Perfect Summer Top: Da Kine's Insulator L/S

Summer in many parts of the world is a great time to be a surfer. School's out, the sun is blazing, and the surf is bombing. However, not all surf rich locations require only a tee shirt and baggies to remain comfortable in the lineup. In fact, a need for sun coverage and warmth poses a complicated issue for a summer surfer.

Tradewinds and cold water make a hot summer day deceptively chilly in places like California, Hawaii, and even here on the east coast. But this is summer, and the last thing I want to do is slip on a springsuit rife with its chafing and resistance. Heck, I surf all winter, dreaming of peeling off my springer (or worse) and riding free.

I began searching for some light neoprene for warmth and some lycra for sun protection, a wetsuit combination that I could wear in a myriad of conditions here in South Florida.

After searching several wetsuit styles, I decided to try the Insulator L/S from DaKine.

I spent my youth burning bareback in the sun and then moved on to a full lycra longsleeve, but that did nothing for windchill on dawn patrols or late afternoon sessions.

The Insulator offered warmth and sun coverage with its longsleeve and high neck in a UV sucking black hue and the .5mm finemesh skin neoprene covering the back and chest.

The Insulator's flat lock seams and flexible construction offered freedom as well as function.

If I had the choice, I would surf sans wetsuit; however, the Insulator from DaKine is the next best thing.