Gear

The Best Swim Trunks for Bodysurfing

I am thrilled to announce that I have found my new favorite swim trunks for bodysurfing—the Vissla X DaFin Womper 16.5 Boardshort.

What I like about these swim trunks:

Many things! First of all, these eco-friendly trunks are made specifically for bodysurfers. DaFin is one of my favorite bodysurfing brands—I always use DaFins when I go bodysurfing. Naturally, I was stoked to see a major surf clothing brand like Vissla do a collaboration with them.

Just check out the unique DaFin logo patch on the back pocket (pictured below)—an artistic ode to bodysurfers everywhere.

Swim trunks for bodysurfing.

Made with a blend of yarns upcycled from coconuts and Repreve recycled plastic bottles. Upcycling is the process of converting useless products into new garments. This allows us to create performance garments with faster dry times & a certified UPF 50+ sun protection rating while reducing the amount of waste in landfills. – Vissla

What makes these swim trunks good for bodysurfing:

The best men’s swim trunks for bodysurfing are ones that create the least amount of drag possible. This means they should be short, tight, and come without side pockets (which often fill with water and slow you down when riding the wave).

Many bodysurfers like wearing speedos because they are more streamlined and minimalistic than board shorts. But for those of us who prefer not to expose so much thigh, board shorts are the way to go.

What I like best about The Vissla x DaFin Womper Boardshort for bodysurfing:

  • Short length + no side pockets = minimal drag.
  • Back pocket with integrated key rope and Vissla X DaFin logo patch. 
  • Not only are these trunks stylish, but they’re also made from sustainable and durable materials.

Other swim trunk recommendations:

Remember to look for swim trunks that are short, tight-fitting, and without side pockets. I like to support brands that prioritize durability, and am willing to pay extra upfront if I believe the swim trunks I’m buying will last a long time.

Patagonia and Birdwell Beach Britches make some of the most durable swim trunks on the market. Many well-known wave sliders, like Hawaiian bodysurfer Sean Enoka, rep these brands and have nothing but positive things to say about them.

Make sure to check out the following video to see some of my other swimwear recommendations, including Speedos!

Bathing suit options for female bodysurfers:

Check out this blog by Adrianne Chandra-Huff for some great women’s bathing suit recommendations: How to Choose an Ideal Bathing Suit for Surfing.


For more gear recommendations, check out this post: The Best Equipment for Bodysurfing.