22 Best Gifts For Surfers 2021

by Candice Boyers
Published: Last Updated on

There’s a reason that surfers have a certain look. Sun-bleached hair, radiant eyes, and a peculiar, yet attractive, wetsuit tan. One of the best parts about loving a surfer is that they are so easy to buy gifts for. To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of 22 surfing gifts that are guaranteed winners.

If you’re looking for the best gift for surfers in your life, you’ve got a lot to choose from. Whether you’re shopping for a brother, a girlfriend, a father, or a close mate, these gift ideas for surfers will start you off on the right foot, whatever your budget may be.

Looking for the best place to book a surf holiday? Check out our recommendations for surfing in July.

Contents

The Top 22 Surfer Gifts

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  1.   The Ocean Warrior (Breath-Holding Course)

One of the best surf gifts is one that will keep on giving. With this in mind,  There are a  few courses to choose from priced between $49 and $249 dollars. We highly recommend getting the Ocean Warrior 2.0 breathing course.

Catching and riding huge waves will become much easier once you learn the incredible tips and tricks on breathing taught by professional big wave surfer, Mark Visser. This online course covers safety, water, land, and realistic courses for you or your loved one to enjoy.

Conquer monster waves with greater stealth and knowledge under your belt. This is a terrific gift for someone who is really seeking to improve their surfing skills and grow confidence in the water.

Read more about the values of breath-holding as a surfer here.

Ocean warrior breath holding course

  1.   Magnetic Shark Repellent

Looking for gifts for surfers that will keep them safe? We have taken a trip to Grootbros, a place with a stunning beach, and although we had our boards with us, we never surfed because the water was so sharky.

And although one wouldn’t go surfing in dangerous, shark-infested waters, there are some beaches that don’t have netting and where prevention is definitely better than cure. SHARKBANZ 2 is a scientifically tested, efficient, and sleek shark band that will provide protection to any surfer. This device will ensure that when you get home you can break out the cigars because you survived another surf.

This is done with a sophisticated electromagnetic forcefield emitted by the watch, using its magnets to repel away sharks.

Click here to view SharkBanz 2

  1.   Wetsuit Changing Mat

This might be one of the most overlooked surfing essentials. A wetsuit changing mat will revolutionize your or your friend’s surfing experience. It’s as simple as standing on the wetsuit changing mat, taking off your wetsuit, and then stepping off of it. No sand, no fuss.

Your wetsuit can then conveniently be packed away in a drawstring bag that is easy to put in your backpack or carry with you. This means your wetsuit no longer has to be damaged by sand or dirt, and it won’t be leaving big wet patches on your car seat, either.

  1. Surf Wax

Surf wax is an awesome gift for surfers when shopping on a budget. The little, sticky block is essential for an enjoyable ride and is not a once-off purchase. Boards need to be re-waxed on the regular and before you know it, you’ll need a new stick.

When choosing wax, it’s important to consider the temperature of the water will be. This will determine what type of wax is most effective.

Read our guide to choosing wax for surfboards here.

    1.   Seiko SKX009 Diving Watch

Although it may be a diving watch and not a surfing watch, the Seiko SKX009 diving watch is a great gadget to have in the water. Having a waterproof diving watch is a huge bonus for every surfer. You can dive headfirst into the deep, without any worry about your watch not being able to handle the water pressure.

The Seiko SKX009 is a fantastic, entry-level diving watch with a whole bunch of nifty features, like being able to go 200m (650 ft) deep and having convenient, illuminated dials. You can also check out the Seiko 007, it’s another great choice from the SKX range. With a black color scheme, it’s more diverse than the stylish Pepsi color scheme of the SKX009.

This brand is one of the most respected diving watch brands in the world, making it an excellent addition to our list of surfing gift ideas.

surfers riding on a wave

      1.   Grip Pad

Surfboard grip pad

Braving the waves is a journey. Finding your balance is a skill that every surfer has learned to harness and use. However, there are ways to ensure that you, your partner, or your friend manage to stay ‘on board’.

A grip pad goes a long way and is a great surfing gift for both new and experienced surfers. Having a surfboard traction pad will mean your board won’t be as slippery, giving a grip that allows for longer, more fulfilling surfs and sharper manoeuvers.

 

      1.   Surf Leash

Surf leash / leg strapThis is a must-have for adventurous surfers and even first-timers. The ocean is unpredictable. You never know when a beloved surfboard could be ripped away by the tides or you bail hard on a wave.

Keep your board by your side as you swim and find that ideal waiting spot with a durable surfboard leash. It is one of the most useful presents for surfers.

surf boards leaning against a wall

      1.   Reef-Safe Sunblock

Options for buying gifts for a surfer are many, but reef-safe sunblock is one of the most practical. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re out at sea on a pearler of a day. While this experience is fantastic at the moment, it can lead to painful aftermath if you get burned.

Rather than buy any sunblock, reef-safe sunblock is ocean-friendly and not harmful for the beautiful coral reef. Wearing reef-safe sunblock is just one way to thank the ocean for the fun it provides.

Read more about our reef-safe sunscreen suggestions here.

      1.   Surfer’s Plugs

Although this is one of the least glamorous gifts for surfer guys and gals, it certainly is a gem. It will save your loved ones from the oh-so-undesirable surfer’s ear that tends to really cramp a surfer’s style.

Surfer plugs stop ocean water from blocking up your ears, whilst also allowing sound to be heard. These make for one of the most wonderful, thoughtful combo-gifts for a surfer.

Surf Ears 3

  1.   O’Neill Reef Booties

When it comes to cool gifts for surfers, a pair of easy-to-slide-on and off reef booties are bound to be a win. Make sure to buy reef booties that are made with quality material and with a comfortable design.

Ankle-length reef booties make them convenient to take on and off and are useful in warm and cool water. We wish we had packed our booties when visiting the reef-bottom surf in Uluwatu. Cuts from harsh terrains of rock pools and coral reefs will be a thing of the past! In fact, Ollie bought me booties for Christmas a while back. They’ve prevented my feet from being shredded to bits in J-bay.

Read our Uluwatu surf guide here.

  1.   Changing Poncho

While I surf with a costume underneath, it’s not unusual for some guys to go commando underneath their wetsuit. In these instances, a changing poncho is a fantastic asset. With this in mind, a changing poncho is one of the most useful gifts for surfers around.

In addition to helping to change, these ponchos are also great to stay warm in between surf sessions.

candi surfing in rio

  1.   Tie-Down Straps

Not all epic surf spots are within driving distance from the home, and while some boards can fit in the car, this depends largely on the size of your board and how many people are coming along for the mission.

A set of tie-down straps is a useful gift for surfers as it gives the opportunity to zoot from spot-to-spot with space in the car. This leads us to the next great gift suggestion for surfers…

 

  1.   Rack Pads

Tie-downs for a surfboard are of little use if they scratch your car. Rack pads are the more affordable alternative to roof racks and serve as a safe and comfy resting place for your surfboard and you drive between spots.

When choosing rack pads, make sure that you go for quality. Overall, you want them to be easy to put on and take off, able to withstand the elements, and have enough padding to prevent your board from scratching your car. This is one of the good gifts for surfers that can also be great for paddlers and other water-sport junkies.

  1.   Wetsuit Shampoo

Chances are that if a surfer has ever told you that they don’t pee in their wetsuit, they’re telling a lie. If it’s not to warm you up on a cold day in the water, then it’s because your bladder can’t endure being surrounded by the vast ocean.

This is just one reason that surfers need to give their suits a proper washing after being in the water. Looking after a wetsuit and rinsing it of the salty sea water is a great way to make it last longer. And wetsuit shampoo can ensures that the job is done properly.

  1.   GoPro Hero 8

Document precious moments out at sea with the GoPro Hero 8. This is the perfect surf gift for every type of wave rider, for kooks and pro-shredders alike. Get your favorite rides on tape, allowing for the moment to be relieved and even learned from.

This particular GoPro is waterproof, with a streamlined design that will take your surf videos to the next level.

  1.   Board Bag

While surfboards can take a beating in the water, they need to be protected when not in use. This is especially true if you enjoy traveling to unforgettable surfing destinations. A board bag offers that little bit of protection that can make all the difference.

There are different types of board bags available. If the surfer in your life travels a lot between cities and countries, then you may want to look into a heavy-duty board bag. However, these material sock covers are very effective (and quite stylish) too.

surfing in blouberg

  1.   Fins and Toolkit

People often underestimate the importance of the fins on a board. A chip in a fin can have a noticeable impact on the performance of the surfboard. Some boards are designed to have more than one set up, and the fins can be swapped out depending on how the rider wants the board to move.

If you decide to gift the surfer in your life with a set of fins (and a fin key) then you may want to do your research and find out what fin set up their board has – and if they need any new fins.

  1.   Resin Repair Kit

When we discovered sun-powered resin, it changed our lives. A small ding can be easily fixed within a few seconds with this nifty tube. This can be a game-changer if you’re on a surf trip, ding your board, and need a quick fix.

The resin repair kit is one of the more affordable gifts for surfers that plays an invaluable role in the surfing game.

Jungle preset after

  1.   Extra-Large Beach Towel

A good-quality, extra-large beach towel is valuable for more reasons than one. If you’re surfing in cold conditions, then it can make you feel warm and cozy within an instant. On the other hand, surfing in warm conditions may prompt you to laze on the beach with a coconut in the sun afterward. A beach towel comes in handy in both instances!

But seriously, you can never have enough towels, and if your surfing buddy enjoys the water as much as we do, then you can bet your bottom dollar that this is a good option.

  1.   Coconut Air Freshener

If you ask a surfer what their favorite smell is, there’s a good chance that their list will include neoprene, the ocean, and coconut sunscreen. At least those are a few of my favorite aromas!

A coconut air freshener is the perfect stocking filler or “I was thinking of you” gift. It doesn’t break the bank but it does bring a smile to your face every time you get into the car.

 

  1.   Wax Remover

Ask any surfer and they’ll tell you that removing the wax from their board is an annoying, but necessary, process. After a while, the wax starts to lose its stickiness and the thick layer fails to serve a purpose.

Wax remover is one of the more unique gifts for surfers. As an added bonus, the bag that it’s sold in is 100% biodegradable!

  1.   Dawn Patrol Apple Watch App for Surf Tracking

This super cool app will transform any Apple watch into a surfer’s dream come true.  This remarkable app provides a way for surfers to gain insights into the daily ocean tides, as well as sharing health and activity information, all on your watch’s screen. And, if you’re anything like Ollie, it makes for great conversation with fellow surfers after a session.

The Dawn Patrol App makes choosing when and where to surf just that much easier, leaving more time for you to be out on the waves. This is a wonderful gift for surfers, especially ones like us who like to travel to new beaches and review their sessions.

Last Thoughts on Surf Gifts

When you eat, sleep, and breathe with your surfboard, you tend to understand what kind of cool gifts for surfers will bring the most joy.

We hope that you have a better idea of what to get for yourself or your salt-water-loving buddies when the occasion next arrives. Each of these gadgets and awesome tools will enhance every moment spent out in the ocean, riding the currents, and basking in the sunshine (or rain).

We hope you enjoy finding the ideal Christmas gifts for surfers, as well as presents for throughout the new year.

 

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1 comment

Steve Jeremy 4 February 2021 - 2:08 pm

What gift would you most like to receive as a surfer?

Comments are closed.