Gift Guide for Surfers: Gear Worth Paddling Out For.

The best gifts for surfers protect their board, keep their car clean or get them to the next wave. Think a day bag for the board, a waterproof tote for wet wetsuits, fresh wax, earplugs for cold water or a surf trip.

Every surfer has the same morning ritual. Check the forecast. Load the car. Search for the wax that rolled under the seat. A good gift makes one part of that ritual easier. From stocking stuffers to the big gift, this guide helps you find a present that gets used before the next swell.

My Quick Picks.

Short on time? Here's what I'd give at every budget.

Budget

My Pick

Why It Works

Under $25

Surf wax and a wax comb

Used every single session

Under $50

Silicone earplugs

Protects their ears for years

Under $100

A waterproof surf tote

Ends the wet wetsuit problem

$250 and up

A board day bag

Saves the rails from dings

The big one

A surf trip

The gift they'll talk about all year


Before You Buy.

Find out three things first. What board they ride. How cold their water gets. And their wetsuit size if you're thinking about neoprene.

A longboarder in California and a shortboarder in the cold Atlantic want very different gifts. If you can't find out without ruining the surprise, I'd go for something that fits everyone. Wax, earplugs or a gift card.

For the Drive to the Beach.

Most dings don't happen in the water. They happen in the car, in the parking lot and on the walk to the sand.

  • A day bag for the board. The Surf Daybag Single Mid-length fits boards from 6'4" to 7'6". It compresses to a fraction of its size when it's not in use. Check their board length before you order.

  • Surf wax and a wax comb. Fresh wax restores traction on the deck before the next session.

  • A car key lockbox. Ask any surfer where they hide their key. The answer is usually a tire, a bumper or a prayer. A lockbox on the car ends that habit.

  • Polarized sunglasses. Checking the waves from the parking lot is half the ritual. Polarized lenses cut the glare so they can spot the sets.

  • Soft roof racks. Padded straps that can work on many cars without permanent roof bars. No roof bars needed, so boards travel on top and not on the seats.

For the Session.

These are the gifts that go in the water with them.

  • Earplugs. Years of cold water can cause surfer's ear, a bony growth in the ear canal. Stanford Health Care recommends silicone earplugs or a neoprene hood to prevent it. If they surf in cold water, this is the gift I'd choose.

  • A UV long sleeve or rash guard. Covers the arms and back from hours of sun. Less sunscreen, less burn.

  • A surf hat. A brimmed hat with a chin strap that stays on when a wave hits. For long summer sessions and tropical trips.

  • Boardshorts or a surf bikini. Made to stay on through wipeouts. Only if you know their size and style.

  • A spare leash. Leashes snap at the worst possible moment. A spare in the trunk saves the session.

  • Reef-friendly sunscreen. A face stick that stays put in the water. Long sessions add up.

  • A new wetsuit or board. Both are great gifts. Both are very personal. Only buy one if you know their exact size and taste. Otherwise a gift card from their local surf shop does the job.

  • A dawn-patrol kit. Headlamp, insulated mug, snacks and a small towel for those pre-work sessions.

  • A set of fins. New fins change how a board feels. Check whether their board uses FCS or Futures before you buy.

  • An action camera with a mount. A GoPro on the board or in a mouth mount films the ride from their point of view. Great for checking their technique after the session.

For the Parking Lot Change.

Getting out of a wet wetsuit in the wind is part of surfing nobody talks about. These gifts make it less awkward.

  • A changing poncho. A towel with sleeves and a hood. Privacy in a crowded parking lot.

  • A waterproof tote. A wet wetsuit on the back seat is a smell that lasts. Our Surf Essential Tote 80L has waterproof fabric and taped seams. Wetsuit, towel and sandy sandals all go in. The car stays clean.

  • A portable shower. A pressurized water tank for the trunk. Rinse the salt off before the drive home. Fill it with warm water in winter and you'll be their favorite person.

For the Flat Days.

No waves? Surfers still think about surfing. These gifts fill the gap.

  • A surf skate. A fun way to practice carving and turns when the ocean is flat.

  • A ding repair kit. Flat days are repair days. Small cracks and open dings can let water into the board, so a basic repair kit is useful for quick fixes. Check whether their board is PU or epoxy before choosing the resin.

  • A wetsuit care kit. A wide hanger and a bottle of wetsuit shampoo. Their wetsuit lasts longer and smells better.

  • A shaping class. A day with a local shaper building a board together. I can't think of a better way to spend a flat week.

  • A surf movie night. Popcorn and a stack of films. Our list of surf films so bad they're good covers the guilty pleasures.

  • A coast protection membership. Groups like the Surfrider Foundation work to keep beaches and waves clean. A membership in their name supports the breaks they love.

  • A board rack. Gets the quiver off the floor and onto the wall. If you're handy you can build one yourself from an old pallet or a few planks. I like that idea even better. It's a gift with a story.

For the Surf Trip.

A surf trip is the dream gift. Pick the destination, book the camp and let them do the rest. Our guide to the best European surf camps is a good place to start.

They'll need a way to get their boards there. Flying with a quiver needs padding, wheels and room for more than one board. Our surfboard travel bags are built for exactly that.

Add a surf photo session at the new break. Finally they'll have proof of that wave they keep talking about.

Build Them a Surf Kit.

Can't pick just one? Combine a few small gifts into a kit. It feels bigger than any single present and every piece gets used.

  • The cold water kit. Silicone earplugs, cold water wax and a wetsuit care kit.

  • The road trip kit. A changing mat, a spare leash and a car key lockbox.

  • The first wave kit. A surf lesson, reef-friendly sunscreen and a changing poncho.

Wrap everything in a beach towel. No paper needed and they'll use the wrapping too.

If you'd rather let them choose, I'd go digital. A Db gift card lets them pick the bag that fits their quiver. Want to pick it yourself? Shop our surf gifts.

Whatever you choose, start with what they ride and where they surf. Get it right and you'll hear about it after every session. Get it wrong and there's always wax.

Frequently Asked Questions.

What Is a Good Gift for a Beginner Surfer?

Surf lessons are the best start. A few sessions with a good instructor beat a season of trial and error. Add a changing poncho and reef-friendly sunscreen. Skip the expensive board for now. Most beginners learn on a rental or a foam board.

What Is a Good Cheap Gift for a Surfer?

Surf wax, a wax comb, a spare leash or silicone earplugs all cost under $50. Surfers use them so often that they always need more.

How Do You Know Which Surf Wax to Buy?

Surf wax is sold by water temperature, from cold to tropical. Check the water temperature where they surf most or look at the wax already in their car. A base coat works in any water.

What Is a Good Last-Minute Gift for a Surfer?

A digital gift card arrives by email. A membership with a coast protection group can be set up online the same day. You can also book a surf lesson or a photo session and print the confirmation.

What Should You Not Buy a Surfer?

Skip novelty surf decor unless you know their taste. Avoid bulky gadgets that won't fit in the car. A small gift they use every session beats a big one that collects dust.