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For a change, this time, the biggest part of our review is dedicated to those who often spend more time off the water than in it, like our hard-working instructors, beach cinematographers and the patient partners waiting on the sand for their significant others to finish a session. We tested the ION Sun Pro LS and the ION Storm Pro LS (long sleeve). While they may look similar at a glance, once you dive into the details, you find two very different stories… not just in fashion, but in functional purpose.
We started with the Sun Pro LS which feels like it was designed for those endless, sun-drenched days when the sea is glassy and the horizon barely moves. From the moment we pulled it on, it felt more like a second skin than a piece of equipment. The Lycra stretches effortlessly in every direction, never pulling or resisting, even when fully soaked. In fact, we forgot we were wearing it almost immediately, which is perhaps the highest compliment we can give. What we did notice, however, is its exceptional heat management. Under a relentless sun, that UPF 50+ protection stops being a technical spec and becomes a tangible relief. As the hours passed, there was no burn, no constant need to reapply sunscreen, and none of that creeping fatigue that comes from overexposure. The hood, featuring a soft and understated visor, provides just enough shade for the face without feeling claustrophobic. What we truly loved about this piece is how thoughtful the construction is; it’s packed with small touches like thumb loops to keep the sleeves anchored, a discreet watch window and a slip-loop to tether everything neatly to your boardshorts. It feels like a garment refined by people who actually live on the beach.
If the Sun Pro LS is defined by freedom and ease, the Storm Pro is built for resilience, making it an absolute essential for instructors. When the wind picks up and conditions shift from playful to demanding, the fabric continues to move with you, but with a density that acts as a true shield against the elements. In Tarifa, it is a common sight to see instructors with their faces fully covered – spending eight hours on the beach teaching under a relentless sunny Levante can be extreme. This is where the Storm Pro shines. It features an integrated hood and mesh face mask that is far from a gimmick, it is protection in its most literal sense. Wind that would normally bite at your skin is filtered and softened, and when paired with sunglasses, it leaves virtually no skin exposed to the sun or sand. The fit is more deliberate and athletic. There is no excess fabric flapping in the wind, no drag and especially, no noise; just a clean, streamlined silhouette tuned for motion. While it sacrifices a bit of the airy breathability found in the Sun Pro, the trade-off is worth it: you gain a barrier that feels reassuring rather than restrictive. It also includes thumb loops, a slip-loop, a quick-drying fabric, and a very handy zip pocket.
After testing both pieces ourselves and lending them to a few instructor friends, the consensus is clear: these two garments aren’t rivals; they are responses to different environments. The Sun Pro LS belongs to warm air, bright light, and long, easy sessions where cooling and comfort define the experience. The Storm Pro LS steps in when conditions harden – when wind, chill and constant exposure demand something more robust and protective. Choosing between them isn’t really about preference. It’s about reading the water, the wind and the sky, and knowing exactly which environment you’re about to step into.
