The crash of the waves, the smell of the ocean, the salty mist on your face, these are some of the thrills ocean life brings to us. For some reason, there’s something about the ocean that brings me peace, while at the same time instilling a fearful respect.
While I have lived the majority of my life near the ocean, I regrettably never learned to surf. Fortunately, my long time friend Dave has been surfing for most of his life. Thankfully, he helped choose some of these amazing surfing gifts and was my inspiration for the rest.
1. Surf Lessons
Best surfing gifts
For new surfers or those who want some more tips, you can find surf lessons in destinations all around the world.
Or you can get them a book about surfing, whether history of surfing, best surfing spots, or how to create their own surf shack.
If they have a bucket list of surf destinations, give them a world map with either pins or scratch off locations they have surfed.
2. Seaside Stay in Oahu
Luxury gifts for surfers
Help them start on their bucket list. Send them to one of the best surf destinations in the world, Oahu.
If they prefer something on the continent, you can find them a place in Malibu, California for a surf vacation. For world travelers, book a place in Gold Coast, Australia to ride the waves.
They will need air fare as well. You can get them an ocean themed luggage tag to put with the gift as a teaser.
3. Full Wetsuit
Best gifts for surfers
Ocean water can be cold, even during summer at some locations, especially riding those big waves that come from the middle of the ocean. Help keep their body temperature regulated with a full body wetsuit.
My friend, Gary, from Hawaii, also recommended half wetsuits. These are good for temperatures that aren’t quite as frigid.
Or for those who just need protection from rashes caused by wet skin rubbing against their board, a rash guard shirt will protect their upper body.
4. Skimboards
Alternative surfing gifts
Skimboards can be used by kids and adults. They are smaller than surfboards and don’t have fins. They can be used to do tricks in the water or to perform skateboarding tricks on the sand.
Another option is a bodyboard. These can be great for beginners to get the feel of riding the waves. However, because they are smaller than surfboards, leave the experienced surfers to ride on them while standing. First time surfers need a larger board for balance.
Another alternative to surfing for mild waters is a stand up paddle board. This is more my speed. I had fun following a pod of dolphins once while paddle boarding in the Gulf of Mexico. Inflatable paddle boards are easy to carry and set up right at the water. Get one with all the gear included so they can try it out right away.
5. Surfboard Furniture
Unique gifts for surfers
I was so excited to find these! This furniture is all handcrafted right here in the USA, so you are supporting local businesses, while giving someone some really unique creations. In addition to desks, you can get a coffee table, bar table, or have one customized as a sign for their business. I want the bar table for my patio, and I don’t even surf!
As a surfer gift that is a bit easier on the wallet, get them a Surfer clock to hang in their home reminding them it is time to hit the beach.
Or you can get creative and design a custom photo blanket with pictures of them surfing, surf destinations, waves, or the beach.
You might want to take a look at gifts for lovers of other sports too!
6. Surfboard Bag
Gift ideas for surfers
Whatever hobby someone has, it is important to protect equipment. Surfboard bags can protect their board, but can also protect their vehicle from wax transfer from their surfboard. My friend Dave says this is one of the top wished for gifts.
If they don’t have a way to store their surfboard, you can get them wall mounts to keep their board off the floor where the fin can easily be damaged.
For maintaining the board itself, they can always use more surfboard wax. This makes a great stocking stuffer.
7. Custom Swim Shorts
Surfing gifts for him
For Father’s Day, a pair of swim shorts with his kids’ faces will be a unique surfing gift for dad. Of course, you can always just get him a regular pair of swim trunks if you don’t think he’ll like the photo idea.
You can also get him a cool surfer tie clip for weekdays when he has to go into a meeting.
For long days at the beach, a backpack cooler will keep beverages and food cold, while being easy to carry along with surfing equipment.
Don’t forget a tropical scent air freshener for the car. You don’t want his vehicle smelling like a wet dog.
8. Customized Surfboard Wall Decor
Personalized surfing gifts
Personalized gifts say how much you care, because you put additional thought into the gift. For that personal touch at home, have a surfboard customized with their name to hang on the wall, reminding them of the ocean, even when they can’t be there.
As a stocking stuffer, get them a personalized surfboard keychain.
For entertaining, give them a personalized beach themed charcuterie board.
9. Beach Anklet
Surfing gifts for her
I spent my summers as a teen on the Fire Island beaches in New York. My life’s ambition was to be a beach bum and sell homemade jewelry to beachgoers for a living. It doesn’t matter if she works on Wall Street. Every surfer girl has a bit of beach bum inside her that loves cheap beach jewelry. It is her superpower.
Of course, for those times she is forced to wear shoes, she can still release that inner beach bum with a surfer bracelet. Or for relaxing after a day at the beach, give her some beach themed wine glasses. Make sure to give her a bottle of wine to go with them. If you’re lucky, she may invite you to share a drink with her.
10. Reef Friendly Sunscreen
Important surfing gifts
You can create your own gift basket with personal products that all surfers need. Everyone needs sunscreen, but you want to protect the environment. Make sure the sunscreen doesn’t have chemicals that will harm ocean life.
Add a hair mask and skin products for surfers to rehydrate hair and skin damaged by surf and sun. Then give them some lip balm with sunscreen. Sunburned lips are the worst!
11. Surfboard Fins
What to get someone who likes to surf?
Fins are an important part of the board but can get damaged if not handled with care. My friend, Gary, says fins make a great gift.
They will also need a leash to keep their board from getting lost in the surf and traction pads so the board won’t be slippery.
In addition, they will need some tie down straps to secure their board to their vehicle. There is nothing worse than their board flying off the car on the highway.
12. Surf Themed Shower Curtain
Presents for surfers
Can you think of a better way to decorate a surfer’s bathroom than with a beach theme? Choose from a fun selection of shower curtains with surfboards or ocean waves.
Get them a bath mat so they won’t slip, while getting out of the shower. Add a unique surfboard towel rack for hanging towels and clothing.
13. Wall Decor
What should I get my surfer girlfriend?
Get her wall art to decorate her home, so she can have the beach with her, even if it is miles away.
You could even get her surfer bedding so she can ride the waves in her dreams. Then get her a white noise machine with ocean sounds to lull her to sleep.
For a funny surfer gift, give her a mug with a silly saying to start her day with.
14. Wetsuit Changing Mat
Christmas gifts for surfers
This mat is a handy item. They can stand on it to remove their wetsuit. Then they just pull the drawstrings to enclose the wetsuit inside. The waterproof bag will keep their car dry from the wet gear. You can also get them a heavy duty wetsuit hanger to dry it from once they are back home.
Pair that gift with a wearable changing towel. They can slip the towel over their head and strip off wet clothing beneath it.
For kids who are aspiring surfers, get a swurfer. This is a stand on swing which will make them feel like they are riding the waves. They just need a tree to hang it from.
For a stocking stuffer give surfers a Shark Banz bracelet. The magnetic components in the bracelet work to overwhelm the shark’s electroreceptors. This is supposed to cause the shark to swim away to avoid the unpleasant sensation.
15. Balance Board Trainer
Surfing gifts for new surfers
A balance board trainer will help new surfers improve their balance before riding the waves. They will also need earplugs to prevent swimmer’s ear. Water booties will give them extra traction on the board.
My friend Dave recommends a large insulated water jug. A typical travel mug just doesn’t hold enough liquid. He also recommends a quick dry beach towel. These are lightweight, super absorbent, and don’t get matted down with sand.
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