If you’re looking for a gift for the surfer in your life, you’re in the right place. Surfers are simple creatures. If there are waves, we’re happy; if there aren’t, we’re anxiously waiting for them. Fortunately for you, we’re easily distracted and easy to please. A new board, some quality neoprene, or maybe a changing poncho, and we’ll be left smiling, daydreaming about the next surf where we get to put our new gear to the test. From cold-water essentials to post-session comforts, our guide has something for every surfer and every budget.
And if you don’t find the perfect gift here, we’re confident you will somewhere in The Inertia’s surf gear coverage! For more, check out our guide to The Best Gifts for Snowboarders and stay tuned for our guide to The Best Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers.
dryrobe Advance
Nothing is worse than changing in a cold parking lot. Sliding into a wetsuit with nothing but a beach towel between you and the elements is no way to start your surf session. The dryrobe Advance makes the parking lot wetsuit dance much more enjoyable. With a quick-drying fleece lining and a durable, water- and windproof shell, the Advance keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable before and after your surf session.
The outer shell is in a league of its own: tough nylon that’s fully waterproof and windproof, but extremely breathable, moving sweat and moisture away from the body and out of the garment without compromising warmth or waterproofing. Additionally, the entire garment is made from 100 percent recycled materials, so it’s a purchase you can feel good about, too.
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Buy NowVuori Seaside Pullover Hoodie
A cozy hoodie is a staple item in everyone’s wardrobe, surfer or not. But on those mornings when there’s a chill in the air, the marine layer is hanging around, and getting out of bed for dawn patrol feels daunting, a top-tier hoodie goes a long way. And surf checks are downright cozy with Vuori’s Seaside Pullover Hoodie.
This heavyweight hoodie blends ultra-soft brushed-back fleece with a relaxed, classic fit. It’s made from an organically grown cotton blend with a bio-wash finish for a soft-to-the-touch feel. With just the right amount of stretch and a classic kangaroo pocket, Vuori takes the classic hoodie to the next level in the Seaside Pullover.
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Buy NowPatagonia 4/3 Regulator Full Wetsuit
Quality rubber is like oxygen. You don’t notice it until it’s not there. A good wetsuit should feel like a natural extension of yourself when you’re surfing. It keeps you warm enough while letting you paddle and surf with ease. A bad wetsuit, on the other hand, makes paddling feel like you’re moving through molasses and leaves you wanting just a bit more warmth.
The Patagonia Regulator 4/3 Full Wetsuit blends premium design, fit, and feel with sustainable Yulex rubber. With a redesigned U-zip to prevent flushing, the team at Patagonia pulled out all the stops in crafting this stretchy, neoprene-free 4/3mm full suit. Early on, there was a clear difference in performance, fit, and feel between traditional neoprene and sustainable Yulex. Today, Yulex holds its own against traditional neoprene, and this suit is proof. Check out our wetsuit guide for more options.
Shop Mens Shop Women'sCreatures of Leisure Reliance 2.0 Leash
A good leash is a must-have for every surfer. Nothing ruins a session faster than a broken leash. Paddling hundreds of yards, duck diving countless times, and finally making it out the back, only to have to swim in after your board is a miserable experience we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy.
Whether you’re packing for a surf trip or preparing for the upcoming El Niño winter, having a few extra leashes is never a bad idea. The Creatures of Leisure Reliance 2.0 is a resilient, durable leash made to last in all types of surf. With its patented Stronger DNA 2.0 (Spiral flex and scallop design), a secure non-slip cuff, and a safe quick release, this leash has everything you need to handle heavy winter surf. Check out our favorite leashes for more options.
Buy NowManera Seafarer U-Zip Wetsuit
It’s a common misconception that wetsuit thickness is the primary indicator of its warmth. In reality, the quality of a wetsuit’s seals and its watertightness contribute significantly to comfort and warmth. The Seafarer U-Zip Wetsuit offers a premium fit and feel that’s easy to get on and off.
The U-Zip offers an ergonomic, more flexible design than traditional zips, ensuring a comfortable fit, reliable watertightness, and easy access. Designed to lay flat across the shoulder, chest, and shoulder blade, the U-Zip reduces pressure points during paddling and repetitive movements, improving comfort and flexibility.
Buy NowVans Surf Bootie 3 MM
Vans knows footwear, so when they released a surf bootie several years ago, the industry took notice. Beyond the signature Vans logo, the newest iteration, the Vans Surf Bootie 3 MM, delivers performance reminiscent of the brand’s legendary skate shoe.
In its third version, the Vans Surf Bootie is easier to slip on and off while still retaining the tight feel that lets you forget it’s there and just surf. Yulex rubber keeps you warm, while the durable outsole gives you the grip and board feel you need to perform in cold water. For more, browse our selection of favorite booties here.
Buy NowKaohi Deluxe Changing Bucket
Every surfer needs somewhere to stash their wet gear. Whether you’re stopping off for a bite to eat after a session or road tripping to another break, throwing your waterlogged wetsuit in the trunk is a recipe for disaster.
That’s where the Kaohi Deluxe Changing Bucket comes in. Made from the same rugged material as inflatable SUPs, this changing bucket holds all your gear (wetsuits, leashes, impact vests, rash guards, slippers, towels, etc.) and keeps your car dry. The bucket’s padded bottom makes changing a breeze.
”BuyOuterknown Blanket Shirt
Nothing beats slipping into a soft flannel after a few hours in the water. The Outerknown Blanket Shirt is the pinnacle of all flannels. Crafted from 100-percent organic cotton BlanketWeave twill and buttons made from nuts, this flannel isn’t just cozy; it’s sustainable.
The Blanketshirt has become our go-to for chilly morning surf checks and even date nights. It’s beyond comfortable and easy to dress up or down. If you’ve got a surfer in your life, elevate their wardrobe with the Outerknown Blanket Shirt. Check out more of our favorite flannels here.
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ThermoBall Traction Booties
Keeping your toes warm before and after your surf has never been easier. The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties are our favorite camp booties and the perfect gift for cold-water surfers.
These slip-on booties offer all the warmth of a down bootie with lightweight ThermoBall insulation. With a non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish, these booties will keep you dry as you check the waves. Shop more of our favorite surf slippers here.
Buy NowIn Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer’s Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road
Few books truly capture surfing, surf culture, and the adventure that accompanies a life dedicated to surfing like In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer’s Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road. In this memoir, author Allan Weisbecker recounts his road trip searching for his lost surf buddy throughout Mexico and Central America.
Along the way, he weaves in stories from his past, working as a drug runner, chasing swells south of the border, and captaining ships in dangerous waters – all in an effort to live a life dedicated to surfing. If you’ve got a bookworm surfer in your life, this one is a no-brainer.
Buy NowSurfDry
Surf Dry: a gift for the perpetually wet wetsuit wearer or the techy surf nerd. This electric wetsuit dryer will make winter less miserable. SurfDry is easy to set up (about 30 seconds) and dries your wetsuit and booties completely overnight. If you’re sick of the smell of mildew emanating from your surfing significant other’s car, this may be the perfect gift.
Buy NowNocs Zoom Tube
The Zoom Tube is here to make surf checks easier. This affordable, everyday monocular is designed for the outdoors and features fully multi-coated optics and premium BaK4 prisms for crisp detail.
It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or glove box and rugged enough to withstand the hazards of a spontaneous road trip. It’s also backed by the Nocs No-Matter-What Lifetime Warranty.
Buy NowCatch Surf Beater Original 54 PRO
Buy NowLet’s face it, the waves aren’t always good. That’s where a soft-top comes in, turning a mushy day into a fun one. The reimagined Catch Surf Beater 54 Pro is a soft-top that the advanced surfer in your life can have a blast on in any conditions, with enough performance to hold its own when the waves get steeper.
Removable fins, a water-resistant core, dual maple-ply stringers, and a high-density bottom mean the Beater (as the name suggests) can take a beating, from shore break to slop. Take the fins out, and you’ve got a perfect body board for the groms.
Looking for something for the truly small days? Take a look at our guide to The Best Soft-Top Surfboards, and choose something that’s over eight feet long, like the Catch Surf Log.
The Nami Collective Essential Box
Why choose one gift when you can give 10? The Nami Collective Essential Box covers all the bases for surf accessories. This box includes beach-proof storage, sunscreen, emergency ding repair, Fix Manufacturing’s 3-in-1 surf tool, wax, wax remover, and much more.
There’s even frame-worthy artwork by a featured artist, and the overall presentation is bar-none and hardly requires wrapping. Each box supports independent and women-owned surf brands. Shop the Essentials box and others on the Nami Collective site.
Buy NowEditor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here
