For decades, outdoor brands gave little attention to women’s products. That’s changing fast. We asked a field of expert female athletes to nominate the best new performance tools in a range of sports. Here, we present our favorite surf gear.
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Read all the stories→Raen Norie Polarized Sunglasses ($170)
The high style of these slightly oversize, feminine shades belies how well they perform. The durable acetate frames are lightweight, and the polarized lenses do a superb job of cutting glare.
Sexwax Wax Container and Comb ($7.50)
Superior grip and smells great. Plus, the no-frills box keeps wax from getting sandy and melting all over your gear, while the comb keeps your board extra tacky under your feet.
Billabong Salty Dayz Long Sleeve Spring Wetsuit ($105)
The era of all-black is over. In addition to a pop of color, this one-millimeter neoprene long-sleeve design delivers a little extra warmth when the wind picks up.
Dakine Kainui Team Surf Leash ($27)
Made of high quality urethane and equipped with double swivels and a neoprene cuff, this leash keeps you tethered to your board with maximum strength and comfort but minimal drag.
Carve Designs Sayulita Hat ($24)
Long days at the beach call for a sombrero-inspired hat. The chin strap keeps it on when the wind picks up, while the wide brim protects your face, neck, and eyes from the sun.
Captain Fin Quad Medium Fins ($95)
Designed to work in all conditions, these fins provide the perfect combination of speed down the line and power through turns.
Havaianas Sandals ($28)
With its slim, soft rubber straps, comfortable textured footbed, and dozens of colors and prints, Havaianas provides my favorite blend of style and comfort.
Aloha Collection Pouches ($28 and up)
Stash your wet bathing suit in one, toss it in your pack, and rest assured that everything else will stay nice and dry. Also great for protecting gear in the rain.
Sun Bum Original Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen ($16)
This spray goes on dry and doesn’t leave my skin oily. And the vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals that cause premature skin aging.
Bing Dharma 2.0 Surfboard ($917)
Small summertime surf calls for extra volume and a little more style. The retro shape of the 5'6" Dharma 2.0 makes paddling and catching waves a breeze.
The Expert: Born into the famed Irons family on Kauai, Janna Irons competed for ten years before working as an editor at Surfer and founding the beloved (but sadly short-lived) women’s surfing magazine Salted.