Men's Dawn Patrol Boardshort

Losing weight and having to dowsize boardshorts has reaffirmed that many of the once-big California-Australia brands are now little more than brands, while some of the more specialized brands that remain relatively independent and cater to serious water people have remained good places to look for board shorts that are good for boards and/or swimming (something that I hope is getting more popular as swim fins for lifeguards and bodysurfers seem on the up). This order was my first look at Free Fly. I'm limited in water time due to a serious head/wrist injury earlier this year, but the Dawn Patrol is looking good. Size (32) is consistent with industry standards. The waist-circling "full circumference drawcord" is practical, and something that seems to be getting popular. The 17" outseam is practical. Most 19-20" outseams annoy me by slowing down swimming and not being very useful for sun protection.

Construction is innovative. The waistband is sewn and as flat as possible with a flat drawcord, 1.75" wide. The back pocket does not protrude outside or inside, zipper closure and flat on the inside, thanks to bonded construction, Three small laser-cut drain holes are on the outside. Side seams are sewn, but very flat and unlikely to chafe. An olive-colored band on the lower back side is attached by a bonded seam.

I like the rash guard with a back attachment as well as front. The back attachment doesn't add much over the front, but it ensures a bit of tidiness and a…