Guide: What are the benefits of surfing gloves? Testing models from Ascan and ION

“Where on earth had you put the gloves?” Looking a bit dejected, test manager Stephan rummaged around on day two of our extensive equipment tests on Tobago through the warehouse. None of us had ever used surfing gloves before, but as you do occasionally see windsurfers wearing gloves and some manufacturers also offer thin models designed for warm water, we decided fairly on the spur of the moment to include four pairs from Ascan and ION in our test programme.

"A day spent wearing gloves can save your upcoming surfing holiday." (Stephan Gölnitz, surf editor)

However, nobody had the gloves right at the top of their list of things to test. Quite the opposite, in fact: after a winter spent in 6-mm neoprene with a hood, thick boots and, of course, neoprene gloves, everyone was raring to go in water and air temperatures of 30 degrees – wearing nothing but boardshorts. And to enjoy the comfortable grip of modern, slim booms. Until, after the first day of ‘bathtub surfing’, Stephan recognised the faint pink signs on the palms of his hands in good time and correctly interpreted them: “I’ve seen too many cases of blisters on the palms, and I suffered from them myself during my first surf test, straight after a year out with an injury,” he says, adding: “I advise holiday surfers to let their hands dry thoroughly after half an hour in warm water and to take more frequent, short breaks to let the skin recover during the first few days. Because once the skin has started to peel even slightly, it’s already too late: blisters form, which burst and heal extremely slowly.” During the test, there’s no time for breaks; every breeze is put to good use – and anyone who wants to surf non-stop right from the start of their holiday will find gloves offer good protection: to help your hands gradually adjust over the first few days – or even for the whole holiday. That’s because, with thin, well-fitting gloves, grip comfort was surprisingly good in the test. Tester Stephan was thus able to carry on surfing without interruption, prevent any blisters from forming and be back to gripping things as usual the very next day.

Winter accessories: 13 pairs of gloves for water sports enthusiasts put to the test

Better gloves than blisters

Because a lack of calluses, combined with warm water, causes your hands to soften very quickly. Anyone who goes full throttle at the start of their surfing holiday and spends hours on the board will, in no time at all, end up with hands full of blisters, which make surfing a nightmare for days on end. After all, wounds don’t really heal properly in such conditions. What’s more, gloves offer the best possible protection against sunburn.

​So anyone who wears gloves whilst windsurfing is usually looking for a balance between protection from the wind and a good grip. Four models were tested: two variants each from ION and Ascan — one short-finger version and one long-finger model. There are clear differences between them: whilst the ION gloves prioritise lightness, flexibility and direct contact with the boom, the Ascan models are aimed more at windsurfers seeking greater protection and a bit more warmth.

"Modern forks with a reduced handle diameter significantly minimise the disadvantages of wearing gloves."

Incidentally, our initial scepticism about gloves soon vanished: not only did our hands stay unharmed even in warm water whilst surfing for long periods, but the grip – which was surprisingly good in places – was also very impressive. Modern handlebars with a reduced grip diameter significantly minimise the drawbacks; the grip feels hardly any worse than with bare hands.

​Ascan gloves: Sturdier, warmer and clearly designed for protection

The Ascan gloves are constructed quite differently. The material in the grip area, called Amara, feels substantial and leather-like; compared to ION, it makes the gloves noticeably thicker. In addition, there are extra reinforcements on the palm, which are designed to mimic the structure of the hand and protect the areas under the most strain.

This more robust design has its advantages — but also its limitations. One positive aspect is the improved protection against the cold. The gloves absorb very little water, making them an attractive choice for the transitional seasons. They have a clear advantage in autumn, and those who aren’t too sensitive to the cold might even wear the long-fingered version on cold winter days. Whilst they aren’t classic neoprene gloves, they do offer a similar level of protection.

In terms of comfort, the Ascan models have a very snug fit. The wide Velcro fastening, which wraps round the wrist, ensures a secure fit and is easy to adjust. However, it is precisely this wide fastening that restricts the range of movement in the wrist slightly.

The main criticism concerns the grip: the double-layered palm reinforcements tend to crease when you grip the bar. This can become uncomfortable. With a thin boom, this is still acceptable, but with a thicker boom, the extra thickness of the material becomes clearly noticeable. Overall, the grip becomes bulkier, which reduces the direct feel of the ride.

​Ascan Maui in brief

​As a short-fingered model, the Ascan gloves already offer more protection and durability than the ION versions. Anyone with rather sensitive hands who is looking for a more robust model may well be happy with these. However, the creasing on the palm is a real drawback, particularly if you value a clean, direct grip.

Rating: A sturdy pair of protective gloves with a robust appearance, but lacking in dexterity and not perfectly ergonomic.

Ascan Maui long

​The Langfinger version really comes into its own in cooler conditions. This is where the combination of thicker material, low water absorption and greater insulation works best. At the same time, however, its weaknesses are also most apparent: more bulk around the grip, less direct feel and potentially uncomfortable creases in the palm.

Rating: A good choice for cold days and extra protection, but not for purists who want maximum contact with the boom.

​ION gloves: thin, responsive and surprisingly comfortable

ION gloves are made from a very thin, Lycra-like material. A textured surface on the palm provides extra grip. There is also a small Velcro fastening, which makes them easy to put on and take off. One thing you notice straight away is how easy it is to slip them on and off.

In use, the ION models impress above all with their direct feel. They fit well and are moderately firm, offering a secure grip without being overly restrictive. Compared to the Ascan gloves, they feel slightly less snug but pleasantly precise. A particular highlight: they’re barely noticeable. This feels particularly comfortable on thinner fork diameters, as the grip remains almost entirely natural.

The ION gloves also make a good impression when gripping the boom. The material doesn’t form any annoying creases in the centre of the hand – so it doesn’t bunch up – whilst at the same time providing effective protection against blisters. The grip is also excellent: your hand stays firmly on the tiller without you feeling as though you’re about to slip off.

There is one minor drawback when taking them off: the soft gloves tend to turn inside out. With the long-fingered version in particular, you then have to fiddle with them a bit to get them back into shape before they’re ready for use again. Tip: Gently ‘tug’ at the tips, one finger at a time – that way, the gloves won’t turn inside out in the first place. Of course, this only works with the long-finger version. The press stud, which allows you to fasten the gloves together as a pair, is also handy.

ION Amara Half-Finger Gloves

The short-finger version is likely to be of particular interest in really warm conditions. It offers the more direct feel and the thin material of the range in its purest form. For those looking primarily for protection against the wind without any noticeable loss of grip, this is a very convincing solution.

Rating: The perfect summer glove, offering a strong grip, minimal material and a high level of comfort.

ION Amara Full-Finger Gloves

The Langfinger version offers the same advantages: it’s thin, provides a good grip, isn’t bulky and feels comfortable on the boom. The added finger protection makes it more versatile, and your hands don’t need any extra sun protection. Handling small parts such as fin screws can be a little trickier, though.

Rating: An excellent all-round glove for anyone who wants maximum protection whilst retaining as direct a riding feel as possible.

Alternatives to windsurfing gloves

At first glance, (half-finger) gloves from other sports such as fitness or cycling might also be an alternative for protecting your hands from blisters whilst surfing. However, you should make sure that the inside isn’t padded, as every extra millimetre of material increases the grip radius and causes you to tire more quickly.