I honestly think most people realize too late that their cute bikini is a terrible idea for paddle boarding until they are actually out there. I have lost count of how many times I have seen someone trying to balance on their board while desperately tugging at their straps or worrying about a wardrobe malfunction every time a wave hits. If you are actually into SUP for the workout and the exploring part, you need gear that does not move. Short sleeve swimsuits are my personal favorite because they give you that extra bit of shoulder protection and stay exactly where they are supposed to be. It is just way more relaxing when you can move your arms freely without feeling like your suit is fighting against you the whole time.Why you need to check the underarm seams
One thing that can absolutely ruin a day on the water is realizing your swimsuit is rubbing your skin raw. When you are paddling, your arms are moving back and forth constantly, and if there is a thick or rough seam right in your armpit, you are going to feel it within twenty minutes. I always tell people to look for suits that have flat seams or are specifically designed for surfing. You want the fabric under your arms to be as smooth as possible so you do not end up with a nasty rash by the time you get back to the car. It sounds like a tiny thing but it makes a massive difference when you are three miles away from the shore.The struggle with cheap fabric that grows
We have all had that one swimsuit that looks great when it is dry but starts to grow and sag the second you jump into the lake. For something active like SUP, you really need a fabric that has some actual snap to it. I usually look for a solid blend of nylon and spandex that feels a bit more substantial. You want it to move with your body when you reach forward for a deep stroke but you also want it to stay tight against your skin. If the material is too thin, it just ends up heavy and annoying when it is wet, and nobody wants to be adjusting their suit while they are trying to stay balanced on a board.Zippers are much better than ties
I learned a long time ago that anything with strings or ties is a disaster waiting to happen on a paddle board. If you fall in and have to climb back up, those ties can get caught or just come undone, which is the last thing you want to deal with in deep water. A short sleeve suit with a sturdy zipper in the front or back is so much more secure. I personally love a front zip because it lets you breathe a little if the sun gets too hot, and you can lock it down when you are ready to really start moving. It feels more like professional gear and less like something you only wear for sitting by the pool.Getting the bottom coverage right
Even though the sleeves are the main attraction, the cut of the bottom half is what determines if you are comfortable or not. If you are constantly pulling the back of your suit down, you are not going to enjoy the scenery. For high activity like SUP, I always suggest going for a more athletic cut on the bottoms or even a tiny bit of a leg. The goal is to have something that stays in place even when you are climbing back onto the board or kneeling down to navigate through a narrow spot. When you know everything is covered and secure, you can actually focus on your form instead of your outfit.Sun protection that actually works
The reflection off the water is no joke and your shoulders usually get baked before you even realize it is happening. The best part about these short sleeve designs is that they cover the areas where most of us forget to put enough sunscreen. I always make sure the fabric is rated for UPF protection because it is way easier than trying to reach the middle of my own back with a spray bottle every hour. It keeps you cool and prevents that painful burn that usually comes after a long day in the sun. It is just a smarter way to dress if you plan on being out there for more than an hour.
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