Reviews
Hands-on gear tests. Real verdicts, real ratings — the stuff we've actually surfed.
Tested by usWhy Outerknown Is Our Favorite Surf Brand for 2026
A year on, Outerknown is still the brand we reach for most — and still the one we recommend first. The gear lasts, it looks the same after countless washes, it's made in fairer conditions, and it carries a real sense of purpose. From Brad's All-Terrain shorts surviving a thunderstorm to Geniya's tank becoming the most-worn thing in her drawer, every piece in the 2026 range earns its place.
Tested by usSharkbanz 2 Review: Does This Shark Deterrent Work?
A review of the Sharkbanz 2 shark deterrent band. Includes video, images and product specifications.
Tested by usReview: Firewire Greedy Beaver
The Firewire Greedy Beaver is a versatile all-round surfboard that excels in a range of surf conditions. Review includes photos and videos.
Tested by usSlater Designs Sci-Fi Review: Is Tomo's Fish Worth It?
The Slater Designs Sci-Fi is one of the most exciting surfboards on the market. Our review highly recommends it as an all-round board for good surfers.
Tested by usReview: The Dominator by Firewire
A versatile, all-condition sled, the Dominator features a full outline and thick foil from nose to tail. You get the 5/4/3 fin configuration
Tested by usReview: Salt Gypsy Mid Tide Surfboard
A review of the Salt Gypsy Mid Tide, including drone footage and deep dive into the surfboard specifications and ideal conditions.
Tested by usInsta360 X5 Review: Is It Worth Upgrading From the X4?
After an incredible trip with the Insta360 X4 in Fiji—and the hours we spent drifting over that reef—we picked up the Insta360 X5
Tested by usOTIS Sunglasses Review: Built for Life by the Sea
Discover our hands-on review of OTIS sunglasses—eco-conscious eyewear that blends style, mineral glass lenses, and sustainable materials.
Tested by usOuterknown 2025 Gear Review: Performance Meets Purpose
Outerknown's 2025 line quietly proves that sustainability and performance aren't a trade-off. The Kelly Slater–designed Apex Evolution Trunks Gen II are genuinely excellent in the water, and the everyday pieces — the Twill Trail Short, the Industrial tee, the Easy Sweatpants — have earned permanent spots in our rotation. A limited colour range is about the only thing we'd change.
Tested by usIs Orca's Kabuki the World's Best Premium Winter Wetsuit?
A review of the latest premium wetsuit for surfers by by Orca — the Kabuki
Tested by usInsta360 Ace Pro 2: The Next-Level Action Camera for Surfers
A review of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 — the perfect action camera for adventurous surfers.
Tested by usXcel Comp X Wetsuit Review: Warmth Tested
A real winter test with my 10-year-old at Mount Maunganui: the Comp X kept her warm and stoked where her old suit left her shivering. Xcel's run of SIMA Wetsuit-of-the-Year wins is well earned — warm, flexible and well made for cold-water sessions, in both adult and kids' sizing.
Tested by usReview: Our Insta360 X4 Action Camera Experience
Review of the Insta360 X4 action camera including sample footage.
Tested by usBarton Lynch Pro Surfing Game Review: Worth Playing?
A review of Barton Lynch Pro Surfing including video interview with Barton Lynch and gameplay review.
Tested by usInsta360 Ace Pro Review: The Best Action Camera for Surfing?
I'm a big fan of camera gear that enables us surfers to get close to the action — so close that sometimes it quite literally hurts. When capturing the view from inside a barrel or the moment when you…
Tested by usCJ Nelson Sprout Longboard Surfboard Review
A comprehensive personal review of the CJ Nelson Sprout, including real-world experience, photos and technical specifications.
Tested by usXCEL Comp X Wetsuit Review: Warmth & Sustainability
This is our #1 choice in performance wetsuits for 2023.
Tested by usXcel Infiniti 4/3mm Wetsuit Review: Warm and Eco-Friendly
The Women's Infiniti 4/3mm Front Zip Full Wetsuit by Xcel ticks all the boxes.
Tested by usReview: Insta360 X3 and Invisible Dive Kit
This camera enables you to capture the entire world around you with the opportunity to create razor sharp clips during the edit process.
Tested by usMAHULU Elliptio Wetsuit Review
An excellent choice for surfers pushing coldwater boundaries with care for self and planet!
Tested by usReview: Wetsuit Pro Dryer by Surflogic
Tired of waiting hours for your wetsuit to dry? Discover how the Surflogic Wetsuit Pro Dryer delivers fast, efficient drying—perfect for cold
Tested by usDeviate Board Co: Transforming Urban Surfing
A perfect skateboard for surfers
Tested by usBoost Surfing Electric Fin Review: Does It Really Work?
Surfing is about the connection between a surfer and the ocean, an interplay between a human, a surfboard, and a wave. But humans love innovation, and new technologies are infiltrating all aspects of…
Tested by usAbysse Clark Full Wetsuit Reef 3/3 mm Review
There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of riding waves in a freshly minted new wetsuit, on a sunny day with glassy offshore breezes. With the right wetsuit, the autumnal crispiness in the air…
Tested by usNixon Heat Surf Watch Review: World's Thinnest 10ATM Watch
The Heat surf watch is a rugged and minimalist timepiece designed by the brand Nixon/guides/surf-brands/company-profile-nixon for surfers who demand precision and durability in their…
Tested by usO'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review: Warm-Water All-Rounder
The surfing world owes a lot to the O’Neill name. Jack O’Neill pioneered the surf industry by bringing the wetsuit to market in San Francisco in the 1950s. In the 1960s, O’Neill moved the brand down…
Tested by usOrca Tango Wetsuit Review
Orca is a company that designs and manufactures wetsuits for some of the world's most physically challenging sports
Tested by usThe most important tropical surf trip accessory: a surf hat
What are the priority accessories to pack for a tropical surf trip? A Kaiola surf hat should be a top priority.
Tested by usMedina Swimwear: A Review from Tahiti
A comprehensive review of Medina's environmentally-friendly swimsuits for women.
Tested by usInsta360 Go 2 Review: Is the Tiny Action Cam Worth It?
A comprehensive review of the Insta360 Go 2 action camera including test footage and product highlights.
Tested by usHo Stevie! Wetsuit Review
Ho Stevie! is a fresh surf brand that is disrupting the surf industry by providing quality surf gear without the premium price tag.
Tested by usSRFACE Heat 4/3 Review: An Affordable Wetsuit Worth Trying
The Srface Heat 4/3 is a high performing wetsuit at a fraction of the price compared to the leading wetsuit brands.
Tested by usVissla 7 Seas 4/3 Review: Best Value Winter Wetsuit?
Vissla is renowned as a company with a strong sustainability ethos. They continually adapt their practices in order to reduce impact. The 7 Seas winter wetsuit is no exception. Limestone Neoprene eliminates the use of petrochemicals. Eco Carbon Black is utilised throughout the manufacturing process and Dope Dyed Yarn reduces water consumption extensively. With an outstanding price tag of $259.95, and packed with premium materials, the Vissla 4/3 7 Seas Back Zip has to be one of the best value winter wetsuits on the market.
Tested by usThe Bitty Brah surf hat: essential protection for young surfers
The Bitty Brah surf hat is provides excellent sun protection and looks great, both for kids and adults alike.
Tested by usFirewire Twice Baked Review: An excellent small wave performer
A comprehensive guide to the Firewire Twice Baked including images, specifications and recommendations for optimal performance.
Tested by usReview: Dragon Baile Sunglasses
To celebrate 25 years of partnership, Dragon and Mick Fanning unveiled a brand new eyewear model: Baile. The word means 'home' in Gaelic - a tribute to both Dragon and Mick's heritage. These are a…
Tested by usInsta360 One X2 Review: Best 360 Camera for Surfing
Comprehensive review of the Insta360 ONE X2 action camera including photos, video footage and product highlights.
Tested by usRheos Eddies sunglasses: form meets function
Previously on Surfd.com, we reviewed the Rheos Bahias floating sunglasses/reviews/rheos-floating-sunglasses-review. Those innovative shades feature nylon optics, which are…
Tested by usKoloa Surf Company T-Shirt Review: Comfort Tee Tested
We wore Koloa's Comfort Tee (the Cocky Surfer design) for days on end. A soft, durable poly-cotton-rayon blend from a California brand that backs long-lasting apparel over fast fashion — a comfy, wear-anywhere tee with a sense of humour.
Tested by usOura Ring Review: A Surfer's Take on the Smart Ring
Comprehensive review the Oura Ring - an excellent wearable device for action sports enthusiasts.
Tested by usEco Ocean Sunglasses by Eco Eyewear
A review of the Eco Ocean recycled plastic sunglasses including photos and discussion about the great Pacific garbage patch.
Tested by usLiP Typhoon Sunglasses Review: Worth It for Surfing?
A comprehensive review of the Lip Typhoon sunglasses, designed for watersports enthusiasts.
Tested by usReview: Hubi's Surf Atlas
Whether it is a gift, for education or to brighten your coffee table, Hubi's Surf Atlas is an essential book for every surf family.
Tested by usPyzel Ghost Surfboard Review: JJF's World Title Board
The Ghost is John John Florence's world-title board — a genuinely high-performance shortboard that rewards strong surfers in powerful, quality waves (think Hawaii, Indonesia, Fiji). It's not the board for improving intermediates or everyday beachbreak: for that, look at the step-down Phantom, and think carefully about volume.
Tested by usWeret Surf Watch Review
Comprehensive review of the Weret Surf Watch which we highly recommend for surfers who like mechanical watches and smart technology.
Tested by usOuterknown Review: Blanket Shirt, Sweats & Apex Trunks
Review of Outerknown products including the Blanket Shirt, Sur Sweatshirt, Ascent Fleece Sweatpants and Kelly Slater's Apex Trunks.
Tested by usReview: Firewire Moonbeam
If you're a good surfer who enjoys experimenting with unorthodox shapes, then I highly recommend you try out the Moonbeam.
Tested by usQuiverGrip 2.0 - ProPack Review
Review of thh QuiverGrip 2.0 ProPack surfboard rack system. Includes video showing installation and photos of the product.
Tested by usShepps Gnarwall Multi-Board Rack Review
A review of the Shepps Gnarwall surfboard rack, including a video showing the installation.
Tested by usRheos Floating Sunglasses Review: Can You Surf in Them?
A review of the Rheos Bahias floating sunglasses, including video and photos. With nylon lenses these sunglasses are an excellent choice for surfers.
Tested by usReview of Mona Eco-friendly Surf Wear
We tested Mona's eco-friendly swimsuits were impressed with the materials, comfort and durability.
Tested by usSurfmud Review: Is This the Best Reef-Safe Surf Sunscreen?
Video and text review of Surfmud zinc covering cream for surfers. Includes information about effectiveness, benefits and reef safety.
Tested by usDawn Patrol App for Apple Watch Review: Is It Worth It?
Review of the Dawn Patrol surf tracker app, designed for Apple Watch. Includes video review.
Tested by usRSPro Front Deck Grip Review
Review of the Front Deck Grip made by RSPro. We tested this cork surfboard traction pad and found it to be an excellent choice.
Tested by usReview: Slater Designs Cymatic
A review of the Slater Designs Cymatic surfboard, manufactured by Firewire. Includes video, images and links.
Tested by usGnarwall Surfboard Hanger System
A simple solution to surfboard storage
Tested by usLost Baby Buggy Shortboard
The Lost Baby Buggy is a shortboard designed for ex-competitive surfer (and new dad) Taj Burrow. Article features videos, reviews and links.
Tested by usChannel Islands Sampler Review: Dane Reynolds' Groveller
The Channel Islands Sampler is a Dane Reynolds creation, designed to perform in average conditions. Article includes reviews, videos and images.
Tested by usOY Surf Apparel Kaja Swimsuit Review: Bali-Made Bikini
Review of OY Surf Apparel's Kaja swimsuit for women. We tested the product in a range of conditions and include photos and video.
Tested by usFar King Moped Surfboard Racks Review
A comprehensive review of the surfboard moped racks created by Far King. Includes video review and photos.
Tested by usLululemon Men's Boardshorts Review: Worth the Price?
The choice for surfers who value sustainability, quality and excellent design.
Tested by usSuperbrand Fling Surfboard Review: Fun Small-Wave Hybrid
Solid all-rounder for small to medium waves, but won't let you down when things get critical.
Tested by usReview: Isurus Alpha Elite 232 Wetsuit
We review the Isurus Alpha Elite 232 wetsuit in a video, listing our 5 reasons why it is highly recommended by Surfd.com
Tested by usLost Puddle Jumper Review: A Small-Wave Fun Board
A review of the Lost Puddle Jumper, including videos, photos and a round-up of comments from around the web.
Tested by usHaydenshapes Hypto Krypto Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
The Hypto Krypto by Hadenshapes is one of the best selling surfboards in the world. Here are 5 perspectives on the board and our verdict.
Tested by usSurfboard of the Day: DVS Wasp
The DVS Wasp by Dick van Straalen is a high-performance quad fish, with unique characteristics that will provide plenty of summertime surfing fun.
Tested by us6 Reasons why Hurley's Phantom JJF 3 Boardshorts are the Best
The Hurley Phantom JJF3 boardshorts feature a cosmic print and 86% recycled polyester. We list 6 reasons why they're the best boardshorts around.
Tested by usLululemon Swimwear for Surfers: Fiji Field Test
We tested a range of the latest Lululemon women's swimwear in Fiji. This article features 10 photos of the bikinis and swim suits in action.
Tested by usPatagonia R2 Yulex Wetsuit Review: Worth the Break-In?
The Patagonia R2 Yulex wetsuit is 100% neoprene free, made of plant-based rubber and recycled polyester. We tested it for two months and present our review.
Tested by usReview: The Fred Stubble
The Fred Stubble is a shortboard designed Al Merrick for Conner Coffin. Derived from the Fred Rubble it is designed for use in small waves.
Tested by usReview: Ocean&Earth Double Compact Coffin Cover
Surfboard covers are the essential travel companion. We review our favourite: the Ocean&Earth Double Compact Coffin Cover.
Tested by usThe Shallows Movie Review: Is Blake Lively's Shark Thriller Worth It?
The Shallows starring Blake Lively delivers surfing action, suspense, and fun. We review the film and comment on the surf scenes.
Tested by usThe Misfit Beach Cloud Twin Fin Surfboard
Having a twin fin in your quiver opens up a new world of fun when the waves are small and you've got nothing better to do than hit the water anyway.
Tested by usReview: Firewire Unibrow
The Firewire Unibrow is a performance hybrid surfboard made using Timbertek technology. Our review compares it to the Dominator and Potatonator.
Tested by usOakley Valve Review: Sport Performance Meets Style
Oakley have achieved something special with their new Valve sunglasses. They've successfully combined the functionality of their high performance sports
Tested by usReview: Firewire Potatonator
We review the Firewire Potatonator hybrid surfboard in a range of conditions. Find out who the surfboard is for and what it is capable of.
Tested by usReview: Firewire Quadfish
The Quadfish is a refined, high performance fish that can take you and your surfing to the outermost limits of summertime fun.
Tested by usReview: Al Merrick Robber
The Robber is a truly unique hybrid surfboard. It is at once loose yet drivey, sensitive yet forgiving. I love the design and the faux wood spray finish.
Tested by usReview: Oxbow Retro Fish
Oxbow surfboards are made by BIC. In Australia the boards are distributed by Glide Industries.
Tested by usBillabong Eco-Recycled Boardshorts Review
Billabong showed their green credentials when they became the first of the major surf brands to unveil an environmentally friendly range of boardshorts.
Tested by usReview: NaturalFooted Surfer’s First Aid Kit
The First Aid Handbook offers excellent medical tips and guidance for injuries ranging from spinal damage and shark attacks to lacerations and Diarrhoea.
Tested by usThe Surfer's Code by Shaun Tomson: Book Review
Shaun Tomson is a world champion surfer who has experienced enough in his life to write a book. And that's just what he did.
Tested by usReview: Young Guns 2
Young Guns 2 is the latest high-performance DVD from the Quiksilver stable. Following on from the popular and radical Young Guns.
Tested by usReview: Pipe Dreams by Kelly Slater
A lucid autobiography by the world’s best surfer, this book recounts Robert Kelly Slater’s prodigious ride from the next big thing to the king.
Tested by usReview: Quiksilver Cell CL:SIX
The Cell felt super light and warm, especially in comparison with the older Rip Curl I had been using. At first I found the neck strap a bit weird.
Tested by usReview: Al Merrick M4 Shortboard
The M4 is a classic, streamlined Al Merrick creation featuring a pretty flat entry rocker and increased tail kick. he rail is full and there is a single
Tested by usReview: Taj Burrow’s Book of Hot Surfing
Taj Burrow is one of the most exciting surfers ever. His book is as much an insight into the man as it is a technical guide to high-performance surfing.