip Curl Planet initiative, the Impossible Boardshort uses 100% Recycled Polyester to save natural resources and produce less waste. We Rip, We Rock, We Care. RRP: £60
Yacht Club
• Rip Curl goes retro with the Yacht Club boardshort, giving a shorter length and old-school tartan print for the style gurus amongst us. RRP: £55
SURFWEAR GUIDE download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
Rip Curl team rider Owen Wright wears the Resin Stripe boardshort Photo: Rip Curl
WL SURFMAGAZINE
091
SURFWEAR GUIDE
contact: web: oneilleurope.com stockists: 01243 673666
Hyperfreak
download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
• The most technically driven boardshort out on the market today, the Hyperfreak is the premiere boardshort from O’Neill • Made from an intelligent hyper stretch fabric, packed full of wetsuit inspired features and detailing RRP: £49.99
Waioha RRP: £44.99
Palmtree RRP: £49.99
092
WL SURFMAGAZINE
Lobster RRP: £29.99
Oyster Bikini RRP: £34.99
Stripey Hip fit RRP:£34.99
SURFWEAR GUIDE download@wavelengthmag.co.UK
O’Neill team rider Jordy Smith Photo: O’Neill
WL SURFMAGAZINE
093