As a surfer who’s spent years reviewing surf gear, I know one thing for sure: picking the right gift for a surfer isn’t easy. Surfers live by the wind, tides, an intuitive connection with Mother Nature, and a love for all things that enhance their time in the water. But don’t worry—I’m here to guide you. Let’s find the perfect Christmas gift that will stoke the surfer in your life.
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How Do I Choose the Perfect Christmas Surf Gift?
Choosing the right gift means understanding what surfers value. It’s not just about the latest gear—it’s about the lifestyle. Think practicality, durability, and a deep connection to the ocean. Look for gifts that either improve performance or celebrate the surf culture they love.
Some top picks include:
High-Quality Boardshorts: More than just stylish, they need to be durable and quick-drying. Our favorites include the Apex Trunk by Outerknown and Xcel’s Drylock. Both offer exceptional performance at different price points.
Outerknown APEX Trunks by Kelly Slater 17″
Xcel Men’s Drylock 18.5″ Boardshort
Performance Wetsuits: A good wetsuit is a game-changer. Look for eco-friendly materials that provide flexibility and warmth. The Comp model by Xcel has been our go-to for years, while the new premium Orca Kabuki model has impressed us with its innovative front-zip design and phenomenal flexibility.
Xcel Men’s Comp+ Hooded Wetsuit 3mm
Orca Kabuki Premium Wetsuit 5/3mm
What Are the Best Christmas Surf Gifts for Men?
When shopping for male surfers, think of gear that enhances performance or keeps them comfortable between sessions. Here’s what’s trending in 2024:
Surf Watches: Tide-tracking watches help surfers time their sessions perfectly, blending practicality with style.
Nixon Heat
Garmin fēnix® 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Action Cameras: A reliable waterproof camera captures epic waves. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is our top choice this year—check out our review.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Surf Apparel: From rash guards to hoodies, look for a blend of style and functionality. Florence Marine offers fantastic rash guards with hoods, while Free Fly’s Lightweight Bamboo Hoodie is a must-try for tropical surf days.
Florence Marine X Long Sleeve Utility Pocket Hooded Rashguard
Free Fly Men’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
Tech Gear: Noise-canceling headphones or a wireless Bluetooth® portable speaker make great gifts for surfers who love music. We’re big fans of the latest Skullcandy x Possum Limited-Edition Surf Collaboration. The headphones offer excellent noise reduction, and the speaker delivers impressive sound quality—perfect companions for a Christmas road trip.
Skullcandy Crusher® ANC 2 Headphones
Skullcandy Terrain™ Bluetooth® Speaker
What Are the Best Surf Gifts for Women?
Women surfers make the lineup a better place. While they’re still a minority in terms of demographics there are plenty of gift options for them. Here’s what I recommend for the female surfer in your life:
Performance Bikini: A well-designed bikini provides both support and style, allowing her to focus on catching waves. While Hurley is known for great coverage and classic designs, we recommend checking out Montce Swimwear, which focuses on fit and femininity. Montce is a favorite among surfers for its bold prints and flattering cuts that offer both performance and style. Their designs blend aesthetic appeal with surf-ready functionality, so she can look and feel her best on the waves.
Montce oat texture Hayden Bikini Top and Full Coverage High Rise Bikini Bottom
Hurley One And Only Solid Mock Neck Zip Back Moderate Surf Suit
Surf Jewelry: Ocean-inspired pieces that withstand saltwater while adding a touch of elegance. Avoid overly literal designs like surfboards or waves—not every surfer wants such obvious motifs. Instead, look for beautiful, durable pieces with subtle style. We love the Mejuri collection, which offers the latest designs and best-selling jewelry pieces that blend elegance with everyday durability.
Mejuri Dôme Huggies
Mejuri Sapphire Choker
Beach Essentials: A personal changing coat is perfect for easy changing, staying dry, and keeping warm after surf sessions. Vivida Lifestyle offers an eco-friendly, best-selling option. She’ll also appreciate a stylish sun hat for protection—Kaiola Hats has a proven range of high-quality sun hats, and their newly released visor is ideal for tropical holidays.
Kaiola Visor Surf Hat
Vivida Lifestyle All Weather Changing Robe
Yoga Mats for Surfers: Perfect for building core strength and flexibility with gear designed for land training. Lululemon is our top pick, offering high-quality, comfortable mats that are perfect for both yoga and surf-specific training. These are perfect for male surfers too and can double as board padding for the intrepid surfing yogi adventurers.
Lululemon The Mat 5mm
Surf Accessories: A Great Addition to Any Surfer’s Gear
Surf accessories make excellent gifts, offering both practicality and style for life in and out of the water. Reef is a standout choice when it comes to footwear that surfers love. Our top pick for women is the Lay Day Dawn Sneakers, perfect for casual strolls after a surf session. For men, the Swellsole Neptune combines style and support, making it a versatile option for everything from beach days to evening hangouts. These shoes are the ultimate for air travel!
Reef Mens Swellsole Neptune
Reef Womens Lay Day Dawn
What Are the Top Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts for Surfers?
Surfers are naturally connected to the environment and value sustainability. These gifts not only enhance their surfing experience but also help protect the planet they love:
Sustainable Surf Apparel: Look for brands using organic or recycled materials. Outerknown is a standout, with cozy, stylish options like the North Beach Bomber for women and Station Jacket for men.
Outerknown North Beach Bomber
Outerknown Station Jacket
Eco-Friendly Surf Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses made from recycled materials reduce glare while being kind to the planet. Bajio stands out with exceptional Zeiss lenses.
Bajio Bales Beach
Recycled Surf Fins: Eco-friendly fins from brands like Rebel Fin Co. offer top performance while reducing waste.
Rebel Fin Co. Thruster Fins – FCS 1
Recycled Surfboard Bags: Protect the board while reducing waste, using materials that have been repurposed for a lower ecological footprint.
What Do Kids Who Surf Want for Christmas?
Groms (young surfers) have boundless energy and a passion for the waves. Here’s what I’d recommend for the little surfers:
Mini Surfboards: Soft-tops are perfect for beginners learning to ride their first waves.
Balance Trainers: Helps kids improve stability when they’re not out on the water.
Revolution Balance Board Trainer
Surf-Themed Books: Fun and educational, these books can inspire their love for the ocean.
Lilly Loves Surfing
Hubi’s Surf Atlas
Cool Surf Gear: Bright wetsuits and surf tees are perfect for kids to express their style. Xcel is our top pick for kids’ wetsuits due to their flexibility. Koloa Surf Company offers cute and comfortable t-shirts, and if you’re looking for the best shoes, Reef is a top choice for both comfort and style.
Xcel Kids’ Comp Wetsuit
Koloa Rainbow Circle T-Shirt
Reef Little Water Vista
Where Can I Find Budget-Friendly Gifts for Surfers?
You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a meaningful gift. Surfers appreciate the small stuff too. Here are some great budget-friendly gifts under $50:
Wall Art: Add a touch of surf culture to any space with stunning wall art that captures the beauty and excitement of the ocean.
Malin and Mizen Wall Art
Books or Journals: Inspiring reads about surf culture, epic waves, or a journal to document their best surf sessions.
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan
Surfing Life Waves by Bradley Hook
Surf Journal | Retro Sunset Surf
Reef-Safe Sunscreen or Zinc: Protects from the sun and saltwater—an easy stocking stuffer.
Badger Biodegradable Sunscreen SPF 50
Gift Cards: A $50 gift card allows them to choose exactly what they need.
What’s the Best Experience-Based Christmas Gift for a Surfer?
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences that create lasting memories. Here’s how you can give the surfer in your life something unforgettable:
Wave Pool Sessions: Imagine perfect waves all day long—a dream surf experience.
Some of the best wave pools around the world include:
- Surf Ranch, California (USA): Created by Kelly Slater, this pool offers perfect barreling waves that are a dream for any surfer.
- URBNSURF, Melbourne (Australia): Australia’s first surf park, offering consistent waves for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.
- Wavegarden, Basque Country (Spain): Known for its smooth, long waves, this wave pool is surrounded by stunning scenery.
- The Wave, Bristol (UK): A man-made wave pool offering a range of wave types, perfect for training and fun sessions.
- Waco Surf, Texas (USA): Famous for its air section, this wave pool is great for surfers who love practicing aerial tricks.
Custom Surf Trip: Plan a getaway to a destination known for its incredible waves.
Some top surf destinations include:
- Bali, Indonesia: Known as the surfer’s paradise, with world-class waves like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin.
- North Shore, Oahu (Hawaii, USA): Home to legendary waves like Pipeline and Sunset Beach, perfect for advanced surfers looking for a challenge.
- Gold Coast, Australia: A vibrant surf scene with famous breaks like Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Heads.
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa: Known for its long, fast right-hand point breaks, it’s a must-visit for experienced surfers.
- Maldives: Offers crystal-clear waters and pristine reef breaks like Cokes and Chickens, ideal for a tropical surf escape.
Surf Fitness Classes: Help them stay surf-fit with classes designed for balance and strength.
Some companies offering surf-specific fitness programs include:
- Surf Strength Conditioning: Offers comprehensive online programs to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility for better performance in the water. Check out our articles and tips to help you surf your best. Visit site.
- Surf Strength Coach: Focused on tailored training regimens for surfers, this program emphasizes building the strength and agility needed to excel in the water. Visit site.
- XPT Life: Co-founded by big wave surfer Laird Hamilton, this program includes breathwork, mobility, and water training that’s great for surfers looking to improve overall fitness. Visit site.
Massage Voucher: Treat them to a massage session tailored for surfers, helping to relieve muscle tension and speed up recovery after those long days in the water.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Perfect Christmas Surf Gift
When it comes to finding the right gift for a surfer, always remember—it’s about the love of the ocean and the lifestyle that goes with it. Think quality, sustainability, and how the gift can enhance their time on the waves. You’ve got this! With these ideas, you’ll not only find the perfect gift but also show that you truly understand the surfer spirit.
Happy holidays, and here’s to perfect waves and unforgettable rides!