Surfing puts compression shorts through conditions that gym and run apparel never face. Saltwater corrodes elastane, board wax embeds in fabric, paddling rubs the inner thigh against soaked trunks for hours, and quick-dry performance becomes a real comfort factor between waves. The right compression short solves all of these problems without adding bulk under a boardshort.
This guide compares five compression shorts that surfers wear across longboard, shortboard, and bodyboarding contexts. Pricing and fit vary by retailer, so confirm sizing against the manufacturer chart and check for current availability before ordering.
Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Inseam | Fabric | Drainage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O'Neill Hammer Compression | 8 inch | Hammer poly elastane | Fast | All-around surf |
| BIRDDOGS Compression Liner | 7 inch | Performance poly | Fast | Daily wear and surf |
| Body Glove Performance Short | 8 inch | Quick-dry poly | Very fast | Bodyboarding and longboard |
| O'Neill Hammer Long | 9 inch | Hammer poly elastane | Fast | Long sessions and reef surf |
| BIRDDOGS Trunks with Liner | 7 inch | Stretch poly | Fast | All-in-one solution |
O'Neill Hammer Compression - Verdict
O'Neill built the Hammer line specifically for surf compression, and the eight-inch inseam version has become a standard recommendation for surfers who want a reliable under-trunk layer. The Hammer poly elastane fabric is engineered for saltwater resistance, with a tighter knit than typical athletic compression that holds elasticity longer across repeated salt exposure.
Fit under boardshorts is clean. The fabric stretches well across paddle motion without binding at the shoulder line, and the flat-locked seams at the inner thigh resist the chafing that destroys lesser compression in a long session. The waistband uses a wide flat band with drawcord, which adjusts under a boardshort waist without creating a pressure point.
Drainage is fast, which matters when you duck dive a set wave and need the compression to shed water before you start paddling again. Durability across a season of regular surf use is strong. Pricing sits in the upper mid-range for surf apparel, justified by the saltwater-specific engineering.
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BIRDDOGS Compression Liner - Verdict
BIRDDOGS sells lifestyle apparel with an athletic engineering focus, and the compression liner has built a following among surfers who want a single short for daily wear and water use. The seven-inch inseam is shorter than dedicated surf options, which favors mobility for the pop-up and reduces bunching when seated.
The performance polyester fabric is lighter weight than O'Neill Hammer, which suits hot-weather surf and shorter sessions. The lighter fabric drains quickly but shows wear earlier under heavy saltwater exposure. For surfers who split time between casual wear and surf use, the versatility makes the trade favorable.
Fit runs true to BIRDDOGS sizing, which generally matches American athletic conventions. The waistband uses a wide flat band that stays in place under boardshorts. Color options run broader than dedicated surf brands, which adds versatility for daily wear. Pricing sits in the mid-range for the category.
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Body Glove Performance Short - Verdict
Body Glove carries deep surf and bodyboarding heritage, and the Performance Short translates that experience into a compression layer engineered for serious water time. The quick-dry polyester fabric drains exceptionally fast, which matters most for bodyboarders and longboard surfers who spend more time in repeated submersion than shortboarders.
The eight-inch inseam covers enough thigh for paddle chafe protection without binding at the knee during the rapid hip flexion of a duck dive or bodyboard kick. The flat-locked seams hold up well across saltwater exposure, and the fabric resists the stiffening that affects cheaper alternatives after a few washes.
Sizing runs slightly relaxed compared to athletic compression norms, which suits surfers who want a comfortable fit rather than maximum compression. The waistband uses a drawcord rather than a wide flat band, which adjusts well but feels less premium than O'Neill or BIRDDOGS. Pricing sits in the mid-range and the shorts are widely available across surf retail channels.
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O'Neill Hammer Long - Verdict
The Hammer Long is the O'Neill answer for surfers who want extended thigh coverage. The nine-inch inseam is the longest in this guide, which provides extra chafe coverage during multi-hour sessions and additional abrasion protection during reef pop-ups.
The Hammer poly elastane fabric is identical to the standard Hammer compression, with the same saltwater-resistant engineering and durability. The longer cut takes slightly longer to drain after submersion but the difference is small. For surfers with longer femurs or those who simply prefer more leg coverage, the Long version provides the same engineering with extended cover.
Fit under boardshorts requires attention to boardshort length. A short pair of trunks paired with the Hammer Long can leave compression hem visible below the trunk hem, which some surfers prefer and others avoid. Pair with longer boardshorts for the cleanest look. Pricing is similar to the standard Hammer.
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BIRDDOGS Trunks with Liner - Verdict
The BIRDDOGS Trunks with built-in compression liner offer an all-in-one solution for surfers who want to skip the layering decision. The compression liner uses the same performance polyester as the standalone BIRDDOGS short, attached to a lifestyle trunk that works for casual wear and light surf use.
For dedicated surf sessions, an all-in-one trunk gives up some performance compared to a pure compression short under technical boardshorts. The trunk fabric does not drain as quickly as dedicated boardshort material, and the liner cannot be replaced if it wears out before the trunk. For surfers who prioritize convenience over peak performance, the trade is acceptable.
Sizing runs true to BIRDDOGS conventions. The seven-inch inseam matches the standalone short. Color and pattern options run broader than dedicated surf trunks, which makes the BIRDDOGS option work well for the beach and bar split that defines casual surf travel. Pricing sits higher than the standalone short because it covers two garments at once.
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How to Choose
Start with session length. Surfers who paddle for two-plus hours benefit most from the longer inseam of the O'Neill Hammer Long or the standard Hammer. Shorter sessions and warm-water summer surf point to BIRDDOGS or Body Glove for the lighter fabric and quicker dry.
Match the boardshort decision next. Surfers who already own technical boardshorts they like should pair them with a pure compression short like the standalone Hammer or BIRDDOGS. Surfers who want a simpler kit can run the BIRDDOGS Trunks with Liner as a single solution.
Consider water type. Reef and rock surfers benefit from the extra coverage of the longer Hammer. Beach break surfers and bodyboarders prioritize drainage speed, where Body Glove and BIRDDOGS perform well.
Plan a rinse and dry routine before you buy. Salt water shortens the useful life of every option in this guide if you leave the shorts in a wet bag after sessions. A simple routine of cold freshwater rinse, gentle squeeze, and shaded air dry adds many sessions to the useful life of any pair. Surfers who travel frequently should pack a small mesh bag for wet apparel and a portable rinse spray for sessions when shower access is limited.
Build a rotation if you surf multiple times per week. Owning two pairs of compression shorts and alternating sessions gives each pair time to dry fully between uses, which prevents the lingering odor and reduced elasticity that comes from compounding salt exposure. The rotation also extends total useful life by reducing per-pair stress, which makes the higher purchase price of premium options like the Hammer line pay back over a longer ownership window.
For more water-sport apparel decisions, see our guide to compression shorts for swimming and our overview of wetsuit choices for surf and triathlon. Our full evaluation process is documented on the methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
Why do surfers wear compression shorts under their boardshorts?+
The main reason is chafe prevention. Wet boardshorts rub against bare skin during paddling, and saltwater accelerates the irritation across a longer session. A compression short under the boardshort creates a smooth, dry-touch layer that protects the inner thigh and groin from raw spots that can end a session early. The compression also provides a small amount of muscle support during paddling and helps modesty when boardshorts shift during wipeouts. Many longboard surfers wear a compression short under trunks year-round in warm water as a standard layer.
Will saltwater damage compression shorts over time?+
Saltwater is harsher on technical fabrics than freshwater, and the elastane component in compression shorts breaks down faster with repeated salt exposure. The mitigation is simple. Rinse the shorts in cold freshwater immediately after every session, hang them in the shade to dry, and avoid leaving them balled up in a wet bag. Treated this way, a quality compression short survives one to two surf seasons of regular use. Without rinsing, the elastane can lose elasticity in a few weeks and the shorts will start to sag during paddling.
Can I wear compression shorts instead of a wetsuit in warm water?+
Compression shorts and boardshorts together provide no thermal protection. In warm water above seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit, the combination works well for most surfers because heat loss is not the limiting factor. In cooler water, even sixty-five to seventy-five degrees, most surfers want a spring suit or shorty wetsuit at minimum. Compression shorts can be worn under a wetsuit for added chafe protection at the inner thigh, which is especially useful in entry-level neoprene where the seam quality is lower.
Should men wear compression shorts with a liner under boardshorts that already have a liner?+
Wearing two liners creates bunching and adds chafe risk rather than reducing it. The common solution is to remove the boardshort liner with seam scissors and rely on the compression short as the sole liner. This gives you a smoother surface against the skin and lets you choose a compression short that fits well rather than accepting the often-poor liner that comes built into trunks. Some premium boardshorts ship without a liner specifically for this reason.
What is the best compression short length for surfing?+
Seven to eight inch inseams work for the majority of surfers. Shorter inseams provide more mobility but less chafe coverage on the inner thigh, which becomes a problem during longer sessions. Longer inseams provide more chafe coverage but can bunch at the knee when you pop up. Try the shorts on with your typical boardshort over the top and check for bunching when seated and during a simulated pop-up. If the compression short hem sits above the boardshort hem cleanly, the length is right.
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma writes for The Tested Hub.