Are you looking for TOTALLY EPIC gifts for a surfer? Need great gift ideas for a special surfer guy or girl on your list but have no ideas what they would want or need? Not sure what to get for a new surfer in your family?
We have the ultimate surfer gift guide chocked full of totally rad surfer gifts ideas in every price range and for every skill level…from beginner to pro. Whether you’re on a budget or can give the ultimate gift…we have useful, practical and fun ideas.
Our surfer gift list was curated from actual surfers (including yours truly) to compile unique, thoughtful and meaningful Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, birthday gift or anniversary gift any surfer would love to receive.
We fully realize that most of the visitors to this page aren’t surfers, so we’ll do our best to explain each gift idea in detail, tell you why it’s the best option and describe how it can be used and enjoyed by your giftee.
These are items we use, know and love and we wouldn’t recommend them unless we thought they would make a great surfer gift idea. So, we’re a little biased but we think you’re in the right place!
Ultimate GUIDE TO GIFTS FOR A SURFER
SurFING Essentials & ACCESSORIES
Surfers Dry Bag
The Quicksilver Sea Stash Surfers Dry Bag is a waterproof bag that is used to keep items dry and safe from salt water while enjoying a day at the beach. It’s essential for storing a cell phone, wallet, keys, snacks, dry towel and that dry change of clothes for when the day is done.
This is the dry bag that I personally use and love. Mostly because I carry a surfboard on my head with both hands and I need a way to scarry all my other stuff from the parking lot to the beach. Because this dry bag has padded, comfy backpack straps I have no problems making it all the way down to the water with my stuff. This comes in several colors but I recommend black…it doesn’t show dirt and grime like some of the other colors might.
Surf Poncho
A Surf Poncho (which you may have never heard of) is the best gift idea and let me explain why. Surfing requires two wardrobe changes FOR EVERY TRIP and there isn’t always a place to make the change.
When we arrive at the beach we have to put on a wet suit and sometimes a bathing suit too. This usually happens in a public parking lot next to a car with everyone else watching. As such, most surfers use a surf poncho to discreetly remove clothing and put on a bathing suit/ wet suit near their vehicle. The poncho covers everything and is large enough to maneuver clothing and wet suits on and off underneath.
After the surf day is done we have to take off our wetsuit and bathing suit and put on dry clothes….again, usually in a public parking lot. Here again the surf poncho comes in handy. This is one of the best surfer gifts on our list because it’s just so essential. It’s warm dry and cozy should your surfer decided to kick back on the beach for just a little longer…
Surfboard Travel Bag
A Surfboard Travel Bag is a crucial piece of equipment for any surfer who plans to travel with their board. It’s the best thing to protect the board from damage and keep it clean during transit, whether you are flying on an airplane or driving in a car. A good surfboard bag will have padded walls and a sturdy exterior to absorb impacts and prevent the board from getting dinged or scratched. It should also have reinforced handles and a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry.
Bose Waterproof Speaker Wireless Bluetooth
A Bose Waterproof Speaker Wireless Bluetooth is one of my favorite gifts for a surfer. Because it’s waterproof, it can be used in and around the water without fear of damage. It’s compact, lightweight and durable and provides many hours (10-12 hours) of REALLY excellent sound (for the size) while hanging out with friends at the beach. You can also pair two speakers together for even more thumpin’ sound. It’s the perfect way to relax at the beach while you wait for the waves. You don’t have to take my word for it, check out the over 15k 4-5 star reviews.
Wet Suit Changing Mat
This Wet Suit Changing Mat & Wet Suit Storage Bag Combo is a great idea and sorta goes hand in hand with the surf poncho discussed previously. It’s an awesome gift because it’s so practical and useful. Surfers are always changing in and out of wet suits on the side of the road or some beachside parking lot. The parking lots are usually gross, grimy and nothing you’d want to put your bare feet on or have any article of clothing come into contact with.
This Wet Suit Changing Mat gives you a clean dry place to take off your damp wet suit (while wearing your surf poncho of course) and safely stash the wet suit without getting everything else in your vehicle soaked with salt water.
surf balance board
A surf balance board is used to improve overall balance and stability, which can help surfers to ride longer on waves and perform advanced maneuvers on their surfboards. A balance board allows a surfer to simulate the movement and instability of being on a wave and practice maintaining their balance and control.
Balance boards can also help surfers to strengthen the muscles in their legs, core, and feet, which can improve their overall performance and endurance in the water. Additionally, balance board training can help surfers to improve muscle memory and coordination, both of which are important for surfing.
I personally use a surf balance board for at least an hour at my standing desk at work and I also hop on it in front of the TV in the evenings to keep my skills sharp. It’s a good idea for surfers who can hit the waves as regularly as they would like or for off season training.
surf watches
A surfer lives and breathes by the tides. So surf watches are super useful to surfers in a number of ways including keeping on top of tide conditions while in the water, sunrise/sunset data, future and past tide info, wave counter, timer for timing wave sets and custom programming for your home beach or surf destination.
Surf watches can really range in price based on features but a surf watch with all the essentials won’t break the bank. I personally like the Nixon Base Tide Pro for it’s balance of features and price. There are plenty of great options from Nixon which you can find HERE.
It has everything you need to navigate the waves while in the waves. The face is just the right size and not too cumbersome. There are several colors to choose from and it beats the limitations of an Apple watch any day of the week.
Turkish Beach Towels
Turkish Beach Towels are really all the rage at the beach right now because they don’t retain grains of sand like traditional terry cloth towels might. They also don’t get that damp funk. They can be used as a beach blanket, towel or shawl when the temps drop. I have one in my dry bag at all times and prefer it over traditional towels. There are so many different designs, styles and colors that your bound to find one your favorite surfer will love!
Surfboard Socks
Surfboard Socks are an essential accessory for any surfer to have. They help protect the board from dings and scratches when it is being transported on a roof rack or stored in a vehicle. This prevents dents and dings, which can prolong the life of the board. They also help to keep the board clean by preventing dirt and grime from accumulating on it.
Additionally, surfboards are somewhat UV sensitive due to the materials used so socks can help to keep the board from yellowing, becoming brittle and degrading due to sunlight. in the sun. Surfboard socks are great gifts for a surfer! At this price point, it’s a super affordable gift.
The GoPro Hero 10 Black the best action cameras to be released by GoPro and it’s a unique gift if your skater loves to take videos of their daily skating exploits. It’s jam packed with great features like an LCD touchscreen interface, live streaming capability, automatic upload to the cloud and (just in case) it’s also waterproof to 30+ feet.
The huge selection of wide angle shots means that you’ll be able to grab everything in view and not miss a moment. This pocket sized camera can be completely controlled by an app on your phone (or your voice) which cuts down on editing time later.
You can create time lapse videos, photo bursts, night videos & the editing software is about as user friendly as it could possibly be. This is the model that I personally use to shoot all my surf videos for the website and the capabilities are pretty impressive. If you’re purchasing this gift I’d also recommend this floating camera holder + slinky strap and this accessory pack which has everything you need to attach your GoPro to yourself or a surboard! We love the GoPro and it’s definitely one of the best gifts for surfer out there!
SurfBOARD WAX
High quality surf wax is absolutely essential for surfers. If you’re unfamiliar, it is used on surfboards to provide traction and grip for the surfer. Wax is applied to the top surface of the surfboard in a thin layer. It hardens over time and becomes slightly sticky, providing a rough surface for the surfer’s feet to grip.
Different types of wax are used depending on the water temperature, with harder waxes being used in cold water and softer waxes being used in warmer water.
Surfers are pretty picky about the surf wax they use so take a look and see what they are using and just get more of that.
If you’re purchasing surf wax for a new or beginning surfer Sex Wax is the gold standard. It’s also formulated based on surf water temperature so keep that in mind when you make your purchase. Surf wax is a great stocking stuffer or budget surfer gift.
A complimentary purchase to surf wax would be a surf tool (also very inexpensive) which scrapes and combs wax providing even more grip. It also has all the basic tools more making fin adjustments. It’s handy and small enough to stash anywhere.
Surfboard Tool
A surfboard tool is a small, multi-purpose tool that is used for adjusting and repairing surfboards. It typically has a number of different functions, including removing wax, scraping excess wax off of the surfboard, shaping or combing wax, repairing dings and tightening fins.
A surfboard tool is a handy for any surfer to make any necessary repairs or adjustments on the fly while at the beach. The one we’re recommending here also has a bottle opener (also essential)! At this price point, a surfboard tool makes a great budget surfer gift or the perfect stocking stuffer.
Surfboard REPAIR KIT
A Surfboard Repair Kit (ding repair kit) is absolutely essential because things happen. A board can collide with another board while surfing, a rock or usually in my case my vehicle somehow. This is one of the best kits out there because it can complete and cure a repair with the help of UV sunlight in a few minutes.
Surboard Traction Pad
A Surfboard Traction Pad is used by surfers to improve grip on their surfboard. They are usually made of a non-slip material, such as EVA foam or rubber, and are applied to the rear deck area of the surfboard which allows the surfer to stand more securely and control the board more easily. Overall this equates to better performance and less fatigue. If your giftee doesn’t already have one this is on of my favorite gifts for a surfer. It’s budget friendly and can make a world a difference in performance.
wetsuit hanger
A wetsuit hanger is something every surfer should have in their arsenal. A wetsuit hanger can handle the load of a soaking wetsuit where most hangars can’t. It also opens up the wetsuit midsection and arms area so air can can flow through for proper drying. This particular wetsuit hanger folds up to store out of the way compactly when not in use. At this price point it’s a great budget gift or stocking stuffer.
SURF LEASH
A good Surf Leash is always in need. Overtime they wear out and break due to salt water or sunlight exposure. Having a backup or spare is always a good idea.
I do NOT leave the house without my Road ID on my wrist. Let’s face it…we take part in a risky sport and if we were to ever be seriously injured would paramedics know who to call? Would they know about any allergies or serious medical conditions you have? My Road ID bracelet has my allergy and husband’s contact information so if I’m not alert, the paramedics or hospital knows who to call and what NOT to prescribe me. I think everyone who takes part in solo sports like surboarding should be wearing one of these bracelets at all times. They come in cool colors, multiple widths and are quite discreet. I think this makes a thoughtful & unique customized gift because you can even add a personalized message for your special surfer boy or girl!
Waterproof bags
Consider purchasing an inexpensive Front Kangaroo Pocket (waterproof bag) that can safely hide valuables, jewelry, wallet and car keys discreetly under a wetsuit while surfing. Some surfers just don’t want too leave anything too valuable on the beach and this is a good solution to take everything of value out with them while not getting in the way of surfing.
Surfers have to drink too so if your giftee doesn’t have someway to stay hydrated on the go…may I suggest the stainless steel Hydro Flask? These Hydro Flasks keep water and beverages cold (or hot) and fit easily in our dry bags. They come in a ton of colors so you’ll easily be able to find something your surfer loves. It’s also great place for us to stick all our collected decals from local surf shops. This item lasts a LONG TIME and is also on the budget friendly end of the cost spectrum.
Surfing Books, Guides & MAPS
Surf Maps & Guides
Epic Waves of the World by Jill Bremner (Lonely Planet) covers 200 destinations over 328 photo drenched pages. From Australia’s Bells Beach to the channel islands, your special surfer is bound to find the perfect break. This MUST HAVE guide book covers the world’s newest hotspots along with the tried and true classic haunts. It’s a great way to scope the local area for the perfect spot while sitting on your couch. This is a good option for budget shoppers and free shipping from Amazon Prime doesn’t hurt!
Surfing Maps are inexpensive and perfect for planning those dream surfing trips. You can find a surf map for just about any surfing destination like Oahu, Los Angeles County and San Diego.
Book Gifts for a surfer
If your surfer likes to partake in a little beach side reading in between surf sessions we have some great options for you.
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life is a memoir by William Finnegan is a Pulitzer Prize winning autobiography that chronicles Finnegan’s lifelong love and obsession with surfing. The book explores his experiences traveling the world in search of the perfect wave, as well as the personal relationships and challenges he faced along the way. The book also delves into the history and culture of surfing, and how it has changed over the years. Overall, Barbarian Days is a meaningful, engaging and at times comical exploration of one man’s love for the sport of surfing and the way it has shaped his life. It’s an amazing book that ANY ride or die surfer can relate to. It’s SUCH a good surf book and THE perfect gift if you have a lower price range.
Other Surfing Books we LOVE:
The History of Surfing By Matt Warshaw
The Art of Waves By Clark Little (Photography | Coffee Table Book)
Mavericks: The Story of Big Wave Surfing Art of Waves By Matt Warshaw
Surfing: 1778-Today By Jim Heimann (Photographic History of Surfing)
Art & DECOR Gifts for a surfer
I love this Little Piece of the Beach Shadow Box because I always find something interesting at the beach that I want to bring home. From vintage bottle caps and drift wood to beach glass. This is a really cool way to store those beach memories from surf trips.
If you’ve made it ALL the way down here without finding some really great surfer gifts we still have some ideas for you! Check them out:
-Every surfer LOVES a new board and you can never have too many. If you know of a surf board that your giftee has been lusting over that might be THE perfect gift.
-Look in your local area for a surf shop and purchase a gift card for your giftee. They can pick out their perfect gift and you help small businesses in the process.
-If your giftee is a beginner surfer look into purchasing some surf sessions with a surfing coach. This really helped me grasped some intermediate concepts I was missing in my surfing.
-How about planning a surf trip? It’s doesn’t have to be exotic (that’s nice too though…that would be one of the ultimate gifts) but a road trip to California coast is within most budgets. If you like this idea you might want to check out the Santa Cruz area (my personal haunt), Los Angeles County or Orange County for some great surfing spots.
-There are some tangential gifts for a surfer that you might not have considered like Stand-Up Paddle Boards, Skim Boards or Skateboard / Longboard. All of these are used by surfers when the waves aren’t so great to pass the time.
I hope that you found some totally epic surfer gifts. No matter what type of surfer there are some really great gift ideas that anyone would love.
