Guides
Buying guides and roundups worth keeping. Including the surf-brands hub.
Best Surfboards for Kids: From Beginner Soft Tops to Advanced Boards
If you’ve got a little wave chaser in the family, you’ll know one thing for sure—the right surfboard can make all the difference.
25 Best Surf Accessories: The Surfer's Essentials Kit
From wax and fin tools to wetsuit dryers and dry bags, here are the 25 best surf accessories to round out your kit and make every session easier.
The Best Sustainable Surf Brands
A guide to surf brands that are committed to environmental sustainability.
15 of the Best Sunglasses for Surfers
A guide to the best sunglasses available for surfers, including models by LiP, Dragon, Oakley, Smith and more.
18 Most Stylish Longboard Surfers of All Time
From Nat Young to Joel Tudor, meet 18 surfers who defined longboard style, and see what separates traditional nose-riding grace from progressive power.
Best Cameras for Filming Surfing: Water, Land & Drone
A complete buyer's guide to the best surf video cameras at every budget, covering water housings, land telephoto rigs, 360 cams, and surf drones.
10 of the Best Surf Hats
Wondering if you really need a surf hat? Learn why surf hats are essential for sun protection and discover the best options for surfers.
Best Surfboards for Every Surfer: 2026 Buying Guide
From beginner mini-mals to pro shortboards, find the right surfboard for your skill level and conditions, with real model picks and where to buy them.
20 Best Online Surf Shops for Gear, Boards & Apparel
Our roundup of 20 of the best online surf shops worldwide, covering brands stocked, shipping, and shop experience so you know exactly where to buy.
8 Best High-Performance Shortboards for Intermediate to Pro
From the Slater Designs Sci-Fi to the Rusty KEG, we break down 9 top high-performance shortboards and how to pick the right one for your skill level.
Do Shark Deterrents Actually Work? What the Science Says
An honest look at whether shark deterrents work for surfers — from electrical devices and magnetic bands to the 'smell of death' research — and what the evidence really shows.
A List of the Best Surfboard Manufacturers
Discover the world’s top surfboard shapers—artisans turning foam into functional art. Explore iconic brands shaping the future of surfing.
Surf Shops in New Zealand: A Complete Guide
We put this guide together from our home base on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty coast. Most people who read Surfd are planning a trip from a long way off, and Aotearoa sits high on a lot of surfers'…
The Best Christmas Gifts for Surfers
The ultimate Christmas gift guide for surfers — hand-picked ideas across gear, apparel, tech, sun care and experiences, whatever their level or style.
Best Boys' Surf Wear Brands for 2026 (Boardshorts & Wetsuits)
Rip Curl, Patagonia Kids, O'Neill Youth and more — our picks for the best boys' surf wear brands covering boardshorts, wetsuits, rash guards and sun gear.
The Van Life Surf Guide: What You Really Need (and What You Really Don’t)
Van life meets surf life. Get the essentials, skip the fluff, and learn how to live simply, surf daily, and travel smart.
Surfing for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Safe First Lessons
From choosing a beginner-friendly beach to teaching ocean awareness and sun safety, here's how to get your child into surfing safely and confidently.
Best Surf Changing Towels and Ponchos in 2026
Our roundup of the best surf changing towels, from Rip Curl to Nomadix, for staying warm, dry, and covered after a session.
6 Best Patagonia Gear Picks for 2026, Tested
We tested Patagonia's Better Sweater Fleece, Bomber Hoody, Hemp Shorts and more for surf-adjacent wear. Here's what held up and is worth your money.
The Best Drones for Surf Filming in 2026
Remember when the first drone footage began infiltrating our collective consciousness, offering bird’s-eye perspectives of the surfing experience? What once required a helicopter was suddenly…
Breath Training for Surfers: 5 Techniques That Work
Learn diaphragmatic breathing, CO2 tolerance tables, static apnea, and box breathing to extend your breath-hold and stay calm during wipeouts.
How to Repair a Surfboard Ding at Home (DIY Guide)
Fix a surfboard ding yourself with solar resin. Step-by-step instructions on tools, curing time, and sanding for a smooth, durable repair.
How to Repair Your Wetsuit at Home: Easy Fixes for Tears and Holes
A good wetsuit is like a second skin—it keeps you warm, protects you from the elements, and allows you to surf, dive, or paddle comfortably. Even if you invest in the best…
6 Premium Swimwear Brands for Women Surfers
Discover six premium swimwear brands designed for women surfers. From sustainable fabrics to flattering cuts, these stylish options offer the perfect blend of fashion and performance.
5 Must-Do Exercises to Enhance Your Wave-Riding Skills
To improve your wave-riding skills beyond just surfing, focusing on areas like upper spineand hip mobility, trunk rotation strength
The Best Surf Gear and Accessories for Women in 2024
DIscover the best apparel and functional surf gear for women surfers, including bikinis, wetsuits, hats and more.
5 Essential Exercises to Supercharge Your Paddling
In surfing, the majority of time is spent paddling rather than riding waves. The effectiveness of your paddling technique directly impacts the number of waves you catch, your endurance in the water,…
The Surfer’s Travel Checklist for 2024
Are you planning a surf trip this year? Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, braving the icy waters of a northern coast, or embarking on a road trip to explore new surf potential, being…
Best Boardshorts for Surfers: 9 Top Picks Compared
Our tested picks for the best surf boardshorts by category: overall winner, performance, eco-friendly, durable, and budget, from Outerknown to Billabong.
Why Outerknown Is Our Surf Brand of the Year
Inside Outerknown's sustainability record, craftsmanship, and ethical practices, plus why we named Kelly Slater's label our favorite surf brand.
The Best Sustainable T-Shirts for Surfers in 2024
A guide to sustainable t-shirt options for surfers, including options from Outerknown, Patagonia, and more.
The 5 Surfer Personality Types: Which One Are You?
Ever wondered about the unique blend of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that make you who you are? It's natural to see ourselves as distinct individuals, but psychology uncovers a different story.…
WSL vs ISA: What's the Difference in Surfing?
The WSL runs pro surfing's Championship Tour; the ISA governs grassroots growth and Olympic qualification. Here's how each organisation works and how to compete.
Best Kids' Winter Wetsuits 2026: Xcel, Patagonia & More
Our tested picks for the best kids' winter wetsuits, comparing warmth, flexibility and zip styles from Xcel, Patagonia, Rip Curl, O'Neill and more.
Best Longboard Surfboards: 10 Top Logs Reviewed
Our roundup of the best longboard surfboards for noseriding and cruising, from the CJ Nelson Sprout to the Bing Continental, with full dimensions.
The Best Wetsuits for Men in 2023
A roundup of the best winter wetsuits for male surfers in 2023, including products from O'Neill, Patagonia and Xcel.
Best Surf Hoods for Cold Water: Patagonia, Xcel, Rip Curl
Our roundup of the best wetsuit hoods for cold-water surfing, comparing warmth, fit and water-temperature ratings from Patagonia, Xcel, Rip Curl, Quiksilver and O'Neill.
10 of the best surf t-shirts in 2026
Welcome to our roundup of the best surf t-shirts, as chosen by our discerning fashion team. This year we've prioritized sustainable designs, including tees from some of our favorite brands like…
5 Best Wetsuit Gloves for Cold-Water Surfing
Compare the top wetsuit gloves from Patagonia, Xcel, Vissla, O'Neill, and Quiksilver, plus how to pick the right fit and thickness for your water temp.
A guide to surf clothing: what surfers wear
The Hollywood cliché might have us believe that surfers/guides/what-is-a-surfer are born in boardshorts and live their lives in a constant state of 'beach-ready.' Yet contrary to…
10 Best Sustainable Wetsuits for Men and Women
From Patagonia's Yulex rubber to Matuse's limestone Geoprene, these are 10 eco-friendly wetsuits that perform in the water while cutting down on petroleum-based neoprene.
10 Best Sustainable Boardshorts for Surfers in 2026
From Outerknown's recycled-polyester Apex Trunks to Afends' hemp blend, here are 10 sustainable boardshorts that perform in the water and cut environmental impact.
How to Start a Surf Business: A Realistic Guide
Thinking of turning your surf passion into a business? Learn how to validate a niche, do the keyword homework, and avoid burning out on your dream.
The Best Surf Watches in 2023
A guide to the best surf watches for adults and kids. Includes options from Nixon, Rip Curl, Casio and more.
How to Bodysurf with a Handboard: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to bodysurf with a handboard, from riding white water in streamline position to duck diving out to the green wave zone. A step-by-step beginner guide.
Sustainable and Ethical Surfwear: A Buyer's Guide
How to spot genuinely sustainable, ethically made surfwear — the materials, certifications and brands like Outerknown and Patagonia worth trusting.
Shark Encounters While Surfing: What to Do
Seen a shark while surfing? Here's exactly how to respond, which species are actually dangerous, and how to reduce your odds of an encounter.
10 Best Surfboard Travel Bags in 2026
Our picks for the best surfboard travel bags in 2026, from wheelie coffin bags to eco zipperless covers, matched to how many boards you're carrying.
How to Teach a Child to Surf: 7-Step Beginner Guide
A practical 7-step guide to teaching a kid to surf, from building excitement and choosing gear to the three-step pop-up and catching their first wave.
Types of Surf Explained: Swells, Breaks, Winds & Tides
A guide to why waves break the way they do, covering swell types, wind direction, ocean bottoms, break types, tides and wave phenomena like barrels and closeouts.
A Comprehensive Guide to Surfboard Fins
Here’s your complete guide to the surfboard fin and how it works. Choose Your Setup: Surfboard fins can be set up in multiple ways
A guide to the poo man stance in surfing
Whether you believe it or not, you have performed the poo man stance while surfing. Poo man happens when a surfer squats with equally bent legs rather than assuming the more aesthetically pleasing…
Surfboard Traction Pads: A Complete Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about surfboard traction pads - how they work, arch bars and kickers explained, and how to choose the right one.
How to Transport a Surfboard Safely to the Beach
From sunscreen-slick fingers to bungee cord horror stories — practical tips on racks, tie-down straps, and board bags to get your surfboard to the beach without a ding.
Surfboard Leash Guide: History, Sizing, and Safe Use
Everything you need to know about surfboard leashes: how they were invented, how to attach one correctly, and how to choose the right length.
The Best Gifts for Surfers
How to buy a gift a surfer will actually use — the safe bets, the splurges, and the experiences, sorted by budget and the kind of surfer you're shopping for.
What is a surfer?
A surfer is a person who rides breaking waves — in the ocean or a wave pool — usually standing on a surfboard. Here's what defines a surfer — the traits, the culture, and what separates surfers from other wave riders.
Best Surfboard Leashes 2026: Top Picks by Category
Our tested picks for the best surfboard leashes, from premium reef-break cords to budget, eco and longboard options, with features and buy links.
What Is Surfing? A Complete Guide to the Sport, Its History and Culture
Surfing is the sport of riding a breaking wave — in the ocean or a wave pool — usually standing on a surfboard. Here's what surfing is, how it works, its main types, and the history and culture behind it.
The best health supplements for surfers
A guide to a range of supplements that can improve surfing performance and recovery, from protein to maca, acai to collagen.
The Ultimate Guide to Yoga for Surfers
A surfer's guide to yoga, including benefits, a range of illustrated positions and styles, including hot yoga.
Asymmetric Surfboards Explained: A Guide + Shaper Interview
What makes a surfboard asymmetric, why the design keeps resurfacing since the 1960s, and an in-depth interview with asym specialist shaper Tim Stafford on how and why they work.
Best Surfing Booties for Cold Water (2026)
From Xcel Drylock to Patagonia's R4 Yulex, here's how to pick the warmest, best-fitting surfing booties by thickness, toe style, and cold-water need.
10 Best Surf Movies to Stream on TheSurfNetwork
From Five Summer Stories to Bustin' Down the Door, here are 10 classic and modern surf films worth streaming, plus how to watch them online.
9 Best Surf Forecast Sites and Apps, Compared
Surfline, Windy, Swellnet and more compared, plus how to actually read swell height, period and direction so the forecast matches what you ride.
Surf Moves Explained: Bottom Turn to Aerials
A level-by-level breakdown of essential surf manoeuvres — bottom turn, cutback, snap, barrel riding and aerials — with technique tips and pros to study for each.
Surfing with Sharks: Risk, Behaviour and Safety Tips
What science says about why sharks approach surfers, plus practical tips to reduce your risk and stay calm if you spot one in the lineup.
The Best Jet Boards for Surfers in 2022
A guide to jet boards, including a brief history of motorised surfboards, why we need them and the best brands in 2021.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Wetsuits: Yulex & Limestone Neoprene
Skip petroleum-based neoprene. Compare 7 sustainable wetsuits from Patagonia, Vissla, Xcel and more, built with Yulex, limestone or biodegradable foam.
Wardrobe Essentials for a Girls Surf Trip
A guide to help you pack the right clothing for your next surf trip.
16 Best Hollywood Surf Movies: From Gidget to Point Break
The definitive list of Hollywood surfer movies, from 1959's Gidget to Point Break and Chasing Mavericks, with release dates, directors and plot summaries.
10 Reasons Why Surfing is Bad for You
There are many reasons why surfing is good for you but in this article we explore ten reasons why surfing is bad for you.
Being Aggressive isn’t Always Bad, and Other Surfing Lessons I’ve Learned
Being an aggressive surfer, in the positive sense of aggression, means paddling towards peaks, hunting for waves and staying engaged and active in the ocean
Surf Style History: How Surf Fashion Evolved
From 1950s beach cottages to a billion-dollar industry: the decade-by-decade story of surf fashion, the Big Three brands, and why niche labels are reviving its roots.
Best Surf Movies of All Time: 45 Essential Films
From The Endless Summer to Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable, our ranked guide to 45 essential surf movies spanning six decades, with directors, release dates and trailers.
30 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands for Women (2026)
30 sustainable swimwear brands using recycled materials like ECONYL, with pricing, locations, and what makes each one worth a look.
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Surfing
Surfing is harder, pricier, and more addictive than it looks. One surfer's honest lessons on fitness, cost, etiquette, and the lifestyle shift ahead.
6 Things All Surfers Can Do to Protect Our Oceans
As surfers, we would be nothing without the sea. Unfortunately, the health of our oceans is steadily declining. Learn more about the steps that you can take to reduce your impact, keep our beaches clean, and protect our oceans.
How to Turn Your Passion in Surfing into a Business Opportunity
If you want to turn your passion for surfing into a business opportunity beyond your leisure time, keep reading the article.
A Guide to Surfboard Volume
Choosing a surfboard with the right volume is essential. Here are 5 tips to help you make more informed decisions.
5 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Surfers in 2026
Regular sunscreen chemicals bleach coral reefs. Here are 5 reef-safe, mineral sunscreens that protect your skin and the ocean, plus what ingredients to avoid.
Guide to Surfing with Breast Implants
A guide to getting back into the surf after having breast augmentation surgery. Includes recovery, preparation and timing.
10 Best Surf Wetsuit Brands, Compared (2026)
Rip Curl, Patagonia, O'Neill, Xcel and more compared, with each brand's standout model and features, so you know what to try on before you buy.
Surf Charities Worth Supporting: 2026 Guide
From ocean conservation to surf therapy for kids with autism, here's a roundup of reputable surf charities and what each one actually does with your support.
Best Surf Magazines and Blogs to Read in 2026
From Surfer and The Surfer's Journal to niche travel and women's surf blogs, here's our guide to the best surf magazines and blogs still worth following.
5 Best Surf Cars: VW California, Land Cruiser & More
Our pick of the 5 best surf cars, from the VW California Ocean to the Subaru Outback, compared on space, off-road ability, fuel use, and price.
Surfing Jobs: Become a Surf Camp Manager
If you can't be a pro surfer then perhaps the perfect surfing job for you is as a surf camp manager. Find out the benefits and drawbacks here.
Surfing Inventions: 10 Products Surfers Really Want
10 surfing inventions we are all waiting for. From a modular surfboard to jet propulsion, from nanotechnology skin to night vision.
Bike Surfing Explained: 2 Wild Ways to Ride
Bike surfing means two totally different things: Robbie Maddison's amphibious motorcycle riding actual waves, and daredevils standing to surf on moving bikes.
6 Swimsuit Brands making High Performance Bikinis for Surfer Girls
To have a swimsuit that looks awesome and stays in place through wipeouts, duck dives, and waves is the holy grail of swimwear.
How to Take Better Surf Photos
There are many reasons for wanting to take better surf photos. For most of us it's all about preserving magic moments, so we never forget our adventures.
Dealing with a Fear of Sharks
One way to deal with a fear of sharks is to accept our own death and live life fearlessly.
9 Reasons to Date a Surfer Girl
We explore 9 reasons why you should date a surfer girl.
A Brief History of Z-Flex
Z-Flex is the skate brand born out of the Zephyr surf shop scene in Dogtown. A short history of the brand, its pioneering gear, the Z-Boys who rode for it, and why skating still suits surfers.
Preview: The Meyerhoffer Slip In
The Meyerhoffer Slip In looks a lot like someone sliced Thomas Meyerhoffer"s signature, groundbreaking XYZ surfboard in half. And that's pretty much what happened. It all began with a broken Land…