What are boardshorts?
Boardshorts are swimming shorts and more generally a style of swimsuit for men and, more recently, for women. They were created in the 1950s for surfing.
Over past years they have become a popular style of swimming suit.
The name "boardshorts" comes from their use in water sports using a board, such as surfing.
It is primarily used to limit chafing due to the friction of the board.
How to choose your boardshorts
SESSIONS FOR UP TO 2 HOURS
If you surf for up to two hours, you will need boardshorts that fit snugly around your waist but do not create discomfort. For freedom of movement, a slightly elastic component will ensure that leg movements are not obstructed.
How to choose the size of your boardshorts?
Regarding choosing the size, we invite you to visit the size guide available on the boardshorts product file.
The boardshorts 500 are available in UK sizes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 (EU sizes 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48).
Your shape can equally influence your choice. Here is some advice that could help you.
If you are have more muscles in the torso and legs, then choose a short pair which will highlight your figure.
If you are slimmer and more slender then go for longer boardshorts!
Choosing boardshorts based on the type of waistband
ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Helps the boardshorts fit to different body shapes.
SEMI-ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Ensures a good hold while still adapting to different body types
FLAT WAISTBAND
Ensures a good hold of the boardshorts when falling into the waves.
WAVE-RESISTANCE
While surfing, whether its due to ducking or a wipe out it is not easy to reposition your boardshorts because they slide down your buttocks... So choosing the correct waistband becomes primitive. Preferably an elasticated or semi-elasticated waistband with a drawstring or a flat waistband for a better hold.
Reduced chafing
It is surely the most important criteria. It is common for the boardshorts or its seams to chafe. Our boardshorts are designed, both in terms of the shapes offered and the assembly methods, to limit chafing as much as possible during practice time.
In addition, the boardshorts 500 benefits from a central strip that moves the seams away from the usual friction zones, which has the effect of significantly limiting the occurrence of irritation.
Freedom of movement
In surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing, the legs are very much in demand, so the men's swimming costume should not restrict either bending or swimming.
A bi-directional or quadri-directional component contributes to this freedom of movement.
The boardshorts 500 are made of a material offering a bi-directional stretch.
Quick drying
It is quite uncomfortable to feel the sand sticking to your boardshorts because they are still soaked with water. For this reason, choose a "Stretch" component which evacuates water more quickly.
Length
Choosing long boardshorts only really depends on your preference. However you should know that the shorter your shorts are the greater the freedom of movement. The length 18 inches is equal to a length of 45.5 cm in an average M/L size.
Waistband
The boardshorts 500 is equipped with a flat waistband that will help the hold in the wave when ducking under the wave and when falling. Additionally the flat waistband will bring greater comfort while paddling out lying on the surfboard.
Pockets
The boardshorts 500 come with a zipped side pocket (on the right thigh)
Sun protection: The essential equipment for boardshorts
In summer, when it is hot weather but cool in the water, surfers tend to make their surfing sessions longer without changing their equipment. The risk of sunburn is therefore multiplied.
Did you know? 10 to 15% of UV reflects off of the water surface meaning that 40 to 95% penetrates through up to 25 cm under water. This is why boardshorts combined with sun protection (UV top, etc.) are becoming the essential equipment for warm water surfing.
Discover our sun protection range!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURFING BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surfing brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a pair of boardshorts and then on the same day go surfing and test them to check that they stay in place in the waves, are comfortable and durable.Find us at https://www.olaian.fr/
