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Is it your loved one’s birthday or is it the holidays? Perhaps, it’s another special occasion and you are looking to get a friend or family member a gift. Picking a gift for someone can be a bit tricky because you don’t know whether they are going to love it or not. But if someone in your life is a surfer, then getting them surfing-related gifts is a great idea because they are bound to appreciate them.
The best gift you can get a surfer is a surfboard. Surfers can never have too many surfboards. However, surfboards can range between $99 to over $1000. Check my article on how much surfboards cost. If you have the budget, you can buy a surfboard for a surfer. If a surfboard is above your budget, there are several surfing gifts you can buy for your favorite surfer. Some of these gifts are affordable, costing $30 or less. If your budget is a bit higher than that, you’ll also fit gifts that fit within your budget.
Below are 26 gift ideas that any surfer will love. When it comes to gifts, it’s not always about how expensive it is but about how thoughtful or relevant the gift is. Here we go!
Changing Mat
Ho Stevie! Durable Wetsuit Changing Mat/Waterproof Dry-Bag for Surfers (Black)
A changing mat is something all surfers need when taking off their wetsuits as the mat prevents sand from entering the suit. The presence of sand in wetsuits can damage them while also rubbing against the surfer while wearing them causing discomfort. If the floor of the area the surfer is removing the wetsuit isn’t smooth (which is most likely the case at beaches and parking areas), the wetsuit could suffer from abrasions and other damages.
Wetsuits are expensive! And it’s important to take care of them so they can last long. Your surfer friend or family member is going to appreciate a changing mat. You can gift your friend a changing poncho and changing mat combo if you have the budget.
Changing Poncho
SUN CUBE Surf Poncho Changing Robe with Hood | Thick Quick Dry Microfiber Wetsuit Changing Towel for Surfing Beach Swim Outdoor Sports -Navy
4 used from $20.93
Not all beaches have changing rooms and sometimes there is a long queue at the limited changing rooms available. Yet, a surfer needs to change into his/her surfing clothes and change back into regular clothes after surfing. Those that came with their own cars can try changing in their vehicles but this is far from convenient. This is where a changing poncho comes in.
Changing ponchos are essentially oversized garments that provide surfers the much-needed privacy to change clothes. You can change clothes in the middle of the beach while wearing a surfing poncho! No need to tie a towel around your waist and do that awkward one-handed dance while changing clothes. Most ponchos are also thick enough to be used as a towel to dry your body.
A changing poncho is a thoughtful gift any surfer would appreciate. And the good part? It’s very affordable!
Turkish Beach Towel
DEMMEX Certified 100% Organic Cotton & Organic Dye Prewashed XL Diamond Weave Turkish Cotton Towel Peshtemal Blanket for Bath,Beach,Pool,SPA,Gym, 71x36 Inches (Dark Grey)
$22.80 in stock
Turkish beach towels are very popular for their superior absorbency, softness, lightweight, and versatility. Being lightweight means Turkish beach towels are easy to pack to the beach and your surfer friend can use them after surfing. The towel can also be used at home as bath towels and their superior absorbency, softness, and quick drying makes them comfortable and easy to use.
Their versatility means they can be used as a throw blanket, sarong, scarf, or tablecloth. The possibilities are up to your favorite surfer.
Surf Hat
FCS Essential Bucket Surf Hat - Black - M
2 used from $23.39
The scorching sun isn’t anyone’s friend and while the rest of the body is usually covered and protected by surfing clothes, the face is usually exposed. And this can lead to sunburns or in some rare cases, skin cancer, on the face. This is where a surfing hat comes in.
Surf hats will protect your eyes and face from the rays of the sun and most surf hats can be attached to the head so they won’t get blown away by the wind. Any surfer would appreciate being given a surf hat.
Surf Booties
O'Neill Heat 5mm Round Toe Booties, Black, 10
Low water temperatures and rocky or slippery shore necessities the need for surf booties. Surf booties also protect the feet from poisonous aquatic life like urchins and also from unsurfaced rocks. Surf booties can redefine a surfer’s experience. So if your friend or family member that’s into surfing doesn’t wear surf booties, you should consider getting one for him/her. And if they already have a pair of surf booties, having another pair won’t hurt.
The most important thing about surf booties is fit as they have to snugly fit the wearer for best performance. Try to find out the size of your favorite surfer before buying them a pair of surf booties.
Surf Gloves
Rip Curl Flashbomb 7/5mm Mitten Black, L
Surf gloves are a must when surfing in cold water to protect the hands. If not, a surfer’s hands will freeze up and that’s something anyone would like to avoid. The best surf gloves are designed for maximum finger dexterity to allow you to paddle and carry out all other activities regularly.
Surf Hood
NRS Storm Hood-Black-M
A surfer only has to use a surf hood once before it becomes an indispensable surfing piece of gear. The most important benefit of surf hoods is that they keep surfers warm in cold water. The head is one of the first places surfers lose best and a hood is designed to combat this. Usually, surf hoods are made of neoprene (the material used to make wetsuits) or other similar materials. People with long hair will also benefit from a surf hood as their hair will be kept out of the waves and consequently, their faces.
Surf Leash
WOOWAVE Surfboard Leash Premium Surf Leash SUP Leg Rope Straight 6/7/8/9 feet for All Types of Surfboards (Clear Black Core, 6ft & 7mm)
Surfers get knocked off their boards a lot and a surf leash ensures they don’t have to chase after their boards, lose them, or get injured by the board when they wipe out. A surf leash is a piece of rope that’s connected to the board at one end and to the leg of the surfer at the other end. All surfers should use a surf leash and if your favorite surfer hasn’t been using them, it’s about time you changed that.
Surfboard Repair Kit
SOLAREZ UV Cure Epoxy Ding Repair Weenie Travel Kit (0.5 oz Tube) - SUP/Surfboard Repair - Fast Solar Cure Clear Resin w 60/240 Grit Sand Block w Crushproof Travel Container ~ EPS Safe!
Surfboards aren’t indestructible and they are bound to have dings, dents, or cracks as you use them. All these may seem insignificant at the beginning but they will become larger and eventually damage the surfboard if they are not taken care of. This is where a surfboard repair kit comes in. With a surfboard repair kit, surfers can repair any dents or damages on their boards before it becomes a big deal.
Surfboard Bag
OCEANBROAD Surfboard Longboard Bag 6'0, 6'6, 7'0, 7'6, 8'0, 8'6, 9'0, 9'6, 10'0
Surfboards is obviously the most prized possession of a surfer and they aren’t exactly cheap. Most surfers aren’t keen on replacing their boards every now and then and the hope is that their boards last a long time.
A surfboard bag can help ensure this as they come with paddings that protect the board in every possible aspect. Also, surfboard bags also long-distance transport of boards easier and they also come with straps to make them convenient to carry. Your surfer loved one will definitely appreciate being gifted a surfboard bag.
Surfboard Sock
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Sock Cover - Light Protective Bag for Your Surf Board (Black and White, 6'0")
While surfboard bags are designed for long-distance travel, a surfboard sock is more suited for home storage as they protect provide basic protection for surfboards. They protect against sun damage, scratches, as well as the wax of surfboards. You can also be sure of protection against dings.
Surfboard socks are cost-effective so you aren’t going to break the bank to buy one for your loved one. A surfboard bag and sock combo are bound to impress your loved one if you have the budget.
Surfboard Fins
Ho Stevie! Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer Surfboard Fins - Thruster (3 Fins) Twin Tab or Single Tab Sizes, with Fin Bag, Screws, Wax Comb and Fin Key (Black, Twin Tab)
You can get surfboard fins for your surfer loved one for as little as $20. Surf fins provide precision, control, stability, and direction during surfing. Any surfer that knows anything about the sport knows that maneuverability is a lot easier with surfboard fins.
Fin Wallet
Tidal Wake Padded Fin Wallet & Key Fin Storage, Store, Organize & Protect Fin Sets Holds 1-3+ Fins, Key Pocket & Hex Key Included, Holds Fins for Skim and Surf Style Wake Boards and Ocean Shortboards
You’ll be surprised by how often surfers misplace their fins. Yes, fins aren’t expensive but spending $20 on a set of new fins every other day can quickly get frustrating. However, this situation can be avoided with a fin wallet which helps store and organize fins.
This fin wallet has a front clear pocket which allows you to see the content of the wallet without opening it. It’s a great gift idea for any surfer.
Fin Puller
FINPULLER - Surfboard Fin Removal and Installation Tool
$25.00 in stock
I won’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of fin puller. Not all surfers would know about them. Fin pullers make it easy to remove and install fins on virtually any surfboard. Now, you might be wondering why anyone would need a device to remove and install fins. And it’s because fins removal and installation can be tricky sometimes and can even cause dents or other damages on the board. But with a fin puller, it’s going to be a walk in the park.
Your surfer friend or family may not even realize they need this product until you buy it for them. So, I guess someone might be pleasantly surprised with this fin puller.
FCS Ratchet
Some surfboard fin systems keep the fins in place via a screw-nut combo. For such boards, a FCS Ratchet will come in handy as they are designed to make unscrewing the most stubborn screws easy.
Surfboard Traction Pad
Dakine Superlite Surf Traction Pad Black
$34.95 in stock
Surfboard traction pads are essentially pieces of equipment for any surfboard. It helps surfers keep their feet in place when they push through turns. It also helps surfers with foot placement which can improve their surfing skills.
Traction pads usually come with new boards and they need to be replaced after some time so your surfer person is definitely going to appreciate this gift.
Surf Wax
EHOMEA2Z Surf Wax Cool Cold High Performance All Natural 6 Pack Grapefruit Scent (6)
Wax provides grip for the surfboard and prevents surfers from slipping off, thereby improving their surfing experience. Surfers are going to wipe out a lot while surfing but surf wax ensures those wipeouts aren’t due to insufficient grip between the feet of the surfer and the board.
Surf wax comes in two types. There is one type designed for cold water while the other one is for warm water. So the one you are going to buy will depend on the surfing destination of the person you are buying it for.
Pickle Wax Remover
Pickle Wax The Remover w/Wax Comb
ou now know the benefits of applying wax to surfboards. But after some time, wax won’t adhere to the board as much and there will be a need to remove the old layer of wax so a new layer of wax can be added to the board.
Surfers can attempt to scrape off the old layer of wax but the process isn’t only tiring but can potentially damage the board. An easy way around this is the pickle wax remover which makes it easy to remove wax from any surfboard.
Wetsuit Shampoo
Gear Aid, Revivex, Wetsuit & Drysuit Shampoo, 10 OZ, 30140, Clear
Taking care of wetsuits is not like your everyday laundry work. Also, rinsing wetsuits with fresh water and leaving them to dry isn’t going to be enough. Wetsuits are prone to damage from chlorine and salt which is abundant in saltwater.
And this is why a wetsuit shampoo is needed to clean and condition wetsuits. A wetsuit shampoo will also remove any odor and ensure the longevity of wetsuits which is highly desired because wetsuits are expensive.
Wetsuit Repair Glue
GEAR AID Aquaseal NEO Contact Cement for Neoprene and Wetsuit Repair, 4 fl oz, Black
Cuts can occur on wetsuits and such cuts has to be handled with care due to the material of the wetsuit (neoprene). You can just stitch neoprene or use any type of glue for them.
There are specially designed neoprene glues like this one that surfers can use repair cuts on their wetsuits. The benefits of this glue are that the glued area remains flexible and waterproof. Now tell me a surfer isn’t going to appreciate this thoughtful gift.
Tie Down Straps
OCEANBROAD Roof Rack CargoTie Down Strap 1.5 Inch 12.5 Feet 2 Pieces Pack for Surfboard SUP Board Kayak Canoe
Depending on the length and number of the surfboards being transported, a surfer may opt to put the boards on a roof rack. Now, the roof rack has to be secured to the car to prevent it from falling off and being damaged or constituting a nuisance to other road users.
This is where tie-down straps come in. This particular strap is made of durable UV-resistant polypropylene and a heavy-duty anodized zinc alloy cam buckle. It’s not going to snap or cut and will secure roof racks to vehicles.
Rack Pads
Dakine Long Aero Rack Pad - Black - 28" - 2 Pads
If your surfer friend transports their board on the roof of their cars, it won’t be enough to just place the boards on the roof of the car and secure it. They will need rack pads to provide optimum protection for the boards while on the roof. You can buy this rack pad if your surfer friend or family member isn’t already using one.
Surf Ear Plugs
Creatures of Leisure Surf Ears Plugs 3.0 Red Teal
Regular exposure to cold water and wind (which happens during surfing) can result in abnormal bone growth in the ear causing pain, inflammation, balance irregularities, or infection. It’s not a good condition to have.
However, using ear plugs will create an insulation barrier and prevent water and wind from entering the ear canal. Your surfer friend/family member will like that this ear plug won’t block their hearing. So, if you have someone in your life that surfs a lot, be sure to get them these earplugs.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Headhunter Heavy Duty Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 for Surfing - Natural Mineral Sunscreen Face Cream - Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Safe, Skin Defense Against Damage - Tinted Light Brown Formula (1 Pack)
You don’t have to be a surfer to know the benefits of using sunscreen. But what makes reef-safe sunscreen different from others on the market is that reef-safe sunscreens are better for the skin since they don’t contain harsh chemicals like parabens, benzophenones, and so on.
Your surfer loved one deserves the best and this reef-safe sunscreen is one of the best out there.
GoPro Camera
GoPro HERO8 Black E-Commerce Packaging - Waterproof Digital Action Camera with Touch Screen 4K HD Video 12MP Photos Live Streaming Stabilization
$264.15 in stock
3 used from $255.85
In case you aren’t familiar with GoPros, they are handy, portable, and durable action cameras that can be mounted to your head, helmet, bike handlebars, or surfboard.
The main benefits of GoPros are their portability and the ability to take high-quality footage without the need to hold them. This GoPro is one of the most expensive options on this list but totally worth it if you have the budget as your surfer loved one will be beyond thrilled.
Surf Watch
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Tide Data and Dedicated Surfing Activity, Cloudbreak
$269.99 in stock
Made by the reputable outdoor company, Garmin, this surf watch records the number of waves surfed, maximum speed reached, and distance traveled. It also provides tide data which allows surfers stay up to date on ocean conditions.
Heart rate, stress, and sleep are also monitored. And the smart notification feature means surfers can see messages right on their wrists. So what is there not to like about this watch??
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are no shortages of gifts to buy for surfers in your life. It all comes down to your budget and what you think the person will like the most. But at the end of the day, the gifts on this list are thoughtful, practical, and relevant and any surfer will appreciate you should you get them any of them.
