Let me start by saying that I’ve owned a lot of board shorts and probably spent at least ten years of my life living in them. I’ve had pairs I liked, pairs I didn’t and often it depended on the situation I was in (i.e. surfing, river rafting, lounging, etc.). So what I’m about to say I don’t say, I don’t say lightly…these are the best board shorts I’ve owned.
I’m a big fan of Banks Journal and have been since they were established. Simple styling done well. But I’ve never bought board shorts from them. That always seemed like a more technical pursuit better left to the big brands that have been doing it for a long time. Then I saw an article on Stab naming this board short the best of the year. I was skeptical, but gave em a try. So glad I did.
I didn’t have room to pack much since everything I took to Mentawai, I took in two carry-on bags and most of the space was taken up by camera equipment. So I basically wore the same thing for ten days. I think I changed these shorts once. On the plane, walking around, in the water, it didn’t matter. One day I was in the line-up for 6+ hours at Macaroni’s, no chaffing, no riding, no restriction. Perfect fit, stretch and feel. I don’t think there’s anything else to say, other than I bought the tea green color too. Don’t think I’ll wear anything else if I’m doing anything active in the water.