There are plenty of "gift guides for surfers" on the internet—especially around Christmas—but I am almost always disappointed by their recommendations. This felt like the perfect opportunity to create a list of gifts that would actually make a surfer happy.

I’m a surfer well into my thirties with a family and a budget to spend, but I never have enough time to get in the water when the waves are finally on. Because my time is limited, I prioritize durability, fitness, gadgets, and convenience when buying gear. I want the best equipment available to make my sessions as seamless as possible.

As with any sport, there is a gadget or solution for every problem you can think of, but rarely enough motivation or money to buy them all yourself. In the end, you just want to focus on surfing rather than accumulating accessories. But that is exactly what makes these items the perfect opportunity for friends and partners to give a gift that truly sparks joy.

I have listed the items in each category from least to most expensive, ending with some splurge options. My personal recommendations are:

Category 1: Fitness Equipment

Let’s start with the first category, which is easy to understand for non-surfers: Fitness Equipment.

Every surfer needs to maintain their overall fitness, focusing mainly on paddle excellence and flexibility. I find it incredibly useful to have some equipment around for a quick 30-minute workout—whether that's before work or during a lunch break when working from home. Since you can find a hundred different exercises on Instagram and YouTube, you just need to provide your surfer with the gear and let them figure out the rest.

• Kettlebells or Dumbbells: I would go with kettlebells, since they lend themselves better to flow-type workouts that relate directly to surfing. But to each their own.
• Resistance bands: Great for paddle training and bulletproofing your shoulders.
• DIY paddle trainer: The perfect option if you want to get creative and personalize your gift. Get a climbing rope (or two—thicker ropes give more resistance), a climbing figure-8 or other loop, and something to make handles from.
• Yoga mat: Yes, the unsexy yoga mat. I use mine almost daily to stretch my old ass and practice my pop-up, etching it deeper into my muscle memory.
• Balance Board: Fun to play around with, and an added bonus for surfing dads to enjoy together with their kids.
• Surfskate: The luxury splurge option. You might want to crowdfund this one with other family members or friends—or just say "fuck it" and give your surfer the best gift ever!

Category 2: Convenience & Comfort

The next section is all about adding convenience and comfort. Since I don’t live right on the beach, I always have to bike or drive to the spot. That means changing into a wetsuit in a parking lot or traveling while wearing one, and that is exactly where having the right gear comes in.

• Wetty bucket: This is one of those things I never thought I needed until I actually had one, and now I can’t do without it. It prevents crazy amounts of sand from getting onto your wetsuit while changing and can also function as a rinse bucket.
• The poncho: Perfect for adding some extra warmth or helping you change so you don’t moon the entire parking lot—or the people walking their dogs on the beach.
• Surf sock: A nice, colored surf sleeve protects the board while traveling to the beach. It has already saved me from quite a few dings.
• Luxury fin box: This becomes relevant as soon as you own a fin set. It’s a dedicated container to safely store your fins or take them along in the car. I hate it when you pull up to the beach and think, "Shit, the waves are small, I wish I had my twin-fins with me." You might even step it up and get a full accessory case so your surfer can store their leash and wax too.
• Surfboard rack (for bikes): If you think your surfer needs to take the bicycle more often, get them a surf rack that attaches directly to their bike.
• Surf rack (for home): Grab one of those cool wall mounts to display their favorite board in the living room, or a multi-board holder to keep things organized in the garage.
• Inflatable Air-Liners: The perfect gift for a surfer going on a surf trip. These inflatable liners protect boards so they don't have to mess around with bubble wrap or other insulation materials. Don’t underestimate how much peace of mind and joy this will bring to your surfer.

Category 3: The Splurge & Finishing Touches

There are always more things to consider for the well-equipped surfer. This final section is where we look at the real splurge options, along with some essential small items that always hit the mark.

The Out-of-the-Box Fun Stuff

• A 2+1 Fin Set: Almost every daily driver board will work well and become incredibly playful with a 2+1 setup—you really can't go wrong here. It’s something I love to have. Look for a nice MR 2+1, CI AMT, Panda Twin + Trailer, or Album 2+1. Just get whatever is available closest to you.

• Surf Watch: Definitely one of the ultimate splurge options. Excellent choices include the Rip Curl SearchGPS 3, Casio G-Shock Tide, or the Garmin Instinct 2(X) (Surf) / Instinct 3 Solar. I personally use the Garmin Instinct 2X. It works well (not excellent, but well)—it tracks my sessions, duration, wave count (sometimes spot on, sometimes way off), and fitness metrics. However, for my next watch, I would lean toward a Casio or Rip Curl, as I mostly use it just to check the tide.

Stocking Fillers & Small Essentials

If you are looking for smaller items to round out a gift, you can never go wrong with these daily essentials:

• Wax
• Reef-safe zinc and sunscreen
• Roof straps (for strapping boards to the car)
• Warm boots (for after those cold sessions)
• A Yeti coffee mug: As a father of three, this is an absolute must-have. Nothing beats checking the surf early in the morning while holding a hot brew.