9 Saltwater-Safe Gear Picks for Ocean Swimming and Body Surfing

Standing on the shoreline, watching waves roll in, the temptation to dive straight into the surf is almost impossible to resist. But the ocean is a harsh, dynamic environment that can shred cheap equipment and compromise your safety in minutes. Equipping yourself with specialized, saltwater-proven gear ensures you can focus on riding the waves instead of fighting your equipment.

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How to Choose Gear That Survives Saltwater

The ocean is an aggressive chemistry experiment where salt, UV rays, and abrasive sand work together to destroy gear. Standard pool toys and cheap plastics degrade rapidly, becoming brittle or sticky after just a few exposures. To survive this environment, gear must be constructed from marine-grade materials like high-density silicone, non-corrosive polymers, and marine-grade stainless steel.

Saltwater leaves behind tiny, sharp crystals as it dries, which can act like sandpaper on seals, zippers, and joints. Look for seamless designs and simple mechanisms with fewer moving parts that can trap grit. Avoid products with exposed cheap metal screws, untreated spring valves, or low-grade rubbers that dry rot under intense coastal sunlight.

Swim Fins – DaFiN Professional Swim Fins

Ocean swimming and body surfing require immediate, explosive propulsion to catch waves and escape heavy currents. Fins are your primary motor in the water, converting leg strength into directional thrust while keeping your hands free. Without a reliable pair of fins, swimming in active surf is exhausting and highly inefficient.

The DaFiN Professional Swim Fins are the gold standard for ocean rescue teams and body surfers worldwide due to their patented guide ridges and rigid blade design. They deliver maximum power on both the up and down kicks, allowing you to accelerate instantly into a wave crest. Made from high-quality natural rubber, they are comfortable on the feet and, crucially, they float in saltwater if wiped out in heavy surf.

• Sizing options: XXS to XXL (fits shoe sizes 1-16)
• Primary material: High-performance natural rubber
• Best used for: Bodysurfing, ocean swimming, and lifeguard operations

Sizing is critical because a loose fin will easily peel off in turbulent water, while a tight one causes painful foot cramps. Wearers should consider pairing them with thin neoprene fin socks if they are between sizes or prone to blister spots. These fins are ideal for active body surfers and open water swimmers but may be too stiff and heavy for casual snorkeling or pool wading.

Handboard – Slyde Handboards Phish Handboard

A handboard serves as a mini surfboard for your leading hand, lifting your chest out of the water to reduce drag while body surfing. By creating a solid plane of buoyancy, it allows you to slide down the face of a wave with incredible speed and control. It turns a standard body surfing session into a high-performance gliding experience.

The Slyde Handboards Phish Handboard stands out for its high-density epoxy core and durable polyurethane skin, which easily deflects the impact of shallow sandbars. Its swallowtail design provides excellent rail-to-rail control, allowing you to steer across the wave shoulder rather than just riding straight to the beach. The adjustable padded strap keeps the board locked securely to your hand even when tumbling through the wash.

• Dimensions: 19 inches x 9 inches
• Core material: High-density polyurethane
• Strap type: Adjustable neoprene hand strap with GoPro mount

Using a handboard requires a solid foundation in basic body surfing and a strong kick, as you must still swim into the wave yourself. Beginners often make the mistake of pushing down too hard on the board, which can cause the nose to dive. This product is perfect for swimmers looking to extend their rides and master wave riding, but it is not recommended for small children or those uncomfortable swimming in deep surf without flotation.

Rash Guard – O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve

Continuous exposure to saltwater, wind, and sand will quickly chafe bare skin raw, especially around the armpits and chest. A high-quality rash guard acts as a second skin, eliminating friction from your handboard or the sand while blocking harmful ultraviolet rays. It also prevents the wind-chill effect when waiting between wave sets.

The O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve is built with a 6-ounce polyester/spandex blend that provides a snug, aerodynamic fit without restricting shoulder movement. The 4-way stretch fabric moves naturally with your swimming stroke, while the flatlock seams lie smooth against the skin to prevent irritation. With a certified UPF 50+ rating, it blocks over 99 percent of harmful UV rays during long sessions under the sun.

• Material: 6oz Polyester/Spandex blend
• UV Protection: UPF 50+ (Skin Cancer Foundation recommended)
• Fit style: Skin tight (for active water use)

To prevent the shirt from riding up over your stomach while swimming, utilize the built-in boardshort connector loop on the front hem. This shirt is designed to fit very tightly to prevent drag; those who prefer a looser casual fit should size up one or two options. It is an essential layer for anyone spending hours in active water, though it does not provide thermal insulation for cold winter seas.

Swim Goggles – Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles

Saltwater sting can ruin a swim session within minutes, and keeping your eyes open in turbulent surf is nearly impossible without protection. High-quality goggles provide clear underwater vision to spot sandbars, rocks, and marine life while protecting your eyes from stinging brine. Standard pool goggles often fail in the ocean, as crashing waves can easily rip them off your face.

The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles feature an oversized, curved lens design that provides an expanded 180-degree field of vision, crucial for keeping track of incoming waves. The ultra-durable Softeril skirt molds to the face to create a leak-resistant seal that handles the pressure of wave impacts. The quick-fit buckle allows for rapid adjustments with a single touch, even while wearing the goggles in active surf.

• Lens type: Curved plexisol lens with anti-fog treatment
• Strap: Silicone split strap with quick-fit buckle
• Recommended for: Open water swimming and active ocean recreation

Be sure to rinse the lenses only with fresh water and avoid rubbing the interior, which can scratch the delicate anti-fog coating. If you have a narrower face structure, look for the “Lady” or “Small Fit” versions to ensure a watertight seal. These goggles are perfect for dedicated open-water distance swimmers but are not suited for diving deep where a nose pocket is required to equalize pressure.

Swim Cap – Speedo Silicone Elastomeric Cap

In the ocean, long hair can quickly become a tangled, salt-crusted mess that blocks your vision during critical moments in the surf. A bright swim cap keeps hair out of your face, reduces water drag, and provides a crucial safety benefit by making you highly visible to lifeguards, boaters, and surfers.

The Speedo Silicone Elastomeric Cap is constructed with an asymmetrical design that conforms to the natural shape of the head without causing pressure points. The interior features a textured grid pattern that prevents the cap from sliding off when hit by ocean waves. Made from premium, latex-free silicone, it is thicker and far more tear-resistant than cheap latex caps.

• Material: 100% Latex-free silicone
• Fit: Elastomeric stretch with textured interior
• Visibility: Available in high-contrast neon colors

When putting the cap on, avoid using sharp fingernails or hairpins, which can easily puncture the silicone. If you have exceptionally long or thick hair, look for “long hair” specific versions to prevent the cap from riding up and popping off. This cap is a must-have for safety-conscious open water swimmers, but it is not intended to keep hair completely dry during active submersion.

Key Case – Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Pocket

Modern electronic car keys are highly sensitive to moisture, and leaving them hidden on your tire or beach towel invites theft. A reliable waterproof case allows you to carry your keys, ID, and emergency cash directly into the water with you. Relying on cheap zip-top sandwich bags in the surf is a recipe for an expensive locksmith bill.

The Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Pocket utilizes patented TRU Zip technology, which is the first sliding, toothless, and silent waterproof zipper on the market. It is dustproof and waterproof rated to IP67, meaning it can be fully submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without a single drop getting inside. Constructed from durable TPU, the case features integrated anchor points for securing it to a lanyard or inside a pocket.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (submersible to 1m for 30 min)
• Closure: TRU Zip toothless zipper
• Material: Heavy-duty TPU with welded seams

Regularly test the seal in a sink before use and apply the included lubricant to the zipper mechanism to maintain its smooth, watertight glide. Ensure the case is securely tethered to a zippered pocket or a reliable lanyard under your rash guard so it cannot wash away. This pocket is indispensable for solo beachgoers, but it is not designed for deep scuba diving applications.

Surf Earplugs – SurfEars 3.0 Water Earplugs

Repeated exposure to cold ocean water and rushing wind can cause the ear canal to develop abnormal bone growths, a painful condition known as surfer’s ear (exostosis). Regular earplugs block out all sound, which can isolate you from your surroundings and compromise your safety in crowded surf zones. Ocean-specific earplugs protect the ear canal while still allowing you to hear normal conversation and ambient sounds.

The SurfEars 3.0 Water Earplugs solve this problem using an ultra-thin acoustic mesh that blocks out water and wind while letting sound waves pass through naturally. They feature interchangeable gel tips and stabilization wings in multiple sizes, ensuring a customizable, locked-in fit for almost any ear shape. The package includes a high-quality silicone leash that prevents the plugs from sinking to the bottom if they ever come loose.

• Included components: 4 tip sizes, 2 wing sizes, storage case, and leash
• Material: Medical-grade silicone and acoustic membrane
• Function: Water exclusion with zero sound dampening

Finding the right combination of tips and wings is essential; take the time to try different sizes at home before hitting the water. Rinse the plugs thoroughly after each session to prevent dried salt crystals from clogging the fine acoustic mesh. These plugs are a vital investment for frequent cold-water swimmers and surfers, but they may be unnecessary for casual wading in warm, calm waters.

Packable Towel – Nomadix Original Towel

A traditional, bulky cotton beach towel acts like a sponge for both water and heavy beach sand, becoming heavy and taking hours to dry. Sand clings to wet cotton, meaning you often end up rubbing abrasive grit all over your skin after a swim. A modern packable towel offers superior absorption while taking up a fraction of the space in your dry bag.

The Nomadix Original Towel is engineered from high-performance post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, making it incredibly durable and eco-friendly. Its tight-weave microfiber structure absorbs four times its weight in water but dries up to four times faster than standard cotton. Most importantly, sand shakes right off the tight weave, ensuring you leave the beach at the beach.

• Dimensions: 72.5 inches x 30 inches
• Material: 80% Recycled Polyester / 20% Nylon
• Weight: 1 pound (highly packable)

Do not use fabric softeners when washing this towel, as they coat the microfibers and reduce their natural water-wicking properties. The towel has a distinct, low-pile suede feel that may take some getting used to if you prefer plush, fluffy hotel-style cotton. It is the perfect choice for space-conscious travelers and minimalists, but those who want a heavy, insulating blanket-style towel may find it too thin.

Reef Safe Sunscreen – Thinksport SPF 50+

Sun protection is non-negotiable on the water, but many chemical sunscreens contain compounds that bleach coral reefs and harm marine ecosystems. In many ocean regions, chemical sunscreens are actively banned to protect delicate coastal environments. A mineral-based sunscreen provides a physical block against UV rays while remaining safe for ocean life.

The Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen relies on a 20% non-nano zinc oxide formula to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It achieves the highest level of water resistance, lasting for 80 minutes in active surf before requiring reapplication. The formula contains no biologically harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate, making it fully reef-safe.

• Active ingredient: 20% Non-nano Zinc Oxide
• Water resistance: 80 minutes (highest FDA rating)
• Certifications: EWG Verified, Reef Safe

Mineral sunscreen is thick and must be rubbed in thoroughly, which can leave a slight white cast on the skin if applied too heavily. Apply it to dry skin at least 15 minutes before entering the water to allow the physical barrier to bond properly. It is the ultimate choice for eco-conscious swimmers and those with sensitive skin, though those wanting an invisible, quick-spray chemical formula may find the application process tedious.

Rinsing and Storing Saltwater Gear After Use

Even the highest quality marine-grade gear will eventually fail if left to sit in dried saltwater and baking sunlight. The golden rule of gear maintenance is to perform a thorough fresh water flush immediately after every session. Pay special attention to zippers, buckles, rubber seals, and fine mesh screens where salt crystals like to hide and solidify.

Once rinsed, hang your gear to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area rather than direct sunlight, as UV rays degrade rubber, silicone, and synthetic fabrics. Never store wet gear inside sealed plastic bins or bags, as this creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew while accelerating the rot of glue and seams. Store items flat or on wide, padded hangers to prevent permanent creases and stretch marks in neoprene and silicone.

Crucial Ocean Safety Tips for Strong Currents

Entering the ocean requires a deep respect for the power of currents, particularly rip currents, which are fast-moving channels of water that pull swimmers away from the shore. If you find yourself caught in a rip, the most dangerous mistake you can make is trying to swim directly back to the beach against the current. This rapidly leads to exhaustion, panic, and drowning.

Instead, remain calm, conserve your energy, and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the narrow pull of the current. Once free, ride the incoming waves back to the shallow sandbars. Always swim near an active lifeguard tower, never swim alone, and remember the golden rule of ocean safety: if in doubt, don’t go out.

The ocean is an incredible, exhilarating playground, but it demands both respect and the proper equipment to enjoy it safely. Investing in durable, saltwater-rated gear ensures you can handle the elements and focus entirely on the thrill of the waves. Equipping yourself properly is the first step toward a lifetime of memorable, safe, and successful ocean adventures.