RIP CURL SEARCH UPF PERF L/S
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Built for the Search, Built for the Sun
The Rip Curl Search UPF Perf Long Sleeve rash guard puts serious UV protection between you and the sun without slowing your session down. Rip Curl engineered this piece for surfers who chase the best breaks regardless of conditions, so it earns its place as core surf kit rather than a casual swim shirt.
The long-sleeve cut delivers full-arm coverage, the format that makes the most meaningful difference during extended water time when the sun is at its strongest. A snug mock neck keeps saltwater out and sun off the back of the neck, where burns accumulate fast on dawn patrol or long afternoon lineups.
Performance Stretch Construction
Rash guards built for surfing need to move with you, not against you. The Search UPF Perf is cut from a stretchy performance fabric that tracks arm and shoulder movement through paddling, pop-ups, and turns. Raglan sleeve construction eliminates the shoulder seam at the pivot point, removing a common pressure and chafe source during high-rep paddle sessions.
Flatlock stitching lies flat against the skin rather than raised, which matters most at the underarm and side seams where a wetsuit or board contact creates friction. The result is a rash guard you can layer under a spring suit or wear alone on warm-water days with equal comfort.
UPF 50+ Sun Protection
UPF 50+ is the highest rated category for sun-protective fabric. At this rating the fabric blocks the vast majority of UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, reducing direct skin exposure significantly compared to unprotected skin. That makes this rash guard a more consistent form of protection than sunscreen for areas it covers, since it does not wash off, rub off on the board, or require reapplication after each wipeout.
Long sessions, midday sun, and reflective water surfaces all amplify UV exposure for surfers. The Search UPF Perf is designed with those conditions in mind.
Rip Curl Search Series
The Search name carries weight in the Rip Curl lineup. It represents the brand's ongoing commitment to chasing uncrowded, quality waves around the world, and the gear that carries that label is held to a standard that reflects the mission. Rip Curl has built its identity around surf performance since its founding in Torquay, Australia, and the Search series sits at the core of the brand's surf-first apparel range.
Wear and Care
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after every surf session to remove salt, sand, and sunscreen residue, which degrade UV-protective fibers over time. Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Hang or lay flat to dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid the dryer, as heat breaks down stretch fibers and reduces UPF performance over time. Do not wring.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Rip Curl
- Series
- Search UPF Perf
- UPF Rating
- UPF 50+
- Sleeve
- Long Sleeve
- Neck
- Mock Neck
- Sleeve Construction
- Raglan
- Seam Type
- Flatlock
- Gender
- Men's
- Category
- Rash Guards
- MPN
- itemMatrix-41504
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does UPF 50+ mean on a rash guard?
- UPF 50+ is the highest category of UV protection for fabric. It means the material blocks the vast majority of UVA and UVB radiation from reaching your skin. Unlike sunscreen, UPF protection does not wash off or wear away during a surf session, making it a reliable way to reduce sun exposure on any area the fabric covers.
- Is the Rip Curl Search UPF Perf good for surfing?
- Yes. It is purpose-built for surfing, with raglan sleeve construction that eliminates shoulder-seam restriction during paddling, flatlock seams that lie flat against skin under a wetsuit, and a fitted mock neck that blocks sun and reduces water entry. The UPF 50+ long-sleeve cut provides maximum arm and torso coverage during extended water sessions.
- Can I wear this rash guard under a wetsuit?
- Yes. The flatlock seam construction and fitted cut are specifically suited to layering under a spring suit or full wetsuit. The flat seams reduce pressure points and chafe when neoprene presses against the fabric over long sessions.
- Why choose a long-sleeve rash guard over a short-sleeve?
- A long-sleeve rash guard extends UPF protection across the full arm, which is one of the highest-exposure zones for surfers during paddling. It also reduces board rash on the forearms and adds a light layer of warmth in cooler water. For surfers spending extended time in the sun, long-sleeve coverage provides meaningfully more protection than short-sleeve or vest styles.
- How should I care for my Rip Curl rash guard to preserve the UPF rating?
- Rinse with fresh water after every use to remove salt, sand, and sunscreen residue. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Hang or lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid the dryer, since heat degrades stretch fibers and can reduce UPF performance over time. Do not wring the garment.
- Where can I buy the Rip Curl Search UPF Perf Long Sleeve?
- The Rip Curl Search UPF Perf Long Sleeve rash guard is available at Island Water Sports in store and online. Island Water Sports is South Florida's surf and watersports retailer and carries a full range of Rip Curl surf apparel.