Holiday Gift Ideas to Stoke Out the Surfer in Your Life

Slater Designs: Great White TwinGreat White Twin
Built for small- to medium-sized surf, it’s not often you hear Kelly Slater wish the conditions were smaller, but riding the board for the first time he was hooked and didn’t want to get off of it. “I think I’ve done a couple of turns that are as good as I could do on a regular thruster,” Slater explained in a video drop about the model, the  Great White Twin from Slater Designs. Working with Woo in Bali over the course of several months, Slater notes that they nailed the design on the first try. When asked about his fascination with sharks, Slater reveals that the first surfboard he ever owned had an airbrush of the “Jaws” poster on the bottom.

Hobie: Dale Velzy
Nearly 70 years since Hobie Alter opened Hobie Surfboards—and Dale Velzy subsequently opened a Velzy shop five miles south in San Clemente the following year—a simple twist of fate has brought Hobie and Velzy together again. Hobie Surfboards has been building some classic Velzy designs lately, and they're simply beautiful. “We’re really excited to now be building Surfboards by Velzy,” tells  Hobie brand manager Kris Carlow. “Velzy’s boards have not been available for quite some time. We made a connection with Fran Hoff [Velzy’s widow and the owner of Surfboards By Velzy] and are assisting Fran with the endeavor.”

Wetsuits

Patagonia: Men's R2 Wetsuit 
After nearly five years of development, last year Patagonia released their newly designed line of neoprene-free Yulex fullsuits. In an effort to boost flexibility, comfort and performance, the wetsuits are reportedly 20% more stretchy while also being 5% lighter than their previous suits. Paying special attention to the shoulder area, they’ve also updated the interior lining of the suit for additional wearability. Another big update in Patagonia’s newest fleet of suits is that they’ve also been designed to be easier to repair. And when suit’s finally worn out, they are able to be recycled into other products. Shop now >>>

Vissla: New Seas 3-2 U-Zip Wetsuit
It's all about the entry system when it comes to Vissla's innovative New Seas 3-2 U-Zip Wetsuit. With its scooped, U-shaped zipper system, this suit is not only easier to get in an out of than your normal front zip suit, it's also warmed because it's less prone to flushing. Made with 80% limestone rubber and 20% recycled nylon, it's a suit you can feel good about wearing. Shop now >>>

Rip Curl: E7 Flashbomb Fusion 3/2mm Zip Free Fullsuit Wetsuit
Touted for its seams that don't leak, the Flashbomb Fusion is the marquee suit in the Rip Curl line. The Fusion Dry Seam Technology means that panels of rubber are cut at angles, overlapped and welded together without using any stitching, which means less water gets in. The E7 Flash Lining keeps the suit nice and toasty, while also drying quickly. Shop now >>>

Boardshorts

Florence: F1 Burgee Cordura Boardshort
Field tested on the North Shore and in some of the heaviest waves around the world, the Florence's F1 boardshorts are made for surfing. Built with durable Cordura fabric, they're both indestructible and highly performance minded. Like everything Florence makes, there's an attention to detail in these trunks that really shines when you get them in the water. Shop now >>>

Outerknown: APEX Trunks By Kelly Slater
Designed by the GOAT himself, Kelly Slater's signature boardshort, the APEX, is a testament to the marriage of performance and sustainability. Made with 100% post-consumer waste, like plastic water bottles, the trunks feature a 4-way stretch recycled polyester for maximum mobility, stitch-free welded seams and smooth inside fly to eliminate chafe. Quick Dry for minimal water absorption, they even fold up nicely and pack up into the back pocket. Shop now >>>

Katin: Waterman Trunk
The original boardshorts, nobody does it quite like Katin, and the Waterman Trunk exemplifies this. Made for surfing, an iteration of this design has been keeping surfers covered for over half a century. Made of nylon, rugged and tough, they're everything you need in the water and nothing you don't. Get back to basics in this truly original slice of surfing. Shop now >>>

Accessories

DJI Camera: Osmo Pocket 3
Content production has never been this easy and this good. If you're remotely serious about documenting your exploits and sharing them with the world, DJI has an arsenal of killer, easy-to-use cameras and mics that capture content with incredible quality. The gimbal stabilization means that you can shoot on the move and it will still look good. If you're considering upgrading from your phone's camera, DJI's tech can do it all. Shop now >>>

Spy Sunglasses: Helm Tech
Long days on the water require dependable eye protection and that's exactly what the Spy Helm Tech were made for. Featuring an easily removable side shields, so you can block out the sun when the glare's kicking. Hidden sweat channels in both the nose pads and inner temples keep you cool when the heat is on , while SPY+’s revolutionary therapeutic Happy™ lens tech is scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness while enhancing color and contrast. Shop now >>>

Patagonia Black Hole pack
Ideal for just about any adventure you find yourself on, the Black Hole 32-liter pack is durable, weather-resistant and made for the elements. There's a laptop compartment for your compeuter and a large storage section for everything else. "It delivers the same legendary performance you expect from our Black Hole bags, but with a huge step toward impact reduction with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and now a pioneering recycled TPU-film laminate with a sleek matte finish," reports Patagonia. It is built in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Shop now >>>

Gift Ideas For Surfer: Women

Surfboards

XO Coco Surf- Silhouette
The arrival of Coco Ho’s signature line of surfboards was a much welcomed and heralded event in the world of surfing. With the help of the team at Album, XO Coco Surf has an absolutely killer lineup of boards from tiny fishes to proper logs. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything from them but the Silhouette is our choice. “An ode to the silhouettes of the '70s. This simple and functional design features a wide point forward for ease of paddling and acceleration. The pulled-in pin tail with a channel bottom gives you hold when you need it most.”

Channel Islands Mid
About as classic as a mid-length can get, the CI Mid would make for an excellent gift for the cruisey surfer girl in your life. Whether it’s thigh-high and mushy or overhead and pumping, this board can go through the paces. If you want a board that will help you draw new lines at your go-to spot, the CI Mid is hard to beat.

Firewire Mashup
The Mashup is a combination of Firewire’s two most popular designs, the Seaside and the Spitfire, and its fun template matched with lightweight and durable construction makes it an easy pick for our list. This one would be an excellent daily driver for any lady who’s keen on shorter boards and making the most of every session.

Wetsuits

Florence 3mm Wetsuit
The team at Florence is committed to designing the best possible products and their wetsuits are no exception. With premium Japanese materials and a made-to-order model, you can guarantee that a suit from them will be cozy and warm and keep you in the water as long as you like. We recommend trying the 3mm for Southern California winters but they also have 3/2’s and 4/3’s, and many more thickness options, in various color ways. Shop now >>>

Patagonia Women’s R3 Front Zip
Patagonia has been leading the outdoor industry for years in the ways of environmental sustainability and their wetsuits are no different. While Yulex can feel a bit stiffer than other materials, especially supple Japanese rubber, they break in after a few sessions and mold to your body and will keep you warm for seasons to come. Do you know an eco-friendly surfer girl who needs a new wetsuit? Well, this is the one for her this holiday season. Shop now >>>

Rip Curl Women’s E7 Flashbomb Zipperless 4/3
Performance, performance, performance. That’s what the new E7 Flashbomb from Rip Curl is all about it. With their softest and warmest rubber to date, that can also dry within minutes, you’d be hard pressed to find a better suit for the value. Shop now >>>

Swimwear

Patagonia Womens Wave Farer Boardshorts
Hike the Pupukea hills, surf Haleiwa, workout at the Bay, the Wave Farer boardshorts do it all. Mindfully made with the Earth in mind, the trunks are engineered with quick-drying NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution. They also feature a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that's made without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS) so you can feel good about what you’re wearing both in and out of the water. Shop now >>>

Rip Curl Steph Gilmore One Piece
Styled by the eight-time world champ herself, the Steph Gilmore One Piece is a study in simple, functional, timeless style with a sustainable twist. Made from recycled materials, whether it’s just hanging poolside or scratching into the barrel of your life, you can trust Steph on this one. Shop now >>>

Accessories

Freaks of Nature Trio
Perhaps the most advanced sunscreen on the market (thanks Kelly) the trio set from Freaks of Nature is an excellent gift for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and in the sun. Unlike most other sunscreen products, especially those that are mineral based, FON actually rubs in well and doesn’t leave you looking like your shoveled foundation onto your face. Shop now >>>

Nocs Binoculars
The perfect gift for that gal who scours the coast in search of the perfect wave. A set of Nocs will eliminate time and guesswork from your surf check. Not sure which board to take or which break to surf? A close up look at the lineup will help your confidence in knowing that you made the right decision. Shop now >>>

Seavees Tiburon Trekkers
Ideal footwear for pre- or post-surf session, the Seavees Tiburon Trekkers are cozy, comfortable and stylish. With an anatomical ridge in the footbed and a Vibram outsole, you can wear these puppies for days ... and probably will. Shop now >>>

Surfing Gift Ideas: Kids

Surfboards

Picses by …Lost Surfboards
At first glance, Matt Biolos and his Mayhem team seem dedicated to all things pointy thrusters, but they actually have a deep history with alternative designs that give extra zip, spark and speed. The Pisces (which can be ridden at a twin, 2+1 or quad), is a fresh take on the brand’s 1996 Round Nose Fish. The wing in the back breaks up water flow for a little extra maneuverability. A go-to board for fun surfing. 

Pyzel Astrofish Softboard
Yes, Pyzel makes soft tops. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill foam blocks. They have thinner, more refined rails and are with an EPS core. Think of a solid, normal core/bottom wrapped with foam on the top. Real Futures fins on the bottom, too, so they hold when other soft tops wobble. Remarkably durable and easy to hop on John John Florence’s wife ran a model over with her car and the thing still goes. Check your local shop for inventory. 

Happy Everyday by Channel Islands Surfboards
About as user-friendly as shortboards get. Britt Merrick at CI spearheaded this effort to make a fun, fast board to use in conditions most Californians see most days. Not epic surf, but good enough to sink your rail into. This board has the lift, speed and flow to keep you stoked. 

Blair Conklin’s Boog Skim by Catch Surf
A surf craft with multiple functions: ride it as a bodyboard or a skimboard. It’s soft and light and easy to use for groms starting out in either discipline. The more precocious can use it in waves big and small. Chuck it in the back of the car and use it as you please. Thank you, Blair Conklin.

Wetsuits

Rip Curl F-Bomb Fusion 
Nothing explicit about this F-Bomb. Rip Curl is known for its sturdy yet flexible wetsuits, and this is no different. The interior E6 flash lining dries in a matter of minutes. Flip it inside out and soon you’ll be ready for another session.

O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire
Keep your grom warm this season with a Fire. Since O’Neil’s signature suit hit the market in 2022, it’s become one of the most popular suits for its pro team and customer base across the globe. Its TechnoButter 4 lining keeps heat circulating around the body, Warm, light and easy to use, this Fire won’t die out soon.  

Quiksilver Everyday Sessions
A reliable suit you can, in fact, wear daily.  Triple glued and blind stitched seams help keep water out. Plus silver and black just looks cool. Available in chest or back zip. 

Billabong Salty Dayz Girls Wetsuit
Billabong has committed to using recycled materials for its wetsuits, and that’s what you’ll find in the Salty Dayz. Coming from the brand’s Surf Capsule collection, the lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Solid seams and a bright floral pattern are just the cherry on top.

Swimwear

O’Neill Hyperfreak Heat Block Boardshorts
Another fan favorite by O’Neill, any grom would love to have some Hyperfreaks in their collection. They can handle a day at the beach and a thrashing in the surf. Be sure to peruse different styles and patterns.   

Rip Curl Sideways Volley Boardshorts
Groms have literally woken up and fallen asleep in these trunks. Built with Rip Curls’ Mirage Core Recycled Fabric, these are comfortable boardshorts in the water and have side pockets to store whatever your grom needs when they’re out of the water. 

RVCA Eastern Boardshorts
RVCA always impresses on its designs whether it's shorts, tees or jackets. Like a subtle artist, these green and black trunks say a lot with a little. 

Accessories

Nomadix Changing Poncho
If you rock a changing poncho, might as well look stylish. Nomadix has tons of cool patterns to choose from. On top of being environmentally friendly (each one is 90% made of recycled materials), they’re super light, dry fast and kick sand on the curb. 

Sunbum Day Tripper Collection
Because you can never have enough sunscreen. Use Sunbum’s Day Tripper pack when you’re on the go to take care of your skin. The package includes SPF 30 sunblock, post-sun cool-down lotion and coconut lip palm. 

Channel Islands 35L Dry Pack
CI has put a lot of effort into its new line of accessories, and one of my favorites is this 35-liter dry pack. There’s enough room for a wetsuit, leashes, booties, a towel and more. Pockets galore and built to last.