YOU ARE A BEGINNER SURFER
You are learning to surf or surf only a few times a year, during your holidays or a surf trip. You stay where you can touch the bottom, in tiny waves or broken waves. You surf for the pleasure of being in the water and for the feeling you get from it. During your sessions, you often fall but you fall in waves that are not very powerful. We have designed a wide range of products for you, to suit your occasional practice and your body shape.
How to choose your UV protection T-shirt? (Part 1)
All of our UV-resistant t-shirts are UPF 50+, i.e. they have the maximum level of sun protection. The choice between them will therefore be made based on the length of the sleeves and will depend on what it will be used for. The constraints are greatest for surfing so we decided to build our range primarily for surfing.
For surfing, the choice will be made according to the duration of your sessions: 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours.
How to choose your UV protection T-shirt? (Part 2: According to the duration of the session)
1 hour: Occasional practice. You can choose between a loose fit (priority to ease of dressing and comfort when dry) or a fitted cut (priority to comfort when wet). A loop system to connect it to the shorts ensures the stability of the product.
2 hours: Regular practice. Comfort when wet is enhanced by the seamless panels under the arms and the drawstring which further increases stability.
3 hours: Intensive practice. Additional warmth to help you stay in the water for longer.
UV protection even when wet
The fabric of this OLAIAN UV-resistant product blocks at least 98% of UVB radiation and 95% of UVA (UPF 50+). This guarantees effective protection from the sun. It can be used both in and out of the water, for water or nautical sports. UV filtration is generated by the density of textile fibres, this protection is durable over time, even after washing. Chlorine-resistant.
What does UPF 50+ mean?
UPF is a sun protection factor (Ultra Violet Protection Factor) and is standardised worldwide. It defines the protection level of a fabric and more precisely the proportion of UV rays it lets through. To meet the standards, it must block at least 95% of UV rays. UPF 50+ means that the fabric blocks at least 95% of UVB and 98% of UVA rays.
Reduced chafing
This UV protection T-shirt reduces friction with the surfboard or bodyboard. The loose fit of the T-shirt makes it easier to put on and is more comfortable when dry. Choose the fitted cut of the 100 or 500 top if you prefer comfort when wet or wear it under a wetsuit. Limitation of irritation has been proven for sessions of 1 hour. If you plan to surf for more than 1 hour, the 500 UV top will be a more suitable choice thanks to the seamless panels under the arms.
Support and stability in the waves
This UV protection water T-shirt has a loop at the front to attach the cord of your swim shorts to stop the top from riding up while you surf. This solution is recommended for sessions up to 1 hour. After one hour we recommend that you choose the UV 500 top, which also has a drawstring and ties on both sides to attach to the swimsuit bottoms. Keeps the clothing in place in waves and offers better protection.
Multi water sports UV protection T-shirt
Our UV tops are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other water sports such as swimming, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle boarding).
Behaviour when in the sun
Although this T-shirt provides protection from the sun, phenomena such as reflections (from the water, sand, etc.), heat, time of day, etc., must be taken into account. Wearing this T-shirt does not exempt the wearer from adopting suitable behaviour: wear sunglasses, wear a hat or cap, regularly apply an appropriate sun cream, drink regularly, etc.
OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURF BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's new surfing and bodyboarding brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a swimsuit or wetsuit and then on the same day test it directly in the sea to check it stays in place in the waves.