Rash guard, why?

All the kiteshops seem to have a couple of rash guards for sale. What are they for? Seriously, why would one need to wear a tight lycra t-shirt over ones wetsuit? Do they have a function or is it just a fashion thing (room for more advertising?)

Kind regards,

youe wear it under your wet suit to stop gettin wetsuit rash. hence rash guard but ppl do often just wear them on there own with shorts.

They go under the suit, not on top. They are supposed to stop chafing but I find mine also keeps me warmer by about 3 degrees (by feel, not had a thermometer in there!)

Ahh.. that explains it. I have always thought they were to go on top. Warmer too? That sounds like a good idea as my ancient wetsuit has a bit of a leak by the zipper.

Thanks to both of you who replied

Kind regards,

That's funny, for some reaon mine seems to make me colder if I wear it by itself, I think it's from the water evaporating from the fabric.

You can also get them with uv protection if you live somewhere warm.

I wear mine for the UV protection......ours is in the 'extreme' range throughout summer.....

MrBonk

It does indeed make you chilly when worn on its own, I meant it makes you warmer if you wear it under your wetsuit. Also seems to minimise the water flow around your body so leaky zip seals are less of a problem.

try a wetsuit without one for a long time. Then you'll know why you wear one, when your neck's a big blister !!

I have been windsurfing without one for many years without any problems. Rarely more than a 3 hour session at a time though. Sure, the skin may be a bit sore around the neck, but never blisters or any soreness I would feel the next day.

Kind regards,