How To Select A Bikini For Three Different Water Sport Vacations
Learning a new water sport can be a fun activity around which to build a vacation. If you're heading out to try a new activity on the waves, you may be puzzled about what to pack, especially when it comes to swimwear that is right for your sport. Here are tips for bikini shopping for three different sports, so you can pick swimsuits that are just perfect for you.
Surfing
The ideal surfing bikini has to stay put in rough water, but you may not want to be covered up all the time or come home with funny tan lines. Your bikini needs to be selected to the best of your ability to rule out wardrobe malfunctions of the worst kind.
A bikini bottom that doesn't ride up in back and isn't too low in front is probably your best bet. For versatility, try a bottom that rolls down when you want to sun bathe and rolls up when you need extra coverage.
Unless you are very small chested, your bikini top will probably serve you better if it's cut like a crop top or sports bra. It should fit snugly under a wetsuit for cold-water surfing. A rash shirt and/or shorts can be worn over your bikini to prevent chafing and can be ditched when you want to catch some rays.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding has less stringent requirements for bikinis as you'll generally be subjected to fewer heavy waves and extremes of motion. While you still may want to wear rash guards over your swimsuit sometimes, you can likely get away with a little less coverage.
Some paddle boarding incorporates yoga moves. If you intend to try any yoga on your board, opt for a suit with more coverage in every direction, or wear something over your bikini to thwart embarrassment.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing bikinis need the most "sticktoitiveness" of the three sports discussed here. Not only will you be riding waves, but you'll be reaching more with your arms and working hard to right your board if it tips over.
A high-bottomed suit and a top with extra coverage may be more comfortable and less revealing for you. Retro styles look cute but still offer protection. A bra top with a band of fabric under the cups will keep your top from sliding up, and ruching with strings at the hips let you raise and lower the bottom as needed.
In general, look for sewn-in linings to avoid undesirable fabric scrunching. Tops and bottoms that are sold separately make fitting easier. Mix-and-match pieces from the same manufacturer or reversible bikinis give you more options when packing light. Finally, simulate your water sport activity in the dressing room when trying on bikinis, and you're sure to find a stylish but practical suit for your aquatic vacation.
Visit local bikinis shops for more information.