Swim shorts ideal for occasional beginner surfing or any other water sport.
Swimwear designed for sessions lasting up to 1 hour.
What are boardshorts?
Boardshorts is a term used to designate this type of swimwear used in the world of surfing and water sports.
Practical and comfortable, they are suitable for both men and women.
This type of swimwear was created in the 1950s for surfing. In more recent years, they have become a popular style of swim shorts.
The name “boardshorts” comes from their use in water sports using a board, such as surfing.
How to choose your boardshorts
100 RANGE: occasional surfing and water sports.
Short cut.
Elasticated waistband: suitable for all body shapes. Drawstring for stability in the waves.
Inner mesh: protects from chafing.
Quick drying.
500/900 RANGE: regular surfing.
Various long cuts, protection from chafing.
Flat waistband: a more secure fit in the waves during duck dives and wipeouts.
Stretch fabric for freedom of movement.
How to choose the size of your boardshorts?
Size guide on product file.
The boardshorts in the 100 range are available in sizes S to XXL.
The 500 and 900 ranges are available in EU sizes 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48.
Your body shape can influence your choice of size.
We always recommend trying on swimwear before purchase. Fasten your shorts and gradually pull them downwards. If they are easy to pull down, it means they are too big and you could be in for a few surprises once you’re in the water surrounded by waves!
Choosing boardshorts based on the type of waistband
ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Helps the boardshorts to fit different body shapes.
SEMI-ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Provides a secure fit and adaptability for everyone.
FLAT WAISTBAND
Ensures the boardshorts stay in place in the waves during duck dives and wipeouts.
ANATOMIC DESIGN WAISTBAND
Combines the benefits of the elasticated waistband (adaptability to different body shapes) and the flat waistband (stability in the waves)
How to choose boardshorts according to length?
Shorter cuts (between 14” and 17”) give you freedom of movement and allow you to do a wide range of water sports, including surfing (for occasional sessions of less than 1 hour).
Longer cuts (between 17” and 20”) reduce irritation from the board or wax on the thighs, and at the top of the knees when paddling. These cuts are therefore better suited to regular or even intensive surfing.
Wave resistance 100 range
When surfing, whether it’s due to duck diving or a wipeout, it’s not easy to retrieve and reposition boardshorts that have fallen down while paddling at the same time...
Choosing the right waistband for surfing becomes essential in this case.
Go for an elasticated or semi-elasticated waistband with a drawstring that goes all the way round the waist.
The BS100L 18” boardshorts have a semi-elasticated waistband with drawstring.
Reduced chafing 100 range
This has got to be the most important criterion when choosing swim shorts.
It’s not uncommon for a swimsuit or boardshorts to rub and irritate the skin.
Our boardshorts are designed, both in terms of the shapes offered and the assembly methods, to minimise chafing as much as possible during your time in the water.
On the 100 range and this 18” model, the inner mesh or briefs help to minimise chafing.
Freedom of movement 100 range
In surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing, the legs are working hard, so boardshorts need to not restrict either bending/stretching or kicking.
A two-way (2 horizontal directions) or four-way (4 horizontal and vertical directions) stretch component contributes to this freedom of movement.
A short cut (under 17 inches) also allows enhanced lower body movement and stability.
Fast drying 100 range
It is quite uncomfortable to feel the sand sticking to your boardshorts because they are still soaked with water, or worse still, to feel the fabric of the boardshorts sticking to your skin.
To avoid this and to maximise comfort when you wear your swimsuit wet, we recommend you choose swim shorts made from a synthetic fibre fabric component. Water will drain away faster and the swimsuit will dry quickly, keeping chafing at bay.
Pockets
Boardshorts 100 Long have three pockets, two of which are at the sides. The pockets are mesh lined to effectively drain out water and sand.
Waistband
Boardshorts 100 Long feature a semi-elasticated waistband with an anatomic design that keeps them securely in place in the sea when falling in the waves.
Inner briefs
Boardshorts 100 Long have built-in briefs made from BOSSIS, a stretch mesh for an even better fit and reduced chafing.
Sun protection: The essential equipment for boardshorts
In summer, when it is hot weather but cool in the water, surfers tend to make their surfing sessions longer without changing their equipment. The risk of sunburn is therefore multiplied.
Did you know?
10 to 15% of uv reflects off of the water surface meaning that 40 to 95% penetrates through up to 25 cm under water. This is why boardshorts combined with sun protection (uv top, etc.) are becoming the essential equipment for warm water surfing.
Discover our sun protection range!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIAN, DECATHLON’S SURFING BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon’s surfing brand. In our offices at the water’s edge, we can design boardshorts and then on the same day test them directly in real usage conditions.
Find the Olaian brand on https://www.olaian.fr/
Surf shorts with semi-elastic waistband. Drawstring for optimal stability in the waves! Long, non-irritating cut and inner briefs. 3 handy pockets, including 2 side pockets.
Resitant to impact of waves
Semi-elasticated waistband with drawstring for a secure fit in the waves.
Reduced chafing
Inner mesh to minimise friction and prevent chafing.
Freedom of movement
Mid-thigh swimming shorts ideal for freedom of movement in the swimming costume.
Quick drying
Water-repellent treatment to let water drain away and speed up drying.
Swim shorts ideal for occasional beginner surfing or any other water sport.
Swimwear designed for sessions lasting up to 1 hour.
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