If you are not a surfer yourself, buying gifts for one can be difficult. Especially if they are experienced surfers who already have a lot of the kit and items they need.
But as with any hobby, there are some super cool accessories that a surfer wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves. But would still like to have.
Some of these might be a little pricey. Or just not an essential part of surfing. But if someone is into surfing, there are few accessories and additional items that they wouldn’t appreciate having.
These can be items of interest such as books about surfing. Or they can be practical items such as waterproof earbuds or watches. There are a lot more options than you might think. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for all kinds of surfers.
Top Pick
Got a birthday coming up soon and need that gift ASAP? No problem, here’s our top pick for the best gift for surfers.
Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die: Surfing Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations
Our top pick for the best gift for surfers is this beautiful and exciting book. If you are buying for someone who really loves surfing, then they will want to know everything about it. And they likely want to surf in as many places as possible.
Some beaches around the world are famous for surfing. This book will allow any surfer to dream about traveling to them. Or even help them to plan their next trip.
As well as containing great information, this is a really beautiful book. It is available as an ebook. But we definitely recommend that you gift this as a physical copy. Gifting an ebook just doesn’t have quite the same vibe. And this is a beautiful book to have on display.
It comes in hardback. So it will look great on a coffee table. Or just displayed upright on a bookcase or bookshelf. This is the best kind of book to get as a gift. It is something that will be interesting for the person receiving the gift.
But it is also something beautiful that they would feel is too extravagant to buy for themselves.
As well as great places for surfing, this book includes lots of interesting stories from surfers around the world. So this will be an interesting book for surfers of all levels of interest and experience. As well as surfers from around the world.
Pros
- Hardback – This will be a beautiful book to display.
- Includes Personal Stories – This book isn’t just about places, but the people who surf there and love the area as well.
- Includes Beautiful Photos – Whether you have plans to travel or not, this book will have you wanting to plan a surf trip ASAP.
Cons
- A Little Expensive – This is definitely a coffee table kind of book.
Atlantic Time & Tide Clock
Knowing the times of the tide are super important for swimming. It’s possible to check it online. But having something as classic and smart as this time and tide clock is much nicer. This clock would look smart in any home aesthetic.
But especially one with a beachy vibe. Which is pretty likely the style of most surfers. If you’re buying for someone who loves the beach, then this will look great throughout their home.
That said, this clock is made from plastic. It is durable and very lightweight. So it will be easy to hang up. And you won’t have to worry about it falling down. Or not being supported by the hook. And it does have a wood-like appearance.
Of course, this is also a practical item. This will be super useful for anyone who lives near the ocean or visits regularly. But will be especially great for a surfer.
The tide and waves is so important for surfing. And knowing when you can get to the beach is a huge time saver. Even if you want to spend the whole day there and are happy to wait for the tide to go out. It is still useful to know when you will be able to surf best.
Pros
- Practical and Beautiful – This clock can be used for the practical purpose of knowing when the tide is high or low. But it will also look beautiful in any space.
- Affordable – You would be able to find cheaper clocks. But for the technology and overall style, this is very affordable.
- Detailed – This clock shows the hours and minutes. As well as the high tide, low tide, and half tides.
Cons
- Does not work in the Gulf of Mexico.
HolyHigh Wireless Sports Headphones Waterproof
No products found.Surfing can be both super calming and super exhilarating. So listening to music or a podcast can help to further chill you out or hype you up. Especially if you’re buying a gift for a surfer who regularly enters competitions.
Listening to music can help them to get in the zone.
Some surfers love the sound of the waves and the peace and quiet of the ocean. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t sometimes enjoy a podcast or some music. So these are a great gift for pretty much anyone.
But these earbuds are especially great for surfers. For one, they are waterproof. This is of course essential for any electronic product used while surfing. These earbuds can be submerged in up to 3ft of water for 30 minutes.
That doesn’t sound like very much. But that means they can still work after being in 3ft of water for 30 minutes continuously. So when someone is only in and out of the water or being splashed with water, these earbuds will be just fine.
Another way these earbuds are great for surfers is because they are wireless. These earbuds connect to a device via Bluetooth. And can be charged in a small case. They have up to 36 hours of battery life.
So a surfer can easily spend the whole day at the beach and in and out of the ocean without having to recharge them.
The shape of the earbuds themselves is also great for surfing. A lot of wireless earbuds simply sit or slot into the ear. But this can make them prone to fall out.
These earbuds hook around the ear. So they are much less likely to fall out. Even when they wipe out and get hit by the board.
Pros
- Waterproof – This is essential for surfing.
- Hooks Around Ears – This makes them less likely for them to fall out.
- Wireless – So you won’t have to worry about the wire becoming tangled or caught.
- Affordable – For wireless Bluetooth earbuds, these are super affordable.
Cons
- Only available in one color.
No products found.
Surf Maps World Map
This is a great item to be gifted along with the book above. This is a super fun and colorful world map. And is covered with images of the different countries and their cultures. But also countries which are renowned for their surfing and coastlines.
This is another gift that will be a great decor item. It is really fun and its range of colors means that it will suit a lot of different home decoration styles. Some world maps will be very scientific or have a vintage vibe. There’s nothing wrong with this.
But they will only look good in certain homes. This map will be a great gift, even if you have no idea how the person you’re buying for has styled their home.
As mentioned above, this map would be a great companion for 50 Places to Surf Before You Die. The surfer you’re buying for will be able to plan out their trips with both the book and the map.
The map can allow them to contextualize and understand where these places are. It also highlights beaches and places to surf. As well as how cold or warm these areas are. As well as the kind of waves there.
This is also great for a surfer who already goes on surfing trips. They can display the map in a frame. Or they can use it as a practical item and mark off where they have been. This will be great to look back on over the years.
But can also be used to come up with an idea of where to go next. They can even add their own symbols for whether or not they think it’s a great place to return to.
Pros
- Fun and Colorful – This will be a great addition to any home.
- Highlights Surfing Locations – This map is absolutely covered with great surfing spots.
- Highlights Tide Types and Temperatures – With a few little symbols, this map tells you how cold or warm the water is. Plus what the waves will be like.
Cons
- A little expensive for a map.
Energify Vacuum Insulated Food Jar
This might not seem like something specifically for surfers. But it will still be appreciated. This food jar can be filled up with snacks, soup, hot coffee or tea, or basically any kind of food or beverage that can be transported.
This is great for taking to the beach. Especially if you’re buying for someone who spends the majority of their time at the beach. Especially in bad and cold weather, they will be grateful for having a hot soup or drink in their backpack.
This is a super durable thermos. So it will be fine getting knocked about in a backpack. Or placed on a rock or sand. It can, of course, be a little scratched if it is badly damaged. But it has a scratch-resistant non-slip base.
So you can balance this on a rock, on a board, or in the sand easily. It also comes with a carry bag for extra protection.
Practically speaking, this thermos is excellent. It includes a foldable spoon that can be clipped into the top of the lid. So it won’t get in the way or get lost. The lid doubles as a bowl.
Or the contents can be poured directly through the lid using the air pressure release button.
Pros
- Scratch-Resistant and Non-Scratch Base – This is perfect for use on rocks and sand which are prone to scratching.
- Available in Different Colors – This thermos is great for someone who likes to match their backpack with their wetsuit and their board.
- Includes Spoon – This thermos also comes with a spoon that can be folded up.
- Available in Two Sizes – Choice between 17oz and 24oz so can be used for a quick trip or a full day out.
Cons
- Small size is a little too small.
Buyers’ Guide
Buying Practical Gifts
Buying something practical as a gift can sometimes feel a little boring. But, if you’re buying for someone who is a super keen surfer, there’s a good chance that they will appreciate it. Especially if it is something a little different.
This can be a type of board wax that they might not have come across before. Or a book about surfing. These might not seem particularly interesting to a non-surfer. But they can be an exciting gift for a regular surfer.
So, don’t completely avoid something practical. They can definitely still be fun and appreciated. You can even pair it with something fun and non-essential.
(But, of course, not impractical.) If you want, you can make a bundle or hamper of really nice practical items. This can be the surfing equivalent of buying someone some really nice toiletries.
Buying someone basic shower items isn’t particularly exciting. But buying someone really nice items, especially ones that the receiver really loves but wouldn’t usually buy for themselves, can be a really lovely gift.
Buying Surfing Gear
Unless you are a surfer yourself. Or you know that the person you’re buying for desperately needs new gear. It’s best to steer clear from buying them a surfboard, a wetsuit, or any kind of essential surfing gear.
If they need new gear and can’t afford it. Or if they want something a little more expensive than they can afford, but you can, then this can be a thoughtful gift. But buying gear for someone else’s hobby is pretty risky.
You likely don’t know the exact kind of board they need. Or the kind they like to use the most. The same is true with wetsuits. So, there’s a chance that you might end up buying something they won’t or can’t use.
This will be a waste of money. And puts the receiver in an awkward position when they receive it.
It’s best to go with something fun or a bit different. Something that they wouldn’t usually buy for themselves. This will make the gift more appreciated. As well as more special and interesting.
Surfing and Electronics
When it comes to surfing, electronics aren’t a complete no-go. As a general rule, it’s best to keep electronics and water very far away from each other. But a lot of modern technology is waterproof or water resistant.
So you can buy a surfer a pair of waterproof earbuds (best to go wireless) or a waterproof watch. But it’s important to be savvy about what exactly waterproof means. Especially the difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant”.
Waterproof doesn’t mean that the electronic item can stay under deep water indefinitely. So it’s important to double-check just how waterproof an item is. For example, some electronic watches can be fine being under 50ft of water for hours at a time.
But you can also find some watches that can only go down to 3ft of water for 30 minutes. These are both fine for surfing. But it’s best to check just in case. As some will be even less waterproof.
Water-resistant electronic items are also fine for some situations. But not always for surfing for long periods at a time. Especially for those quiet days when you’re lounging in the water and letting your arms just float.
Water-resistant products aren’t designed to go underwater. Instead, they would be fine if some water splashed or spilled on them. So, they would be safe to take to the beach. But perhaps not worn while surfing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear Apple watches surfing?
If you’re wondering if you can re-gift an Apple Watch. Or know a surfer would appreciate an Apple Watch, but want them to make the most of it, you might be wondering how waterproof it is.
Luckily, Apple Watches are waterproof up to 50 meters. So an Apple Watch will be absolutely perfect for a surfer.
What does every surfer need?
Essentially, every surfer needs a board, wax, and a wetsuit. Pretty much everything else is a personal choice. As mentioned above, it’s best to steer clear of essentials when it comes to gifts.
Unless you’re going to splurge on a super expensive surfboard or wetsuit that the surfer wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.
Otherwise, stick to something fun or surfing-adjacent. Most of the items above are extra things or accessories that will be appreciated. But aren’t essential. Which are the sort of things that make the best gifts.