ION Surf Shield Range

We were lucky enough to get our hands on the ION Surf Shield Rashguard Longsleeve, Surf Shield Tights Long and the Surf Shield Boardshorts (20”), and the first item we unpacked was the rashguard and its unique texture and weight immediately signaled that it was far from average. Since cut protection isn’t exactly our field of expertise, we decided to check the spec sheet to learn about it. Turns out the rashguard is built using cut-resistant HPPE fabric and rated Level 4 out of 5 for cut protection (EN388) meaning it's specifically engineered to withstand encounters with sharp foil edges, reef scrapes and fin cuts. Once we unpacked the rest of the products, we found they are made from the same advanced materials and obviously, our first reaction was to try everything on!

The rashguard offers a snug, second-skin fit that, thanks to its soft and elastic nature, allows for completely unrestricted movement. When putting on the shorts, we realized they include a clever Slip_Loop system that connects the top to the boardshorts (or the tights), preventing the rashguard from riding up mid-session, a small but very useful feature.

On a windy afternoon, we took the full setup – rashguard and boardshorts – out for a wingfoil session. As we powered through changing conditions, the synergy between both pieces really stood out. The rashguard stayed perfectly in place, never moving up and the Slip_Loop kept everything aligned even during twists and surprisingly, even when crashing. We have to admit, the protective promise feels real. After spending more time on the water, we also noticed how minimal the drag was, especially during surf sessions or swimming back to our wingfoil board. The fabric feels light, never heavy (even when fully wet) or restrictive and allows you to move freely without resistance. Both garments provide a sense of safety, not like wearing armor, but definitely a much more reliable shield than standard Lycra, swimwear or neoprene. Combined with the UPF 50+ sun protection and super quick drying capabilities, it’s an outstanding choice for warm-weather users as a one-layer set up.

After one surf session, we decided to really put the gear to the test by deliberately rubbing it against our foil edge and rocks to see how it would hold up. The result? All parts worked flawlessly, showing no signs of slicing or tearing. Of course, it’s not bulletproof protection against hard impacts or sharp gear, but it provides a serious safety margin that gives you confidence to push harder. As a fun anecdote, we always bring our dog to our sessions, and while playing with her, we immediately noticed a huge difference in how her playful bites felt!

Finally, the temperature regulation is worth noting. The rashguard and shorts maintain a neutral feel when using it as the only layer. They don’t trap heat like neoprene, which makes them ideal for warm climates. The tights, however, include a bit of neoprene in the upper section, adding a touch of insulation that makes a noticeable difference when the wind picks up. We also tried wearing it over a shorty as a second layer, and the difference was clear, it kept us noticeably warmer throughout the session.

If we had to recommend this setup, we’d say it’s perfect for riders who frequently get close to foil wings, fins or reefs and are looking for something more protective than just Lycra but less bulky than neoprene. The fit is important: too loose and you lose the protection alignment; too tight and comfort might suffer. But when sized right, this ION Surf Shield trio perfectly blends protection, comfort and performance into one smart package. And let’s not forget our dedicated instructors across all disciplines! For them, this could be one of those must-have pieces of gear for daily use at the beach.