Our gear editors walked into their local surf shops and went to town. Here are their top picks. Photo: The Inertia
It’s time to check your calendars, because the most wonderful time of the year is rapidly approaching. Life is a whole lot easier with online shopping, but you’ll still want to make sure to place your orders early as things tend to get backed up around the holidays. Knowing what to get for everyone on your list can be tricky, but we’re here to help. Here, we’ve rounded up a collection of gifts, perfect for the surfer or waterman in your life. Happy shopping!
Editor’s Note: For more great gift ideas, check out our Holiday Gift Guide for Snow-Lovers and our Holiday Gift Guide for the Outdoors.
O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Wetsuit
Made for hammering long sessions in cold water, the O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit combines numerous technologies to ensure a great fit that’s matched with high-level performance. Technobutter 3 neoprene locks in the warmth while retaining flexibility and the minimal seams are triple glued and blind-stitched for a watertight and flexible seal that’ll take a beating all winter long and beyond. The 4/3+ construction adds a critical bit of extra warmth to keep you out there longer.
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Vellus Parka
The pinnacle of Finisterre’s outerwear range, the Vellus Parka is built to protect you in the wildest weather. Boasting the brand’s highest waterproof rating and filled with down-free recycled insulation, the Vellus is designed to handle anything nature can throw at you. It’ll keep you warm and dry as you wait on the headland for waves to arrive, and it’s packed with features to get you out there in the face of the elements like a plethora of pockets, a fleece-lined hood, and internal, elasticated cuffs to seal in the warmth and prevent drafts.
Raw Elements Face + Body Sunscreen
No matter if it’s winter or summer, every surfer needs a reliable sunscreen in his or her arsenal, and Raw Elements makes some of the best and most eco-friendly in the game. Made from all-natural ingredients, the mineral-based sunscreen comes in recyclable/reusable tin, offers UPF 30 protection, and is reef-friendly. The active ingredient is zinc oxide and the sunscreen is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and extracts that work to protect your skin all day long. If you’re looking for a face-specific sunscreen, check out the Raw Elements Tinted Face Stick.
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Liquid IV
When spending long days in the saltwater and sun, staying hydrated is extra important. Liquid IV utilizes Cellular Transport Technology, which allows you to hydrate two times faster than with regular water. Liquid IV just released a variety pack featuring passion fruit, tropical punch, lemon lime, and strawberry – it’s a great option for stuffing the stocking.
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YETI Hopper Backpack Cooler
If you know someone who spends lots of time camping or at the beach, they’re sure to love a good backpack cooler. And YETI makes the best coolers out there. The Hopper M20 2.0 backpack can carry up to 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice and keep it all cold for days. The Hopper is well made, durable, comfortable to carry, with an easy-to use magnetic closure for quick access to drinks. For more options, check out our guide to the best backpack coolers.
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Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
Nothing’s better after a chilly surf than cozying up in a warm puffy jacket. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is sustainably made, is incredibly warm, lightweight, windproof, and comfortable. It packs down small, so you can easily bring it along for all of your travels. For more options, check out our guide to the best puffer jackets for men and women.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Everyone loves a good hammock. They’re the perfect way to relax at the beach or the campground. The double-wide hammocks are especially nice as you have enough room for a buddy or to spread out on your own. ENO makes incredibly durable and comfortable hammocks that everyone on your list is sure to love! For more options, check out our guide to the best hammocks.
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Isle Coronado Soft Top
If you know someone looking to get into surfing or who just wants a reliable soft top, the Isle Coronado Soft Top is your answer. Available in three fun colors, this board has a hybrid soft-top construction—meaning it rides like a hard board but with a soft top surface. This board comes in 7’6”, 8’0”, and 9,0”, so there’s a size for everyone. For more options, check out our guide to the best soft top surfboards.
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Slowtide Beach Towel
Like surf wax, you can never have enough beach towels. They’re a staple if you’re a regular on the sand and they get worn down after a few years, so it’s always nice to have extras. Slowtide’s towels are well-made, cozy, and they sport fun prints and patterns. For more options, check out our guide to the best beach towels.
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Costa Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential part of any surfer’s day bag. While we wouldn’t recommend wearing them on the water (unless you’re super confident in your strap), they’re great to throw on after a session for hangs on the beach. Costa makes some of the nicest and most fashionable sunglasses out there. We’re currently loving the Catherine for women and the Rincon for men. For more options, check out our guide to the best sunglasses.
See the Rincon See the Catherine
Sticky Bumps Surf Wax
Surfers can never have enough wax. That’s a fact. Surf wax is an affordable gift that makes a great stocking stuffer. If you’re looking for some small, extra presents to throw in stockings or secure to the top of a present, look no further.
Buy HereEditor’s Note: Thanks for reading! For more great gift ideas, check out our Holiday Gift Guide for Snow-Lovers and our Holiday Gift Guide for the Outdoors. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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