Get a full-front zip rash guard.

Yes, zip rash guards are the way to go — specifically the kind with a full front zipper, not the little back-zip ones.

The back-zip ones are a pain to get on and off alone, especially when wet. Full-front zips let you basically unzip and shrug it off. Kids love them because they can do it themselves. Adults love them because you don’t dislocate a shoulder getting out of it after a long surf session.

Stick with a reputable surf brand — O’Neill, Rip Curl, Billabong, or similar. You don’t need the expensive “sun protection” marketing; any tight-weave synthetic works. Check the zipper quality — cheap zippers fail fast.

If you’re buying for a kid, spend the extra few bucks for a name brand. The cheap Amazon ones pill and the zipper pinches.