Surfing is one of the most exhilarating water sports on the planet—combining the thrill of riding waves with the serenity of the ocean. But for many surfers, there’s one not-so-thrilling side effect: chafing. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or a seasoned pro logging hours in the water, skin irritation and chafing can turn a good surf session into a painful ordeal. The good news is, with the right knowledge and gear, chafing is preventable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into what causes chafing, where it typically occurs, and—most importantly—how to stop chafing when surfing. Drawing on expertise from surf professionals, dermatologists, and sports gear manufacturers, this article offers science-backed, experience-tested solutions to help you enjoy the waves pain-free.
What Causes Chafing When Surfing?
Chafing occurs when skin repeatedly rubs against clothing, gear, or other skin, especially when it’s wet. Surfing is a high-risk activity for chafing due to:
Saltwater exposure, which dries out the skin and increases friction.
Prolonged contact with surfboards, wax, and sand.
Ill-fitting wetsuits or boardshorts that move against your skin.
Repetitive paddling motions, especially under the arms and around the neck.
Even minor rubbing can escalate into painful rashes and broken skin when combined with saltwater and sun exposure. Understanding these causes is the first step to prevention.
Common Areas of Surf Chafing
Knowing where chafing typically occurs helps you address the problem head-on. The most commonly affected areas include:
- Neck and shoulders (from wetsuit or rash guard collars)
- Armpits (due to paddling motion)
- Inner thighs and groin (especially when wearing boardshorts)
- Nipples (from friction with wet clothing)
- Stomach and chest (from laying on the board while paddling)
Each of these areas requires specific attention and sometimes different solutions.
1. Wear the Right Surf Gear
Choose a High-Quality Wetsuit or Rash Guard
A properly fitted wetsuit or rash guard is one of your first lines of defense against chafing. Look for:
Seamless or flatlock seams to reduce rubbing.
Soft neoprene or Lycra materials that stretch with your body.
Correct sizing—not too tight to restrict movement or too loose to cause folds that rub.
Short-sleeved wetsuits often cause more chafing around the armpits, so consider full-sleeve options if you’re prone to irritation.
Invest in Chafe-Free Boardshorts
Boardshorts can be a major source of inner-thigh chafing. Choose boardshorts that:
Are made from quick-drying, stretch fabric.
Include a soft inner lining or wear compression shorts underneath.
Avoid Velcro flys—they can cause friction and trap sand.
2. Use Anti-Chafing Creams or Balms
Pre-Session Application Is Key
Anti-chafing balms are a favorite among pro surfers. These create a barrier on your skin, reducing friction and irritation.
Apply them at least 15–20 minutes before hitting the water.
Popular choices include:
BodyGlide® – A non-greasy, water-resistant balm.
Vaseline® or Aquaphor® – Widely available and effective, though slightly greasier.
Surf-specific products like Doc’s All-Natural Surf Cream.
Focus on high-friction areas: neck, thighs, armpits, nipples, and under the arms.
3. Rinse Off Before and After Surfing
Pre-Surf Rinse
Rinsing with fresh water before entering the ocean may sound odd, but it hydrates your skin and helps minimize salt absorption—reducing the drying effect of saltwater.
Post-Surf Rinse
Immediately rinse with fresh water after your session to remove salt, sand, and wax. These can stick to your skin and continue causing irritation after you’re out of the water.
4. Dry Off Properly and Change Quickly
Remaining in wet gear is one of the fastest ways to exacerbate chafing.
Change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Pat dry, don’t rub, especially on sensitive areas.
Use a soft towel or microfiber cloth, which is gentler on irritated skin.
Many surfers also carry a portable changing mat and a dry bag for easy post-surf transitions.
5. Keep Skin Moisturized and Healthy
Healthy skin is more resilient to chafing. After your surf session:
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe-based lotion to soothe any redness or dryness.
Avoid alcohol-based products, which can further dry out your skin.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
If your skin is already damaged or has open wounds, apply a healing ointment like Neosporin or Sudocrem, and give yourself a day or two of recovery.
6. Mind Your Technique and Form
Believe it or not, your paddling technique can contribute to chafing. Many surfers experience underarm or ribcage chafing from:
Over-rotating their shoulders while paddling.
Pressing down too hard on the board with their chest or stomach.
Constant shifting position.
Try to streamline your paddle strokes and stay centered on the board to reduce unnecessary skin contact with the board’s surface.
7. Use Board Accessories to Reduce Friction
Surfboard wax can be sticky, rough, and abrasive—especially after repeated use. Here are some helpful adjustments:
Reapply wax regularly to keep it smooth and grippy.
Use a board sock or soft top if you’re doing a lot of chest paddling or you’re new to the sport.
Consider a deck grip pad, especially if you’re going shirtless or using a surf bikini.
Avoiding skin-to-board contact is one of the simplest but most overlooked methods of reducing chafing.
8. Treat Chafing Immediately
Don’t Surf on Broken Skin
If you feel the burn, stop surfing before it gets worse. Continuing to surf with chafed skin can lead to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Extended recovery time
Clean the affected area with mild soap and water, pat dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment. Give your skin at least 24–48 hours to heal, or until the irritation is gone.
9. Stay Sand-Free
Sand can be a stealthy culprit. It finds its way into your suit, shorts, and skin folds, increasing friction exponentially.
Rinse sand off your gear immediately.
Use baby powder or cornstarch before you suit up—these help dry and repel sand.
Bring a portable rinse kit or gallon jug of water if you surf at a beach with no showers.
10. Try Surf-Specific Chafing Products
Over the years, the surf industry has responded with products designed specifically to fight surf-related chafing. Look for:
- Surf shirts with UV protection and anti-chafe stitching
- Compression surf shorts or surf leggings
- Surf hats with soft chin straps to prevent neck rash
- Hydrophobic body powders that are safe for ocean use
These products are widely available at surf shops and online, and they’re worth the investment if you surf regularly.
Conclusion
Surfing chafe-free isn’t about one single solution—it’s about combining smart habits, high-quality gear, and a proactive mindset. Whether you’re hitting the waves for 30 minutes or 3 hours, staying comfortable means you can focus on performance and fun, not discomfort.