Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Surf Shorts | 24 Inseams That Actually Cover Your Knees

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Volcom’s 16-inch elastic waist trunks are built for the tall, lean surfer who needs full-thigh coverage without the constriction of a button-and-zipper fly. The fabric blend includes enough spandex to allow full hamstring extension while paddling, and the elastic waist eliminates the hard pinch point that standard waistbands create during long sessions. Real-world wearers report that these trunks hold their shape even after two years of weekly use in salt and chlorine water — far better than the average mid-range pair that softens after ten washes.

The small cargo pocket includes drainage holes and fits a car key or a few coins, but there is no zippered security pocket, so your phone should stay on the towel. Several buyers mention that the 16-inch length is noticeably longer than typical 9-inch board shorts, and that the fabric feels smooth against the skin without the liner riding up. The UPF 50+ rating adds genuine sun protection for extended hours on the water, which matters more for light-skinned surfers than most brands advertise.

Where these trunks fall short is pocket depth: the front pockets are generous almost to a fault, hanging lower than expected and occasionally bulging when wet. Some users with shorter torsos also note that the longer inseam gathers behind the knee when they sit, though this is typical for any 16-inch short. For the surfer who wants a long, clean silhouette that holds up through years of abuse, this is the strongest premium pick in the list.

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The Maui Rippers Very Long boardshorts solve a problem that most surf short manufacturers ignore: the tall or slim guy whose knee is exposed by every standard 7- or 9-inch inseam. With a full 24-inch outseam, these shorts drop well past the knee, offering thigh coverage that prevents sunburn and abrasion against a surfboard’s wax rail. The 4-way stretch fabric bends freely in every direction, so the extra length does not restrict hip rotation during a pop-up or a deep paddle stroke.

Buyers consistently report that these shorts survive daily exposure to both chlorine and saltwater without fading, and that the waistband fits true to size with a little breathing room — critical for guys who hate a restrictive drawstring dig. The side pockets are deep enough for a phone and use a secure closure that keeps essentials in place through multiple tumbles in the surf. Multiple reviews mention repurchasing the exact same model after the first pair proved that the material and stitching held up with no signs of fraying after a full summer season.

On the downside, the stretch fabric is thinner than a classic cotton-board short blend, which means it can feel a bit flimsy in the hand before the first wear. Some users with thicker thighs wish the leg opening had a touch more room, though the stretch largely compensates. If your top priority is eliminating mid-thigh exposure and you want a short that stays exactly where you put it through whole days in the water, these are your pick.

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HUK built the Pursuit Volley as a crossover short that works equally well surfside and shoreside — think paddle-out in the morning, then beach volleyball or a walk to the taco stand without changing. The stretch fabric moves freely and dries quickly, and the 6.5-inch inseam sits well above the knee for unrestricted leg motion. A traditional mesh liner is included, which speeds up drying compared to a compression liner but can ride up during extended high-activity use, as some buyers have noted.

The pocket layout is the standout feature here: two deep side pockets with secure closures and a rear pocket that keeps your phone flat against your leg rather than bouncing. Reviewers at the 5’10”, 210-pound mark say the XL fits perfectly with no waist gap, and the material feels high-quality through repeated machine washes. Multiple owners mention that these shorts have replaced both their swimming and casual shorts entirely, which speaks to the versatility.

The main trade-offs are the short inseam — tall guys will find it too revealing — and the fact that lighter colors can become slightly see-through when wet. The mesh liner, while quick to dry, has drawn a few comments about chafing on longer beach days compared to a compression alternative. If you need one pair of shorts that does water, land, and everything in between without looking sloppy, the HUK Volley delivers that balance better than most.

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The Quiksilver Regular Fit trunks sit at the sweet spot of the entire category: a 7-inch inseam that covers enough leg without looking dowdy, a built-in stretchable comfort liner that eliminates mesh chafe, and a name-brand construction history that backs its durability. Reviewers consistently point out that the material dries fast enough that you can wear these from the surf straight to a walk back to the car without that heavy, clinging wet feeling. The stretch fibers in the fabric allow the shorts to move freely through the hips while keeping a relatively tight fit that doesn’t bag out after a few waves.

Customer feedback highlights the balance of length — multiple buyers explicitly state that 7 inches is the ideal inseam, avoiding the too-brief look of 5-inch shorts while still feeling mobile. The fit runs true to size, and several reviewers who bought these for both the gym and the surf report that the comfort liner eliminates the need for separate underwear. The waistband holds securely with a standard drawstring, and the color offerings are broad enough to match any board or rash guard.

The only knock from the data is an occasional QC issue: one buyer noted stitching that began to unravel earlier than expected, which is unusual for Quiksilver but worth flagging if you plan to subject these to hard daily use. By and large, though, the overwhelming majority of reviews praise the value, the fit, and the fact that these look and perform like a premium short without the premium price tag. For the buyer who wants one pair of surf shorts that nails every category, this is the top recommendation.

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The maamgic 7-inch trunks appeal directly to the surfer who wants the support of a compression liner without paying premium prices. The liner is built from a spandex brief material rather than standard mesh, which prevents the inner-thigh chafing that ruins long sessions. The exterior fabric has a slight stretch to it, and buyers describe the material as thick enough to offer structure without feeling heavy when saturated. A zippered back pocket adds a functional security layer for keys or cash, a feature that many shorts at this tier omit entirely.

Fit feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with both a 15-year-old and a 50-something wearer reporting that the length hits just above the knee and the designs look clean and modern. One reviewer noted that after a full year of regular beach use, the trunks remain solid with no noticeable loss of elasticity or color fading — strong evidence that the build quality exceeds the entry-level price point. The drawstrings are snug and well-stitched, so they are unlikely to pull out after repeated tying and untying.

The biggest caution from the data is sizing: multiple buyers confirm that these run small, and you should order at least one size up from your normal waist measurement. A buyer who normally wears small found the medium necessary for a comfortable fit. Additionally, the compression liner holds more moisture than a mesh liner, so drying time inside the shell is a bit longer — a minor trade-off for the chafe-free support. If you size correctly, these deliver compression-liner performance that rivals shorts costing nearly twice as much.

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The difficort 9-inch board shorts are the most consistently praised budget option in this group, with multiple reviewers calling them the best swim trunks they have ever owned — a remarkable claim for a short at this level. The compression liner replaces the usual scratchy mesh, and the 9-inch inseam covers more thigh than the competition at the same price point, making these a strong choice for surfers who want a bit more leg coverage without jumping to the long-board category. The stretch fabric allows full mobility, and the zippered pocket provides secure storage that holds up through active sessions.

One detailed review from a 6’1″, 220-pound wearer with a muscular build notes that the large fits perfectly with good mobility and no binding. The texture is described as comfortable against the skin, and the shorts dry quickly enough to wear from the beach through a casual lunch without feeling soggy. A buyer who took these to Maui for a week-long vacation says he wore them every single day over his other shorts, specifically praising the elimination of the mesh liner that normally forced him to wear boxer briefs underneath.

On the downside, the longevity data is not yet extensive — most reviews are from the first year of ownership, so it is hard to confirm whether the compression liner and stitching hold up as well as premium models after two or three seasons. A few reviewers also note that the colors can fade slightly after repeated pool chlorination. For the budget-conscious surfer who wants a compression-lined short with a 9-inch inseam and a zippered pocket, this is the strongest value pick in the lineup.

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The MIVEI 22-inch board shorts fill a specific niche that no other short in this list touches: full-leg coverage without any mesh liner whatsoever. If you are a surfer or diver who hates the feeling of a liner against your skin, or someone who wants to wear the short over a wetsuit or rash guard bottom, the no-mesh design is a deliberate feature rather than a cost-saving omission. The fabric includes a significant spandex component that gives the long board shorts stretch, preventing the “sail effect” that can drag in the water when the material is too baggy.

Buyers who bought these for scuba diving appreciate the lightweight, quick-drying nature and the fact that there is no liner to bunch up under a wetsuit. The side zipper pocket keeps small items secure, and the UPF 50+ rating adds genuine sun protection for the entire leg. Users report that the sizing is accurate and that the fit includes enough elasticity to sit comfortably without constantly adjusting the drawstring. The color options are varied, and the print designs hold up well to salt and sun exposure.

The main limitation is that the absence of any liner means you will need to wear underwear or a swim brief underneath unless you are comfortable with no built-in support — the product description is clear about this, but it catches some buyers off guard. The 22-inch outseam is also extreme for anyone under 6 feet tall, as it can gather behind the knee and look disproportionate. For the tall diver or surfer who wants full-leg protection and zero liner chafe, these are a niche fit that does its job well.