12 Unique Gifts for Surfers That You'll Wish You Thought Of First
A gift guide for your favorite surfer including 12 unique gifts in all price ranges. There is something on this list for everyone.
We have gathered some of the best and most unique surf-inspired gifts out there so you can find the perfect gift. From sunscreen to a GoPro, and even a few other accessories. This guide has something for novices, experienced pros, and every surfer in between.
How We Choose:
We know how difficult it can be to shop for a surfer, especially if you aren't one yourself. That's why we have combed through hundreds and hundreds of online reviews to make the process simple and enjoyable for you.
Go Pro
Why it’s on the list:
Giving someone a GoPro is more than just giving them a camera – it's giving an experience like no other; enabling them to capture unforgettable moments and share wonderful stories with others around the world.
Its wide-angle lens makes it ideal for capturing those incredible barrels and aerial maneuvers that are so thrilling for surfers.
Plus, since it’s a smaller device than most traditional cameras and action cameras, it won’t be too bulky in the waves, or to bring on their next surf trip. It also makes a great gift for an amateur during their 1st surf session!
The Best Part: It's waterproof of course
From Reviews:
Pros:
- 75-year old got their first go pro and says it's the only camera you'll ever need
- Great footage of diving in South Africa
- Waterproof tested and passed
- Didn't break after dropping on the tile floor
Cons:
- Need to purchase the app for the full potential
- Battery life is short and I missed some great moments
- Stopped working in the middle of filming
Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
Why it’s on the list:
This is one of the best gifts for surfers who need a reliable dry sack that will keep their surf gear safe, while in wet or sandy conditions.
With its unique roll-top closure system, this bag provides secure watertight seals that will protect all of their possessions,
This awesome gift is lightweight, durable, and comes in 18 colors so you can get one that's in the style of your special surfer.
Surfers will love knowing their cell phones, wallets, and other essential items are safe from water exposure while they're out riding the waves.
The Best Part: The bag will float on water!
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Perfect size, color, and no leaks
- Can be worn as a backpack
- Every time I've used it all my stuff remained dry even after it got dragged into the water
Cons:
- Not a flexible bag
- It has to be folded over to keep water out which reduced some of the space
- The color was different than the picture
SPF 50 Sunscreen
Why it’s on the list:
What better way to show your favorite surfer friend you care than making sure they are practicing sun safety, which makes this the most practical gift on the list.
Not only will it keep them sunburn free, but the moisturizing ingredients will also keep their skin hydrated while they are enjoying the surf.
It's perfectly suited for any and all skin types, and as an added bonus - it smells like summer, making it one of the most appreciated surfing gifts.
The Best Part: Over 22,000 5-star reviews on Amazon!
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Not tested on animals and vegan
- Worth the higher price
- Kept me burn-free all day and I have fair skin
- Love the smell
Cons:
- It felt waxy on my hands
- It irritated my kid's skin
- I don't like the beachy smell
Sonny’s Tip: Apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
Body Glide
Why it’s on the list:
Surfing can be an intense activity and often involves lots of contact between wet skin, surf wax, and wetsuits, so being able to protect skin from uncomfortable chafing is key.
This is exactly why Body Glide is one of the best gifts for any surfer.
Not only does it act as a barrier to the effects of rubbing, but its unique formulation makes it easy to apply and long-lasting so surfers don't have to worry about having to reapply mid-session.
Surfers want to focus on catching waves and not be bothered with a painful rash.
The Best Part: Made with clean, plant-derived ingredients that are not tested on animals,
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I'm a long-time surfer and it keeps me from getting chafed from wetsuit
- Wetsuit safe
- Works well for marathon nipple
Cons:
- Hard to apply
- Feels sticky
- Didn't last more than 3 hours
Ho Stevie Wetsuit changing mat
Ho Stevie Wetsuit Changing Mat
Keep your feet safe and comfy from the dangers of parking lots
Why it’s on the list:
This is one of the best gift ideas for surfers, because not only does it protect their wetsuit from dirt, and sand, which can ruin the neoprene, but it also provides a more comfortable place to change than a rocky parking lot or hot sand.
Also, it keeps wet surfing gear contained in one place, which means no damp or smelly odors in the car or bag.
The Best Part: The owner Stevie owns a local surf shop, and surfs every day using his products
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I wish this would have been around years ago to save my feet from broken glass
- Large area to stand
- able to rinse my wetsuit while it's in the bag
Cons:
- The waterproof material stopped working well after 6 months
- It's hard to carry with the strings
- Didn't work, the wetness seeped through the bag
Surf Watch
Why it’s on the list:
The days when surfing was just an outdoor activity or hobby are long gone; now it’s a lifestyle choice that requires the right tools to stay safe and have fun in the water
The practical uses for a surf watch will be invaluable to your surfing friend. They’re built to be durable, reliable, and waterproof.
With features like tide watch capabilities, stopwatch timers, and alarm systems, surfers can make sure they're always in sync with the ocean.
The Best Part: Named the world's best surf watch in the article "The best surf watches in the world in 2023" by surfer today.
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Surpassed my expectations
- Solar charging is convenient because I work outside and rarely have to charge it
- Great Smartwatch with survival features
Cons:
- The battery is bad
- The solar charging features aren't as good as other solar watches
- Some of the faces are hard to read
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Why it’s on the list:
This JBL speaker would be an ideal gift for any music-loving surfer friend.
Not only can they take it out on the waves with them, but the small size makes it easy to carry and its surprisingly big sound will keep the music playing whether they’re in the surf or on the beach.
The built-in carabiner makes it easy to attach to their board or bag and can enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime, which means they can just keep on surfing.
You'll be sure to find their favorite color with the 18 choices available.
The Best Part: It has a noise canceling speaker phone so able to take calls
From Reviews:
Pros:
- So small but is loud and durable.
- Great for hiking or adventuring, clipped to a backpack or a zipper on a ski jacket.
- This speaker is perfect! No issues at all and the battery lasts a long time.
Cons:
- The charging cord is short
- The speaker cover came off
- Not enough Bass
Microfiber Beach Towel
Eccosophy Microfiber Beach Towel
Have the most beautiful sand free towel on the beach
Why it’s on the list:
Because sandy towels are the worst, and this towel is sand proof, which means at the end of the day, their car and house won't have the annoying sandy mess.
Surfers can even take it on their surf camp trip because it's light and compact.
There are so many colors and patterns to choose from and each one is named after a beautiful place on earth.
The Best Part: It comes with a little carrying bag
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Such a beautiful towel
- Great to take on a trip, it doesn't take up much space
- Sand shakes right off
Cons:
- Didn't dry as fast as I was hoping
- It's thin and not fluffy like a beach towel
- The color wasn't as bright as the pictures
Shark Bandz
Why it’s on the list:
Because of sharks.
Give the best gift for surfer friends who are afraid of sharks, which is the gift of peace of mind.
It seems too good to be true, but with proven science, tested and approved by an independent university, this safety gear is used and trusted worldwide by everyone from Navy SEALS to pro surfers alike.
It works by causing a highly unpleasant sensation to the shark, so they turn away.
With a few different colors available, you will be sure to appeal to the surfer in your life.
The Best Part: No batteries or charging is required
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It might be why I didn't get bitten by a shark
- It gives our family peace of mind
- Didn't hinder my performance during an ocean swim competition
Cons:
- Thought it came with 2 but only 1
- Still saw a shark within 20 ft of me
- Coming apart after 2 years
Surfboard wall rack
Why it’s on the list:
If you are always tripping over your favorite surfer's surfboard this will be one of the best gifts.
Surfers love their boards, and with this great gift, they can show it off in style. Not only is it a practical way of storing surfboards, but it will look so cool!
Even better, this Surf Rack was the first and original one from back in 2003, so it has been tried and tested by experienced surfers for 2 decades.
The Best Part: Can hold even the heaviest of longboards
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Worked great for my heavy paddleboard
- It's beautiful
Cons:
- Broke the first time we used it
- I needed to use different screws than what came with it
- Came without holes for the screws to go in
Barbarian Days- A Surfing Life Book
Barbarian Days A Surfing Life
A surf memoir about all the cool stuff people did "back in the day"
Why it’s on the list:
William Finnegan's memoir is the perfect adventure read for your favorite surfer! Raised in California and Hawaii, Finnegan has been riding the waves since childhood and shares entertaining stories of everything from dropping LSD to the sexual politics of Tongan interactions.
If they like to read, add this to the list of great gift ideas.
The Best Part: Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It was an incredible read
- Captures the people growing up in the '60s
- Fantastic for both surfers and non surfers
Cons:
- It changed my mind about wanting to learn to surf and now I don't want to
- The descriptions of the waves could have been edited down
- Could have been much shorter
Li'l Surfer Bamboo Cutting Board
Why it’s on the list:
What surfer wouldn't want this adorable surfboard-shaped cutting board?
It has multiple shades of bamboo which gives it such a unique look, and this cute little board will make serving charcuterie so much fun.
Gift them a great excuse to have you and some of their surf buddies over after a long day of surfing.
The Best Part: Doubles as wall art with a built-in hanging hole
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Beautiful and sturdy
- Given as prizes at a surf party and they were very popular
- Great quality
Cons:
- The hole was off center
- A lot smaller than I thought
- Bamboo is high maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many shark attacks are surfers?
From Florida Museum International Shark Attack File: Following recent trends, surfers and those participating in Board Sports accounted for most incidents (51% of the total cases). This group spends a large amount of time in the surf zone, an area commonly frequented by sharks, and may unintentionally attract sharks by splashing, paddling, and “wiping out.” Swimmers and waders accounted for 39% of incidents, with the remaining incidents divided among snorkelers/free divers (4%) and body-surfers (6%). Surfer Shark Attacks
How often do I need to apply sunscreen while surfing?
It's important to apply at least 15 minutes before you get in the water, and then every 2 hours. That can be difficult while you're in the water, so having a stick in your wetsuit or shorts pocket can help.
Do surfers listen to music while surfing?
Many professional surfers have found it beneficial to listen to music while surfing. They feel in sync with the waves and aren't thinking about fatigue and for many, it has changed the whole experience.
What are some surfing phrases?
-Kook- a surfer who doesn't understand surf etiquette and endangers other surfers.
-Duck dive- submerge your board under the upcoming wave dive simulating the way a duck dives in the water for fish
-Shorey- waves that break on the shore
-Lineup- where the waves are breaking. Surfers wait here for approaching waves.
-Set- Large waves that come in a group of at least 2 and are the most popular due to their long and powerful rides
-Getting barreled- Being covered up by the barrel of the wave and is an ultimate goal for many surfers
-Wettie- A wetsuit
What is a female surfer called?
Well officially she would be a surfer, but if you want to use surf slang a Betty or a gurfer will work
What's the difference between a long board and short board?
- Longboards are typically 9 ft which gives more stability and more room to place your feet, making them easier to learn on.
- Shortboards are under 7 feet and are faster and made to ride powerful waves.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to surf?
You don't need to be a professional or competitive swimmer, but you definitely want to be a strong and confident swimmer. There are times when the leash might break and you are left without your board.
Is a wetsuit necessary?
It's not necessary to wear a wetsuit if you're comfortable without. A wetsuit does provide protection from getting too cold and developing hypothermia, avoiding burns, and even protection from shark bites.
Surfs up!
There you have it! Whether it's something practical to help chafing, or something fun like filming some awesome barrels, you can be sure that the surfer in your life will be stoked.
Thanks for reading and
Happy Shopping!
Stacy