The Company: Based out of Haleiwa, after moving out of a makeshift production line at a house on Sunset beach, Xcel was founded in 1982. Looking to provide wetsuits and water wear, Xcel became widely known as it expanded into sun protection gear, commonly known as rash guards. Xcel services the surf, paddle, dive, wake and sun protection industries … and while it has branched out onto watersports wear as a whole, Xcel’s dedication to the product has not retreated on quality. The market is saturated by many surf and rash guard manufacturers; while the competition has grown to include many cheap unknown and known brands, Xcel rash guards continue to be a great value for the price.

The Product: Excel rash guards provide an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+ — for comparison, a new t-shirt provides approximately UPF 5. The UV protection is afforded by the weave of the rash guard. Excel rash guards are made of thick Lycra with flat locked seams. You can easily feel the difference in thickness by rubbing the various branded rash guards between your fingers and then trying the same with the Xcel rash guard. Xcel provides the Lycra with added thickness that adds a more supple feel next to your skin. The flat locked seams provide longevity as you change into your rash guard each surf session.

As a surfer, let me tell you that nothing is more annoying than your rash guard stitching unraveling around your hand while executing a quick pop-up to beat out five other surfers for the wave of the day. The cut and shape of the xcel rash guard provides superior range of motion for surfing, which I am forever grateful.

Rash guards sizes are the same as shirt sizes, however, they are made to fit snug. When buying a rash guard as a gift the same shirt size should fit comfortably snug. Sometimes a surfer prefers one size larger for a looser fit. Thank goodness for gift receipts!

The Verdict: The surfer in your life probably already has a rash guard but believe me, they could always use another one, especially if it bears the quality and longevity of an Xcel rash guard. Remember that donning a dry rash guard is always preferable to a cold, sticky, wet one! A friend even made a special request for an Xcel rash guard for her birthday last year! And watching her smile as she paddled out wrapped inside that new Xcel rash guard, I knew that it was a happy birthday for her!

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[originally posted as ‘12 Days of Xmas’ #6: Xcel Lycra Rash Guard (for Wahines like me!)]

The days of Endless Summer’s idealized surf trip pre-requisites of “surfboard, wax, sun screen and passport” are long gone … having given way to multiple airport security screenings, expensive airline fees for oversized luggage, and the sudden boom of surf-related anything all over the world thanks in large part to the multi-billion dollar push from the surf industry moguls.

But have no fear, minor inconveniences will not deter determined surfers from their goal of finding surf nirvana around the globe, it just requires better planning and preparation for what may lie ahead. (There are considerable differences when surfing in warm water and cold climate locations, ranging from the type of wax you will need all the way to the rash guard or wet suit you will wear … so we’ll try to keep that factor in check as we go through the list.)

Outside of doing your usual Google research on visa requirements and entry fees for the countries you are visiting, and making sure your credit cards, passport and driver’s license are up-to-date there are some essential tips to know before embarking on a surf trip. And so, dear kindred spirit of the waves, with a few million miles under our collective surf-travel belts, we have assembled the quintessential surf trip primer for all you travelling surfers:

Surf Camp or Going on your own? This is the mother of all the check list pre-requisites; the one that determines how you will be preparing for the trip from here on in! Your goal will be to get there the easiest, the fastest, and in the most efficient method available to maximize your water time … so an all-inclusive surf camp may be the most beneficial to your budget and timeline. That being said, a surf adventure where you discover your own way and seek out your own waves provides a more rewarding experience for the globe-trotting surfer. Choose wisely so that your ultimate goal of maximum surf time is addressed properly!

Although a slightly more expensive method for surf travel, the surf camp experience traditionally will provide you with almost everything you may need. You can relax knowing things are covered – ranging from accommodations, meals, a local surf guide, transportation to and from various surf breaks (either by land or by boat), surfboards to choose from, wax, leash, repairs … and even facilities to chill or exercise, whatever you may need.

Surf camps generally cater to surfers who want to land at the airport and know that their gear is available and ready to go, just point to the break and they’re off surfing. Set in a setting where you are with other surfers and seasoned staff and surf experts to assist you, this type of surf travel relieves you from some stress. You do not have to pack much of your usual surf gear (especially your surfboards!), and the camp quiver allows you the luxury of avoiding oversized luggage fees and the paranoid fear of someone dinging your board (or worse!) during transport.

Surf Bag or Case. If you choose to bring your own board or a selection from your quiver, be sure to protect your surfboards! In the past, we have gone with surf bags padded with rash guards and towels on the inside, surfboard coffins that held 2 or more boards, and even professionally packed and shipped boards. In that same order, we (meaning us and our boards) suffered from dings and broken surfboard noses, expensive airline luggage fees, and stolen – even oddly replaced with another older - surfboard. But over the years, although the number of airlines have reduced (even removed) routes that allow surfboard travel … some seriously decent board protection has evolved (see Soma), allowing peace of mind for the insistent quiver snob!

Surf Wear. Although most surf camps provide you with all-around-use rash guards or wet suits, they do tend to be used. During our surf travels, we have found it extremely beneficial to have our own surf wear in tow. With the added benefit of wearing your favorite brand or style, SPF protection, and the security of properly fitting wet suits (one’s that are not loosely hanging off our bodies while surfing in cold water!), the packing space is minimal for two or three rash guards or wetties!

Hats and sunglasses are also a must! Whether you are sitting in the line up, at the beach, or in the jacuzzi, proper sun protection allows you to extend your surf time. There can be nothing more frustrating than travelling halfway around the globe and being sidelined from surfing by a bad sunburn!

Surf Gear & Accessories. Yes, you need to bring your first aid kit and a slew of spare or preferred surf goodies like fins and key, leashes (they are either righteously expensive or well worn!), ding repair kit (in water repair kit is better!), surf wax (remember to bring temperature relevant and eco-friendly wax!), and duct tape. We cannot stress the duct tape enough to travelling surfers … it can act as ding repair, leash repair, packing tape, laundry line, well you name it! Another surprise travel item that we found extremely useful is a lock box that we stashed room keys, cash, and credit cards in while surfing. Locked to the car, van, or boat it allowed us to surf freely and return to safely stowed dry cash and cards for the lunch stop or a quick round of drinks at the bar before heading out again.

Dry Bag. Whether it be boat trips or the unexpected downpour, your change of clothes or towel and snacks will thank you for bringing this essential piece of travel gear! Not just for surf travel anymore, a sturdy, waterproof dry bag can protect all of your electronics, surf accessories, and identification cards from the very playground you are floating around in!

Waterproof Camera and memory cards / flash drives. Much like the mythical Wendigo or Bigfoot, no one will blink twice when you wax poetic about “that double overhead left that stayed open after a late drop” if you can’t produce a decent photo. A blurry snapshot of what could be you or Bigfoot on either a knee-high or double overhead wave just cannot cut in on Facebook these days! With a plethora of inexpensive digital cameras with waterproof housings or cases in today’s market – like the Hero Pro or Olympus’ Underwater line – your surf trip will shine brightly with photos to document your journey – since most of us cannot afford to have filmmakers following us around to surf breaks!

Gift Items and Goodies. Here is the key to merry travelling and extremely useful tool for establishing good will: a gift or token of appreciation. More than a cash tip, you can extend friendship and goodwill while surf travelling with some surf-related gift items from your home land. Things like surfboard-shaped keychains or surf t-shirts for your surf guide and surf hosts may ensure that you get the better transport or boat at an earlier time to that secret local spot.

The most important thing to bring above it all is your sense of adventure and wonder! All the preparation and packing will be better complemented by a happy-go-lucky spirit … there are a of of things that will go right, and even a few that may go awry, but through it all make sure you extend that surfer spirit and smile with aloha in your heart!

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The Stuff: Made almost entirely of neoprene (there is an insert in the cap’s brim to hold its shape), the WavzCap makes great use of closed cell material to resist water absorption and bacterial growth – an important feature for head wear that is consistently exposed to the ocean and its many living elements! Sporting a neoprene matching chin strap to secure the cap on your noggin, and an adjustable strap in the back for a more precise fit, WavzCap makes for a strong entry into the surf cap market.

The Testers: (1) Kaya wanted to try this cap on right from the get go, and she had the first shot at it on her shortboard. As a go-get-’em surfer on Oahu’s North Shore, she has been on the hunt for an effective and stylish hat for use during her daily double surf sessions. (2) Ron’s shaved head was an ideal fit for this test run on the South Shore’s rolling waves … where paddling mostly above water on a longboard exposes him to the elements and the sun just that much more. (3) Archie and his newfound love for stand-up paddleboarding came in as a late entry to the testing phase, but sporting the cap in Kailua Beach’s windy shores rounds off the WavzCap’s test phase.

The Good: The WavzCap provided great all-around sun protection for iJS’ testers. The warm neoprene material acted much like a rash guard or wet suit in that it provided excellent sun factor protection, a minimum of SPF 30, for the wearer … with the added bonus of keeping the winds from causing a chill!
The general fit and function of the WavzCap as used on surfboards and paddle boards received high marks, performing as promised in terms of durability, sun protection, and overall head protection. The chin strap held the cap firmly in place, which admittedly is the key point in wearing head gear out in the ocean to begin with.

We especially enjoyed that the neoprene caps are available in several colors and patterns, making personal style choices readily available … ranging from camo to a variety of solid colors !
The Scores: Overall, iJS testers rated the WavzCap 4 out of 5 in sun and wind protection … giving it extra marks for the flexibility and durability of the neoprene as a cap. The missing fifth point would have been easily awarded to the WavzCap if there was an added option of having ear covers or pads, which would have possibly addressed more severe wether or cold climate usage.

The WavzCap fit and size is where our testers headed in separate directions and opinions. Overall, Kaya ranked the cap 2 out of 5 (see tester specifics below), Ron gave the cap 3 out of 5 based on his tests, and Archie ranked it highest at 4 out of 5.

What iJS discovered in terms of fit is that proper sizing is critical to effective use of the WavzCap … and the noggin’ size and shape may be a great factor in how the cap fits any given surfer!

Tester Specifics:

Archie (4 out of 5) enjoyed using the WavzCap on his stand-up paddleboard, and gave it the highest marks overall. The owner of many type of waterman hats, Archie found that the WavzCap is one of his best-fitting waterman hats. Testing primarily in Kailua’s windy shores atop his stand-up paddleboard, Archie discovered that the chin strap matched his noggin’ size perfectly! Although Archie spent little time in actual water while testing the WavzCap, the cap provided more than adequate sun and wind protection, while providing a cooling effect once the cap was soaked in water and then placed on the head.

Ron (3 out of 5) and his longboard knee-paddled out to the line-up on Oahu’s South Shores and discovered that the fit of the WavzCap on a shaven head makes for good surfing and sun protection. Fitted snugly and secure as he paddled through shoulder high waves, Ron found the brim of the hat a good deflector of the sun’s rays … without blocking peripheral vision like other floppy surf hats. WavzCap has an adjustable chin strap, but Ron found out that the length was not quite adjustable enough to make a comfortable fit … and opted to wear the cap without the strap secured most of the time. Overall, the WavzCap lived up to the surf hat hype, but the lack of a fully length adjustable chin strap (perhaps even removable) earned it a less than perfect score.

Kaya (2 out of 5) took the WavzCap to Oahu’s North Shore proving grounds for its most trying test. The cap fit proved to be just a bit loose for iJS’ tester Kaya and her petite noggin, requiring a complete tightening of the cap’s adjustable tab in the back. Although secured by her ponytail looped through the hat’s hole in the back and secured tightly with the velcro enforced chin strap, the head high waves rolling through Chun’s reef may have proved to be a bit much. Despite the one-size-fits most designation, duck diving through large waves seemed to pull the cap off Kaya’s head. Time and again, the pliable neoprene construction of the cap surrendered to the North Shore waves’ powerful onslaught and slip from Kaya’s head. Bonus note: When the waves shifted and began to roll in as bigger sets, the chin strap was convenient enough to be used to secure it to her bikini!

The Verdict: The jury may still out within the surf community orcles as to whether head wear while enjoying water sports is cool or kook, but there is no denying that the damaging effects of continuous exposure to the sun and UV rays needs to be minimized. Considering how much time we as surfers spend exposed to the wonders of the sun and sea, it is a great responsibility to ensure that we protect ourselves from over exposure and its possible damaging effects as well.

The WavzCap is an excellent choice when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun and the elements, especially with the added benefit of neoprene being a closed cell material that repels bacterial growth!

So do we recommend that you go out and buy the WavzCap? Yes, buy one for yourself and one for a waterman (or woman!) that you love … it will allow them to spend more time in the sun, seas, and out in nature where they are happiest. Despite the one off fit debate that will continue betweeb our testers, the WavzCap’s ability to block out the sun and wind, as well as shield your eyes from the glare, is unmistakably effective.

Keep in mind that our testers were split on their opinions only with regard to fit and form; the lesson learned is that the WavzCap will fit and function differently for each noggin’.

[editor's note: WavzCap photos of our testers were part of a disk drive crash and will be updated on this article shortly. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause!]

It was mid-afternoon on an overcast, winters day in Waikiki. I paddled out to Canoe’s and sat among the crowd. The waves were small, inconsistent and the weather was windy, cloudy and cold. I sat on my board wearing board shorts and a rash guard hunched over, holding my arms close to my chest trying to keep warm.

Minding my own business, focusing on keeping my vital organs warm, a guy in a thick, long sleeved, spring suit paddles up to me. We exchange glances and pleasantries. The next thing he says to me is

“You must be freezing in that. I’m wearing a really thick wetsuit and am still cold! I can’t imagine how cold you must be.”

Jerk, I thought to myself as I watched him paddle away, hoping I would not see him again.

10 minutes later we end up waiting for waves in the same area. Having no intention to talk to him I made a conscious effort not to look in his direction.

Then it happened. He started to talking to me. I was polite, but cold. And seeing him reminded me again that I was cold, very very cold.

After a few minutes of conversation he redeemed himself and eventually we discovered that we got along quite well.

Fast forward 10 years.

He and his wife return home for a visit before heading out to travel. While home their plan was to surf as much as possible.Their first day back we decide to surf at Diamond Head early in the morning. We arrive at Diamond Head on a cold, overcast, winters morning. As we are getting ready he realizes all he has is a thin rash guard. While I have my 1mm  and my 2mm long sleeve rash guards. As we’re getting ready he comments on the cold. Being the friend that I am and underestimating thickness of my skin, I offered him my 2mm long sleeve.

He graciously accepted.

We walked down to the beach and the moment my toe hit the water I realized I had made a mistake in giving him that 2mm.

As we sat in the water, waiting for waves, I was reminded of just how very cold I was everytime I looked at him.

Jerk.

I am a big fan of your line of surf wear and UV protective gear ever since I started surfing over 12 years ago. Although I have tried other brands and manufacturers over the years, it has been a tried and true experience that your brand far exceeds in quality and durability. Much like other styles and fads in this ever increasing surf-oriented market, you have played with graphics, colors, and designs … but always maintained a steady and true dedication to comfort and durability. Bravo!

I am writing this letter in hopes that you can indulge a surfer’s wish to proudly wear his colors and designout in the water,  like no other brand or manufacturer has been able to provide: my very own customized design on my very own rash guard!

Sitting in front of my computer for what seemed like hours, busily tasking my poor computer with insane Adobe Photoshop requests to create a vision, I mocked up a design … NO a dream that I will one day wear proudly in the lineup at my surf break in Hawaii …

Trouble is that there is no one out there in this ever-so-customizable personalized market that allows me to actually design my own rash guard. So I call upon you, makers of all things waterman-oriented, and plead with great urgency to join forces with do-it-yourself and design-it-yourself websites and open a form for us creative-types who wish to proudly wear our own designs on quality rash guards that bear the Xcel brand!

I am not alone in this wish, as I have come to discover. Hundreds of other surfers have voiced a similar desire to don their own designs while surfing … all the while wanting to retain the Xcel quality on their backs. Sure, there are a few design websites that will entertain the idea of creating your own shirts and water-themed clothing designs (such as zazzle.com) … but we continue to struggle with the quality of the rash guards, having been spoiled with your specific brand!

What sayest you, oh great Xcel gods of water wear? Will you listen to the voice of a surfer and loyal follower especially this surf season?

Aloha and Mahalo …