The Best Swimsuits for Watersports, Boating, and Beyond
By Emily Norfolk
The struggle of looking chic while riding a jet ski, or frankly, doing any water sport, is real. Take it from me—someone who regretfully made the mistake of wearing a strappy bikini while wakeboarding for the first time at sleepaway camp. When I finally got up (after many failed attempts and face plants), that sweet behind-the-jet ski breeze felt a little more breezy than I expected.
After some frantic shouting from the boat, I looked down to find my bottoms hanging on by a thread, and to make matters worse, when the life jacket came off, my little triangle bikini top was limply strung around my neck—quite an embarrassing endeavor for a 12-year-old who was trying to impress the hot Australian counselors.
Whether you’re braving the waves on a jet ski or soaking up the sun on a boat, the right swimwear can make all the difference between a fun day and what some might call a fiasco. Trust me—after my own wakeboarding wardrobe malfunction, I learned that style means nothing if your suit won’t stay put. Below, find the best swimsuits that are perfect for a day of jet skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, boating, and beyond.
A Hunza G one-piece is a staple piece for any beach or waterside vacation. With 10+ colors to choose from, you can really commit to any vibe or aesthetic. If you want that quirky neon Spring Breaker energy or the Metallic Cocoa for that casual Montauk vibe, Hunza G has something for everyone.
The suits are stretchy, cozy, and look good on everyone from the big-busted to the itty-bitties. Also, the square neck objectively is the best for those high-performing water athletes—no slippage surprises.
If you’re like me and looking to avoid the one-piece tan line while riding the wake, opt for one of Eterne’s bikinis. The tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can really get exactly what you want from this bikini. Prefer a high-waisted bottom? Great, Eterne’s got you covered with the Kaia bottom. You want a string bikini bottom and top? Go for the Isla top and matching bottoms. You want to mix and match a triangle bottom with a bandeau top? Why not! And the best thing about these bikinis is that they come in neutrals and pops of colors, so you can really mix and match all the different styles. If you’re looking for something that works the best on a WaveRunner, the Thea top with the clasp in the back is a sneaky hack to avoid any tangles or mishaps.
If you’re not yet turned on to Cleonie, then this is your call to action. They have the same stretchy, scrunchy vibe of a Hunza G suit, but take it up a notch with cool cut-outs, gold seashell broaches, and fun prints.
Their maillots (aka one-pieces) are divine and give you that full bottom coverage you want when hitting the water (but with some spice). The Wanda Maillot is absolutely divine, with the cute skinny straps that won’t leave you with an even worse tan than that from your life jacket, and the Mallorca Maillot gives you that coverage you need, while still showing a little skin. Or opt for the Nahla or the Lakeshore suits for more coverage if you’re trying to get crazy on the wake.
Sara Cristina swimwear is all about understated luxury and modern silhouettes. Designed and made in the USA, these suits feature clean lines, luxe fabrics, and a minimalist aesthetic that’s effortlessly chic. The bikinis are crafted to flatter a range of body types, with thoughtful details like adjustable straps and seamless finishes for maximum comfort. For the water junkies, opt for the Luna Bikini with Pearl for a tasteful but full coverage, no slip bikini that will work for any water sport. If you’re like me, and are really just planning to chill out on the speed boat, my favorite bikini from them is the Sun Bikini in Sol Mesh.
Kulani Kinis is the go-to brand for playful, vibrant swimwear that makes you feel like you’re embodying your inner go-go girl. The brand is known for its buttery-soft fabrics and flattering fits, making it a favorite among beach lovers and boat babes alike.
Pro-tip: Look for suits with adjustable straps, secure closures, and soft, quick-drying fabrics. These details will keep you comfortable and stylish from sunrise to sunset—no matter how many times you jump in the water.
