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Surf Specific Compression Shorts: Tracks Product Test
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Last man standing, that’s what I was able to claim on a boat trip once thanks to a pair of old compression shorts which I wore under my boardies. Yep, they were my secret weapon against the primary cause of surfer attrition in the line up, boardshort and board rash. It claims victims one by one, eating into their psyche, making even the best surf look not so great. Calls of ” arrhh the winds up” or “might wait for some crew to come in” start to permeate through the ranks. You could understand my enthusiasm to try out these new purpose-built-for-surfing compression shorts from Elephant Surf. A techy looking product that is wholeheartedly made in the US of A, San Diego in fact. I prefer to test a product blind, no pre-use research. I don’t want to be tainted by manufactures claims, opting to try and pick the highlights for myself. I wore the Elephant shorts twice in the same day. They pull on easy both dry and wet. The quality of the workmanship is first class, a strong double flat-lock stitch, binding the numerous panels and a firm wide elastic waist to ensure they don’t slip down or move. Not visible under a regular pair of board shorts they do initially feel a touch strange, kind of like when you shave your legs and then wear jeans. (old cycling memories) The strangeness is not evident in the surf, they feel good. Sitting and swinging around on my board was aided by a textured rubber/ neoprene panel on the underside of my leg. It provided grip and control which I hadn’t had before, this is also prime area for board rash so, job done here. The seams didn’t dig in and the quality nylon spandex combo didn’t ride up or move when duck diving. These things have been designed by surfers for sure.  I was keen to read the product blurb after I used them to see what I missed; this is what they said (see my extended comments in italics): Designed by surfers for surfers. Knew It Spandex stretch material provides compression to leg muscles, giving you an unshakable athletic feel in the water. Mmm maybe but I didn’t notice any real benefit here as far as a compression garments and their use for muscle fatigue is concerned, it’s not like you are running. 2mm neoprene on inner and rear thigh making board rash obsolete. Yes winner here Patent pending design uses textured neoprene outer to provide grip and stop boardshorts riding up. This was a highlight as mentioned, the top side made from spandex also eliminated board short drag on your thighs, ensuring you glide to your feet every time. Nylon inner gives soft feel against skin. For sure UPF 50 + Yeah ok whatever, I wouldn’t be wearing these without boardshorts One year limited warranty. Happy with that How much? $45 US from Elephantsurf.com - Free shipping if you spend over $50 US and they come in Medium and Large Verdict: Recommended. A worth while investment if you are surfing long sessions or are a tad on the chunky side and get board rash just walking around. |