1. Rash Guard
Looser T-shirt-style surf shirts like the Reef Mr. Big—made of quick-dry, UV-protective, antibacterial nylon—are the new uniform for surfers who want to avoid the damaging rays of the sun and the chafing caused by gritty wax on board decks. $30; www.reef.com

2. Wetsuit
The Body Glove Vapor is made of superstretchy two-millimeter neoprene—with sleek, watertight welded seams—that keeps you as warm as conventional three-millimeter wetsuits. Short sleeves boost paddling mobility. $200; www.bodyglove.com

3. Wetsuit Jacket
Stay warm during summer dawn-patrol sessions with Billabong's Equator Patriot. The one- millimeter-thick pullover has nearly the same insulation as a short-sleeves-and-shorts wetsuit but more freedom of movement. $72; www.billabong.com