You spend hours in the water, between surf sessions, lying on the sand, face turned towards the sky. The sun is there — and not just in summer. In New Caledonia, Polynesia, Reunion Island, the Canary Islands, or the Mediterranean, UV rays hit hard all year round. And in the water, they hit even harder.
That's where a UPF50+ UV protection surf suit changes everything. Not just a swimsuit. Real equipment.
Why UV Protection is Critical for Surfing
When you surf, you accumulate several aggravating factors:
-
Water reflects up to 25% more UV rays — you get the sun from above and its reflection from below.
- The lying position on the board exposes your back, neck, and shoulders for prolonged periods.
- Drying water washes away sunscreen — even waterproof formulas wear off quickly.
- Sessions often last 1.5 to 3 hours without interruption.
Result: a regular surfer without textile protection accumulates a much higher UV dose than they would imagine. The consequences — premature skin aging, spots, long-term risks — are real and preventable.
The simplest and most effective solution? Wear a textile item with UPF50+ certification.
UPF vs SPF: What's the Concrete Difference?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) applies to sunscreens. It measures protection against UVB only, under laboratory conditions. It can fade, dilute, or wash off in water.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures a fabric's ability to block UV rays — UVA and UVB — mechanically, permanently, without the need for reapplication.
| Criterion |
SPF (cream) |
UPF (textile) |
| Type of protection |
UVB only |
UVA + UVB |
| Duration |
2h max in water |
Permanent as long as the fabric is intact |
| Water resistance |
Limited |
Total |
| Reapplication needed |
Yes |
No |
| UPF50+ blocks |
— |
98% of UV rays |
To remember: a UPF50+ suit blocks 98% of UV rays in the covered area. No sunscreen can guarantee this level of protection in the water during a long session.
The Options: Finding the Balance Between Protection and Freedom of Movement
Not all surfwear is equal in terms of protection. Here's an honest comparison:
| Type |
UV Protection |
Freedom of Movement |
Ideal for |
| Long-sleeved surf suit |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum |
⭐⭐⭐ Good if cut correctly |
Highly exposed areas, long sessions, sensitive skin |
| Long-sleeved rashguard |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good |
Versatile — surfing, snorkeling, beach |
| Crop top / Short-sleeved top |
⭐⭐⭐ Good (upper body) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum |
Warm water, experienced surfers |
| Short surf suit (camisole) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good (torso + hips) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good |
Warm water, priority torso protection |
| Classic swimsuit alone |
⭐ Very low |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum |
Short swim in calm water |
The best compromise for most female surfers: a camisole surf suit or a long-sleeved UPF50+ rashguard. Serious protection, freedom to paddle, assertive style.
How to Choose Based on Your Level and Geographic Area
Tropical Water (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Reunion, French Overseas Departments and Territories)
The water is warm — between 24 and 29°C. You don't need a wetsuit. Opt for a lightweight, quick-drying fabric with certified UPF50+ protection. The long-sleeved camisole surf suit is ideal: it protects the torso, arms, and hips without overheating.
Temperate Water (Mediterranean, Atlantic France, Canaries)
Water between 16 and 22°C. A UPF50+ rashguard worn underneath or alone depending on the season. In summer, it's a great alternative to sunscreen. In mid-season, it easily layers under a light shorty.
Beginner vs. Experienced
-
Beginner: opt for a long-sleeved surf suit — you spend more time paddling and waiting for waves. Maximum coverage is an advantage.
-
Intermediate: the camisole suit or rashguard alone offers the right balance.
-
Experienced: depending on your priority — speed and feel (crop top + leggings) or protection (long-sleeved rashguard).
Care to Maintain UPF50+ Over Time
A UPF50+ fabric retains its properties if you take care of it:
-
Rinse with cold water after each session (salt, chlorine, and sunscreen degrade fibers).
-
Machine wash at 30°C max, delicate cycle, without fabric softener.
-
Hang dry in the shade — drying in direct sunlight degrades elastomers and can alter the fabric.
-
Do not wring — gently press to remove excess water.
- Avoid tumble drying.
Well-maintained, a quality UPF50+ surf rashguard lasts several seasons without losing its protective properties.
Our Couleurs Lagon UPF50+ Selection
At Couleurs Lagon, all our surf pieces are UPF50+ certified, designed for warm waters and made from quick-drying, anti-irritation fabrics. Here are our three essentials:
MITI — Long-Sleeved Camisole Surf Suit UPF50+
Our flagship piece. Long sleeves, camisole, integrated push-up support, anti-irritation seams. Protects arms, shoulders, back, and décolleté. Ideal for long sessions in warm water.
→ Discover the MITI Camisole Surf Suit
Women's Rashguard UPF50+
Long-sleeved, fitted cut, light and breathable. Can be worn alone or over a swimsuit. The ultimate versatile piece — surfing, snorkeling, beach, paddleboarding.
→ See women's UPF50+ rashguards
Surf Crop Top UPF50+
For surfers who want maximum freedom of movement and bust protection. Paired with swim leggings, it covers the essentials with style.
→ Explore the women's surf suit collection
Ready to Surf Protected? 🌊
UV protection is not just about slathering on cream in the morning and hoping it lasts. In surfing, UPF50+ textile is your best ally — effective, comfortable, durable.
Explore the entire Couleurs Lagon collection and find the piece that matches your surfing style, body type, and geographical area.
→ Discover the Couleurs Lagon UPF50+ women's surf suit collection
