Wetsuit Striptease

Surf Club is back from 15th June, whoops and squeals of excitement we hear! Alas Boris is not allowing us use of our usual comforts of indoor changing rooms and hot showers at Quiksilver Surf School just yet. This means changing into your wetsuit outside. The thought of this can be horrifying, wriggling into neoprene in the general comfort of a ladies changing area is hard enough. At least in there the odd boob slip and facial contortions as you squish into your second skin are kept within the club for us all to laugh about together. 

The skill of getting into your wetsuit outside, whilst retaining modesty is an essential part of learning to surf. This will also be liberating, as it will make surf road trips less daunting and you won’t have to look for the nearest toilet cubicle to try and get changed.

The old fashioned way of using a towel to cover your more delicate areas while hopping (literally) into your wetsuit has its pro’s and con’s. Wearing your bathers makes this task way easier than if you are going commando.

Take said towel wrap it around your waist, make sure it is secure, VERY secure and big enough to wrap around your butt. Not too tight or you won’t be able to move, too loose that thing is going down at the crucial moment. After jiggling yourself half into your wetsuit it’s time to whip that towel off and done - if you're a man.

Now this is where for us ladies we can choose to try and wrap the towel somehow around your head and shoulders while you juggle arms and boobs. Or you can do the under top bra/bikini exchange like Lori Petti in Point Break (if you have not watched this cheese fest, it’s an absolute must!). Personally I opt for the no bra under top, take your arms out of the arm holes and into your top and begin battle from there. Ferry has another method, check this out in the video if you want a giggle!

Luckily someone else was tortured by the dreaded change outside, which can include flashing various bits of flesh to standers by at least if not dropping your towel and exposing yourself full frontal to the world. 

The changing robe was invented, hallelujah. This comes in various guises, most options are made of toweling and include a hood. Ideal, pop the changing robe on over your clothes, get undressed while looking like something from a Star Wars movie, get that wetsuit on while still in the robe and tahdah, we are in, modesty intact.

Note - make sure your changing robe is long enough to cover your butt when you bend over.

Note 2 - beware you may need a seat, unless you are super skilled at getting into your wetsuit standing on one leg, a fall at this point can cause changing robe slippage and it might even end up over your head.

Note 3 - this is a top tip most people will never tell you. Put your pants in your pocket! That way they are easier to find when it comes to getting back out of your wetsuit.

If all of this is just so off putting you just can’t bear it, then there is another way. Suit up at home and invest in some waterproof seat covers for the car. This is also the best way when going for a surf in winter. You can jump straight in the car after your surf and off home to a nice warm shower and change in privacy.

Fortunately for you guys, as members of NWSC, you will receive a discount on changing robes from Quiksilver Surf School. These can be purchased before all club sessions from the onsite shop. If you are feeling crafty then you can attempt sewing two towels together to make your own, if you need some tips just ask Club Instructor and textiles expert Tilly Shields.

NWSC Portugal Crew got the skills

Jen rocking her Dryrobe to keep Warm after a February surf