Board ShortsBoard Shorts needed: So you're ready to head out to the beach but you're flying free letting it all hang out. Guy or girl the first thing you’re going to need is a fresh, comfortable, chafe free pair of shorts. With a market cluttered with everything where do you even begin. Definitely at your local surf shop but that still won't help you much if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Most shorts you will find at a surf shop are going to be chafe free but beyond that it's all fair game. From sizing, length, cut, design, flex, drying, and feel they are all going to be different. And finding the right short for you may not be easy. First thing you're going to want to look for is length. For guys and girls I recommend something directly above the knee caps. This will give you the most coverage and range of motion. Plus it will help avoid rubbing on the sides of the board while your sitting. Next, I highly prefer a fast drying short like the Hurley Phantom or Oneill Hyperflex board shorts. For those occasional beach shack restaurant or bar trips after a good session you're going to want to be able to sit down without hopping in a puddle. 
Flex is a great feature but definitely not necessary. Surfers have been getting along fine for years without hyperflex and phantom shorts and you can too if you don't want to toss down the dollars. The Phantom shorts are nice because they offer extra warmth but beyond that it's the same short.
Another thing you want to make sure of is a secure spot for your car keys. Most shorts have this but I would avoid a pocket on your butt as this will rub on your butt and board while you're sitting. This is my only knock on the Hurley Phantom short. If you can't tell already the two shorts I would recommend in order are the Hurley Phantom and Oneill Hyperflex. They both offer superior comfort and flex but will be in the higher price range. Both have bumped up there lines a lot since their original release so you're sure to find the design and style you want. You can even go retro in the Phantom with mid quad high shorts for all the longboarders of the 50's. Return from Board Shorts to Surfing Apparel Return from Board Shorts to Surfing Gear |