10 of the Best Surf Hats

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Why wear a surf hat?

When we’re young – in childhood, teens and twenties – sun protection is an afterthought. We know we should slip, slop, slap but this can easily be forgotten when we’re presented with a perfect lineup on a hot summer’s day. Watching our skin darken is a game of youth and the feeling of surfing in only a bikini or boardshorts is freedom. We look and feel wonderful. Until we hit our thirties and notice laugh lines becoming permanent crevices. Previously tanned skin becomes uneven pigmentation. We may even have our first melanoma scare. If you haven’t had a melanoma scare yet, then allow us the privilege.

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the US and third in Australia. Surfers are six times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population. The most common melanoma sites are those where the skin is exposed to sunshine, such as the chest, legs and face. While survival rates are high when the melanoma is detected early, treatment involves surgery and can result in significant scarring. If the melanoma is detected late and has spread to lymph nodes or remote parts of the body, the survival rate drops to as low as 25% after 5 years.

Surf hats: a simple sun protection solution

As surfers, wearing a hat may seem rather unappealing. Firstly, surf hats are usually associated with crusty old longboarders (who have learned their lesson). Secondly, they’re often really flimsy and uncomfortable. Old-style bucket hats used to obstruct lateral vision, making surfing less intuitive. Then when waves get bigger you can kiss that hat goodbye. So who needs a surf hat anyway?

You do. Getting sunburned is no fun. Short term it is painful. Long term damage is irreversible. The Better Health Channel says, “The long-term effects of repeated bouts of sunburn include premature wrinkling and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). Once DNA damage occurs, it is impossible to reverse. This is why prevention is much better than cure.”

Surf hats provide a physical barrier between your epidermis and the sun. So wear one on days when the waves are small to average – when you’re not going to lose your hat. In big surf, by all means, go au naturale and let your head soak up some rays. I’ve lost many surf hats when the waves are pumping. But aim for the 80/20 rule – wear a surf hat 80% of the time and you’ll enjoy long term benefits.

Remember, a surf hat only covers the area where a shadow is cast over your skin. A peak-style hat will only cover part of your face and it certainly won’t protect your neck. A bucket hat may provide increased all-round protection but your nose, lips and chin could be exposed. You also need to factor in the reflection from the water. Sunsmart NZ says, “Water offers minimal protection from UV radiation. Reflection from water can increase your exposure to UV radiation.”

So wear a hat but also apply a mineral zinc or reef-safe sunscreen to your neck, cheeks, nose and chin. Your forehead probably doesn’t need sunscreen if you wear a surf hat. Of course, wear a rash vest or wetsuit to protect your body.

We’ve been testing surf hats for many years. Here are the best options money can buy.


Kaiola Surf Hat

The Kaiola surf hat is a seriously good-looking option. Much more like an everyday cap, the design is contemporary and comfortable. The brim angles slightly upward and is much less distracting than competing hats. We also love that it is a little longer than the Rip Curl Wetty (below), meaning that you get more protection over your nose and cheeks. The chin strap is unobtrusive and easy to use. The unique design survived some pretty good beatings in solid waves and we liked that it didn’t obstruct peripheral vision.

We’re big fans of the Kaiola surf hat and it is often our #1 choice when paddling out.

From Kaiola

Kaiola surf hat is designed to protect you from the blazing hot sun, blinding glares and spray blurring your vision so you can surf better and longer. And your hat will stay on, no matter your maneuver,  so you can focus on catching those waves.

Yes, finally a surf hat with style in mind! ‘No’ to chunky black chin straps and ‘Yes’ to colour choices! We wanted a surf hat that looks cool in and out of the water.

Our nearly invisible, yet super strong signature chin strap can easily be tucked away when not in use. We got you covered – both for surf style and street style.

MaterialsMain Material: 100% Recycled Polyamide (Nylon)
Front Panel: 100% Polyester
FeaturesDuck-dive and wipe-out proof
UPF 80 providing excellent UV protection
Anti-glare to protect your vision
Two sizes. Both with seamlessly adjustable straps
Lightweight, quick-dry, breathable and comfortable to wear
Peak/Visor is bendable yet strong. Foam interior means always jumps back into shape
Signature chin-strap: nearly invisible, yet super strong. Non chafing
“water to land” concept: interior tuck-away chinstrap function
Folds easily so you can stash it anywhere
Floats, should you ever drop it in the water
Peak/Visor flips up for better paddling vision
Super soft and padded internal head band

Buy from Kaiola


Salt Gypsy x Sunward Bound Surf Hat

Salt Gypsy x Sunward Bound joined together to create a bold new surf hat that’s ready to pair with anything. It stays put incredibly well, provides great sun protection (no detachable neck flap though), and as a cool added feature it has a velcro hidden pocket inside the hat to hide a key.

Materials UPF 50+
78% Recycled Polyamide 22% Lycra
Italian fabric made from ECONYL®100% regenerated nylon yarn
FeaturesAdjustable toggle to tighten to your head size
Velcro hidden pocket inside the hat to hide a key
Neoprene adjustable chin strap
Neoprene inner band to fit snug on your head
Hard brim so you can punch through waves without worrying about it flopping around
Mesh over the ears to allow for water drainage

From Salt Gypsy

Drawn from a lifetime chasing long period swells, Salt Gypsy is a women’s surf lifestyle company celebrating female surf athleticism and style in the lineup. We focus on developing stylish & long-lasting products for discerning women of the sea.

Buy from Salt Gypsy


Patagonia Surf Brim Hat

We love everything about the Patagonia brand. Their gear is quality yet affordable and they have been the inspiration for many eco-surf brands that have emerged in the past decade.

Materials100% recycled nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
FeaturesInternal Headband: The internal headband dries quickly and provides a comfortable fit
Dark Underbill: Built with a dark underbill to reduce glare and eyestrain
Adjustable for a Custom Fit: The adjustable rear buckle has elastic for a snug, personalized fit
Adjustable Chin Strap: A soft neoprene chin strap tucks away when not in use
Vent/Drain Holes: The two vent/drain holes reduce water and heat buildup and allow airflow
Supporting the People Who Made This Product: Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor
Country of Origin: Made in China.
Weight: 79 g (2.8 oz)

From Patagonia

Our recycled nylon, brimmed bucket hat designed for use on the water. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Everything we make has an impact on the planet.

Buy from Patagonia


Rip Curl Wetty Surf Cap

The Wetty Surf Cap is a reliable, comfortable, good-looking all rounder. It features the optional neck flap that can be a little annoying but much less annoying than skin cancer surgery. The floating brim is great and the clip is good but no match for head-high or bigger waves.

From Rip Curl

The Wetty Surf Cap is an investment in your wave-count… You can’t shred if you’re suffering sun-stroke! This amphibious cap features a detachable chin cord with toggle, a soft and flexible floating peak, and removeable neck flap. Chuck on this tech little sun smart number and surf yourself into oblivion!

MaterialsCotton/nylon micro canvas 
FeaturesHigh Density badge on front
Detachable chin cord with toggle
Detachable neck flap
Soft floating peak
Cotton / Nylon Micro Canvas

Buy from Rip Curl


Dakine Surf Cap

Okay, the Dakine surf cap may be a little more reminiscent of a jockey’s hat but the construction can’t be faulted. Breathable mesh over the ears provides even more protection where the other models don’t.

From Dakine

Breaking waves and bright sun. The Dakine Surf Cap stays put wave after wave to shade your eyes. A mesh chin strap keeps this quick-drying water hat securely in place, while ventilated ear covers maintain breathability.

MaterialsBlack: 100% Nylon
Grey: 100% Polyester
Features2 Year Limited Warranty
Designed for water use
Nylon Taslan or Polyester fabric is rated UPF 50+
Mesh ventilation at ears
Brim flips up for paddling
Adjustable chin strap
Adjustable back closure

Buy from Dakine or buy from Amazon


Vissla Little Hatch Surf Hat

From Vissla

The Little Hatch Surf Hat is a functional 5-panel surf hat with water-resistant walkshort fabric and adjustable back closure. Featuring side panels with mesh inlay, emroidered eyelets at side, chin strap and woven labels, the Little Hatch is just as useful as a fin rope (but for your skin) on those Summertime surf trips.

Materials49% Recycled Polyester
26% Polyester Cation
17% Cotton
8% Spandex
FeaturesSide panels with mesh inlay
Emroidered eyelets at side
Adjustable back closure
Chinstrap
Woven labels
Water-resistant walkshort fabric

Buy from Vissla


Billabong Surf Cap

From Billabong

Keeping the sun off and the performance on, the Surf Cap stands out with superior function. Made from Recycler Stretch performance boardshort fabric, the surf hat adds on UV protection with vented ear covers. Built with a fitted shape to reduce drag and increase comfort in the water, an adjustable neoprene chin straps keeps it secure in the surf.

Materials90% Polyester
10% Elastane
FeaturesRecycler Pro Stretch boardshort fabric
Adjustable neoprene chin strap
Vented ear covers
Form fitted

Buy from Billabong or from Amazon


O’Neill Eclipse Bucket Surf Hat

For optimal protection the O’Neill Eclipse Bucket Surf Hat is your best bet. This is serious sun protection for the adventurous – or those mad enough to surf in the midday sun. A wide, floppy brim and neck protector will ensure that your skin stays in the shade, while a heavy duty strap will keep the hat firmly attached.

MaterialsPoly/Spandex
FeaturesUV Protection
ONESIZE
Size Adjuster Strap
Neck Protector Flap
Zip Pocket
Adjustable Chin Strap

Buy from O’Neill


FCS Wet Bucket Surf Hat 

FCS have been making surf hats for many years. Their bucket hat is simple, no fuss and reliable. It features a safety clip so that you can attach it to your wetsuit or rash vest.

Materials100% Nylon
FeaturesBuckle closure
Designed in collaboration with the world’s leading surf athletes and surfboard shapers, the FCS range offers a diverse range of surfboard accesories suited to a variety of board models, wave conditions and surfing styles. FCS fins are the preferred choice by the world’s best surfers and shapers.

Buy from Amazon

Ocean & Earth Indo Stiff Peak Surf Hat


Like the O’Neill Eclipse, OE have designed a serious bucket hat for complete protection from the sun. It has a stiff front brim and a safety loop to keep it connected. Possibly the best option for surfers planning to spend all day in a tropical lineup.

Materials100% Nylon
FeaturesStiff front brim to keep clear vision also flips up for paddling
Padded neoprene inner head band for comfort, 
Safety loop – attach to wetsuit zipper webbing for added security
Padded neoprene straps for comfort 
Adjustable quick release chin strap
Stash pocket inside top of hat
Rear mesh vents release water after duck dives and wipe-outs
Velcro head adjustment 
Protective mesh over ear section
Removable “Legionnaire flap” neck protection
Lightweight, quick-dry material
Invaluable protection from harmful sun exposure 
Minimizes annoying glare

Buy from Ocean & Earth


What if I don’t want to wear a surf hat?

No problems. Your options are clear:

  • If you have dark skin, you’ll probably be ok.
  • Wear heaps of sunscreen. Don’t forget your head, especially if your hair is thinning.
  • Don’t worry about it – but you may regret this later.
  • Surf at dawn and dusk.
  • Surf at night.
  • Wear a nylon balaclava.
  • Wear a Gath helmet.
  • Just wear a surf hat and get used to it. 😅