Dakine Storm Snug Fit Long Sleeve Rashguard

Even in a place like Indonesia, where you might assume that water temperatures are always warm and that you’ll never wear a rash guard again, it’s a smart call to bring a long-sleeve rash guard with a bit of extra thickness for a couple reasons. One: it’s not always warm; rain, wind, and the inevitable exit of Apollo combine for some cold evenings. Two: if you smack the reef, you’ll be happy to have a little bit of padding between you and the coral.

While the Storm’s sleeves are a traditional lightweight polyester blend, the torso is a 2mm neoprene armor that successfully minimizes windchill and adds a bit of padding when paddling for hours on end. The addition of this neoprene does make the Storm a bit bulkier, but it’s hardly noticeable, at least in any negative sense, and the extra padding can be a blessing for paddling comfort.

The fit isn’t as snug as our tester would’ve liked, so you might want to size down, or at least check two sizes. Definitely make sure that you are accurate in your measurements on the Dakine site, and lean a little smaller if you have to.

Tester Comment: “There have been quite a few times in Indonesia when the sun drops behind the cloud bank on the horizon, and a crowded wave becomes almost empty for the last thirty minutes or so of light. Those moments, between having fewer people in the water and possessing a magical light and surreal quality, are among my favorite times in Indo. And I wouldn’t be able to stay out until dark without the Storm.”

Bottom Line: A lightly padded rash guard that can be employed on windy, rainy evenings in the tropics, as well as on sunny days when you don’t want to catch a nasty burn.

Best For: Tropical surf trips, extended use in warm waters, and extra protection on shallower reef breaks