I recently got back from an epic surf trip to Costa Rica. When I bought my plane ticket a month in advance, it was near-impossible to gauge the surf forecast. Upon arrival though, myself and six other friends were greeted to solid head-high, thumping Playa Hermosa. Not only that, but the water was a toasty 83 degrees, a stark contrast to the mid-60 degree water California had been serving up.

O'Neill Skins Surf Shirt

Since Costa Rica is closer to the horizon, it is generally much warmer and humid. Being 75% Irish, I'm used to getting sunburned. But that is not good enough for me. Fortunately, O'Neill came to the rescue with its line of UV50 surf-shirts, vests and tops. In or out of the water, the boys and myself were sun-proof and comfortable.

Mike and Sol check the waves in the Skins surf
shirts

What are you supposed to do when you want to surf comfortably in warm water? Rashguards get a bad rap: they look slightly queer and usually only kooks wear them. T-shirts get stretched out and never dry. With O'Neill's new surf shirts, you have a perfect mix between a rashguard and a t-shirt. They offer 4-way stretch, are quick drying and give you plenty of room to move. The Skins S/S Rash Tee was my favorite top, till I tried the...

O'Neill Thinskin Superfreak

Thinskins Superfreak L/S. WTF does this mean? If you were guessing a long-sleeve, .5mm neoprene top that's incredible, I'd say you're right. Most wetsuit tops these days are 1.5 mm (standard 3/2) thick. Most of these tops are too warm for places like Costa Rica. So O'Neill trimmed a top down to .5 mm and this is the result. Super-stretchy, form-fitting and perfect for those early morning sessions when the sun is coming out and you don't want to end up looking like a tomato.

Ready for paddle with the Thinskin Superfreak...

After a long day riding, we wanted to cool off while also not getting burned. Fortunately we had the 24/7 RG8 Hoodie to relax in. Like its name implies, you can wear this lightweight hoodie all day, everyday. It is stretchy, quick drying and actually built from 90% recycled bottles and plastics...a winner all-around.

O'Neill Gooru Vest

I've never heard many people complain about having options; I like having them when it comes to just about all things. So lastly, tried out the Gooru Vest, which is 3/2 mm thick and sleeveless. This small thing packed a punch: it was super comfortable in the water and kept my upper body warm during the early-evening sessions. Needless to say, it is a pretty epic piece of equipment for your quiver of surf accessories.

Next time you want to surf in your boardies but keep warm, give O'Neill a look. Their mantra says it all: "First in the water, last out."

Joey P pets puppies in the 24/7 RG8 hoodie

**Special thanks to Kieran and Molly with O'Neill