How to Stop Wetsuit Chafing While Surfing

A good surf can be ruined by a neck that feels like it has been scrubbed with sandpaper. Knowing how to stop wetsuit chafing comes down to a few practical things: the right fit, protection in the friction zones, and looking after your suit between sessions. Sort those out and you can focus on the waves rather than the raw patch under your chin.

Why wetsuits chafe

Chafing happens when your skin, wetsuit and salt water create repeated friction. The most common trouble spots are the neck, underarms, inner thighs, behind the knees and around the waistline. For surfers, the neck is usually the big one because paddling, duck-diving and turning your head all make the collar move against wet skin.

Salt water makes matters worse. It dries on the skin, increases irritation and finds any tiny area of broken skin from a previous session. Sand trapped inside a suit can have the same effect, especially after changing on the beach or sitting on the shore between surfs.

A little rubbing during a long session is not always a sign that something is wrong. Burning, broken skin or a rash after every surf is different. That usually points to a poorly fitting wetsuit, a worn collar or a protection routine that needs changing.

Start with the fit of your wetsuit

The best anti-chafe product cannot fully fix a wetsuit that does not fit. A suit should feel snug across the body without restricting your breathing, shoulder movement or paddle stroke. It should sit close to the skin with no large folds around the neck, underarms, lower back or behind the knees.

A collar that is too loose is a common cause of neck rash. Water flushes through it, and the collar shifts every time you paddle. But overly tight is no better. If the neckline digs in or feels like it is cutting across your throat when you look up, size and shape are likely the issue.

Different brands use different cuts, so do not assume your usual clothing size will translate neatly to wetsuits. Height, chest, waist, hips, shoulder width and torso length all matter. Women’s wetsuits and youth wetsuits in particular should be chosen for body shape and movement, rather than simply sizing up to make getting changed easier.

Try a new suit on properly before its first surf. Raise your arms, rotate your shoulders, squat, bend and mimic a paddle motion. There should be no pinching, major bagginess or collar movement that you can feel straight away. A suit may loosen slightly once wet, but it should not become floppy.

Check the collar before every session

The neck seal deserves a quick check. Make sure it is lying flat, not folded under, twisted or caught on hair. If you wear a zip-back wetsuit, confirm the zip flap and collar are properly positioned too. A small crease at the neckline can become a painful rub after an hour in the water.

For longer hair, tying it low or keeping it clear of the collar can help. Hair caught between neoprene and skin creates another point of movement, and product residue from conditioner can also make the seal slide around more than it should.

Use anti-chafe protection where it counts

Anti-chafe balm creates a barrier between your skin and the wetsuit. Apply it before you put the suit on, concentrating on areas that have rubbed before. For most surfers that means the sides and front of the neck, underarms and anywhere a seam sits against your skin.

Use enough to leave a light coating, not a thick greasy layer. Too much can make getting into the suit awkward and may attract sand once you are on the beach. Reapply only if you are heading out for a second session and have rinsed off first.

Wetsuit-specific anti-chafe sticks and balms are usually the tidiest option, particularly for the neck. Some surfers prefer a simple barrier ointment, which can work well, but check that it is suitable for use with neoprene. Petroleum-heavy products may not be the best choice for every suit and can leave residue on the collar.

If you are prone to chafing on your body rather than your neck, a rash vest can be a smart layer. It reduces friction under the arms and across the torso, while adding a bit of warmth. The trade-off is that another layer can feel restrictive or bunch up if it is too loose. Choose a close-fitting surf rash vest rather than a casual swim top.

Keep sand and salt out of the equation

Clean skin and a clean wetsuit make a noticeable difference. Before getting changed, brush sand from your neck, shoulders, chest and legs. It takes seconds and stops grit being pressed into your skin by neoprene.

Avoid putting a wetsuit on over a sandy towel, and do not leave it bunched up on the beach while you chat after a surf. If you are changing in a car park or on rough ground, a changing mat or robe gives you a cleaner surface and makes the process more comfortable on cold days.

After your session, rinse both yourself and your wetsuit with fresh water as soon as practical. Salt left on the collar can stiffen as the suit dries, making the next session more abrasive. A quick rinse is especially useful after a long summer surf, when warm skin is already more likely to get irritated.

Dry and store your suit properly

Do not dry a wetsuit in direct heat, on a radiator or in strong sun for hours. Heat can damage neoprene and make seals less supple over time. Turn it inside out first, hang it from the waist or fold it over a wide hanger, then finish drying the outside once the inside is dry.

A collar that has gone stiff, cracked or rough is much more likely to rub. If your suit is otherwise in good condition, inspect the neck seal and seams before replacing the whole thing. Small repairs can sometimes extend the life of a favourite suit, but a damaged collar may be a sign it is time for an upgrade.

Adjust your session if the rubbing starts

If you feel a hot spot developing in the water, do not assume you can ignore it. Chafing escalates quickly once the skin is irritated. If conditions allow, take a moment to check whether the collar has folded or whether sand has found its way inside the suit.

For a minor rub, shorter sessions for a few surfs can be more sensible than repeatedly opening the same sore patch. Let broken skin heal before going back into salt water, and clean it properly after your session. If the area looks infected, becomes increasingly painful or does not settle, seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

This is also where surf conditions matter. A two-hour session in cold, clean water may cause no issues, while a warm day with lots of paddling, sand and a loose summer suit can cause chafe quickly. Match your protection to the session rather than relying on one routine all year.

When a new wetsuit is the answer

Sometimes the solution is not another layer of balm. If your wetsuit has become loose through age, the neck has stretched, seams are rough or the suit has always rubbed in the same place, a better-fitting replacement will be the more comfortable option.

Look for a suit suited to the season and your usual surfing. A lighter summer suit should still fit securely, while a winter suit needs enough flexibility through the shoulders that it does not pull hard at the neck as you paddle. Details such as smoothskin neck seals, well-placed seams and a quality zip system can make a real difference over regular use.

If you are unsure why a suit is rubbing, trying on a few cuts in person can save a lot of trial and error. The team at Love Waves in Killay can help you compare fits and spot obvious bunching or collar issues before you take a new suit into the water.

The goal is not to tolerate wetsuit chafing as part of surfing. A suit that fits, a clean collar and a little protection in the right place should leave you thinking about the next set, not your skin.