Boardshorts

Whether ‘hanging ten’ or ‘getting barreled’, surfers have had a style of their own since the sport’s culture emerged in the early twentieth century. Many aspects of surfing have changed since then, and the gear is no exception. Boardshorts were originally made for surfing, but are so popular today that men and women wear them for everything from surfing to shopping.

This fad started about 30 years ago when two Australian surfers, Alan Green and John Law (the founding fathers of Quiksilver), designed a pair of shorts in response to surfers’ shift away from the straight-line style of the 60’s to the more extreme style of cutbacks and carving. Surfers needed shorts that allowed them to perform the latest moves without holding them back. And so began the evolution of boardshorts.

Boardshorts in the 1960’s:

  - Made of a thick canvas material that was heavy and dried very slowly

  - Long pant legs that stopped mid-calf

  - Button closure that hurt surfers’ stomachs when paddling

  - Fine for straight-line surfing; too confining for extreme moves

Boardshorts in the 1970’s:

 - Made of a light-weight fast-drying fabric

 - Shorter legs that stopped just below the knee

 - Snap closure that does not affect paddling

 - Offer a wider range of motion for challenging maneuvers

Boardshorts today:

 - Made from lycra-blend materials that provide maximum comfort in and out of the water

 - Available in different lengths for different activities

 - Velcro and lace-up closure for comfort when paddling

 - Protective anti-bacterial coating to make shorts stay cleaner longer

Boardshorts were made exclusively for men until the 90’s when women’s sizes and styles were introduced. Today men and women can buy boardshorts in styles appropriate for watersports and every-day wear. While Hawaiian floral prints are the most commonly available type, they also come in other designs and patterns that are fashionable enough to wear from the water to the boardwalk. Here are some key details to pay attention to when purchasing boardshorts:

 - Don’t buy a pair that is too tight, which could restrict movement, but make sure they aren’t so loose they could easily be lost in a big wave.

 - Do not compromise functionality for fashion. The right pair will not limit any chosen surfing maneuvers. Remember, these were originally designed FOR surfers.

 - Look for a pair with a mesh, spandex or wax inner-lining. This will feel better against the legs than the wet shorts material and it prevents chaffing.

 - When in doubt, go with the Hawaiian-style print. It’s the most traditional boardshort pattern and least likely to go out of style.