The holiday season is officially here and if you're stumped on what to get for that surf-obsessed person in your life, fret no more. I'll try to help you with some jumping off points. Mainly, I'll link you to the store and tell you about some stuff I like, but it'll be up to you to figure out what best fits the surfer you're shopping for. Also, if you're the surfer, and people keep asking you what's on your list, I'm dropping some of my favorite surf-related products below. Anything I specifically mention is something I've purchased and endorse... of course there are plenty of other great surf products out there, so hopefully these links help launch your search. Everything in this guide is optimized for ONLINE SHOPPERS, but most of these items are commonly found at your friendly neighborhood surf shop... so go support those guys if you can. Happy Holidays everyone!
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SURF SUPPLY ESSENTIALS Find these stocking stuffers at Amazon and most Surf Retailers
Board and Wetsuit Repair by Solarez These are must-haves for anyone who's surfing on a consistent basis. Boards get dings, wetsuits get holes. Fix these things before they become worse. Also, these can be considered travel essentials when you're headed to a third-world destination. Nothing worse than having a hole in your stick when the waves are pumping and you spent a lot of dough to be there. BUY ON AMAZON
Surf Wax by Sticky Bumps and Sex Wax
If it ain't broke, don't mess with it. These brands are tried and true. Pretty much nothing about surfboard construction, traction, etc is sustainable and/or good for the environment... traction is important. Most wax brands are decent, some have recipes that are softer, stickier, or smell better. All of this is entirely up to you. I've been scraping these brands on my boards since I was a kid, so I'll just stick with what works. I threw in some soft top wax as well. I found that this helps on my Album, Pyzel, and Wave Bandit soft boards, but not totally necessary. I also enjoy some colored wax to add some fashion to the deck. Go throw on some colored zinc-oxide for sunblock and then you'll be looking extremely cool at your local beach. BUY ON AMAZON
When it's time to remove the sticky stuff, don't make it harder than it has to be. Ten minutes in the sun, using these tools, and your board will be cleaned-off and ready for its next wax job. It's also a good idea to throw a couple of these in the trunk of your car in case you need to do some scraping and deck sculpting pre-surf. And don't skip out on the Pickle! It just works, and it lasts for years. BUY ON AMAZON
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SURFING HOME ACCESSORIES Reflect the lifestyle at home with some accessories and decor
Some cool mugs paired with a large bag of Deathwish Coffee beans is a solid gift. And why not spice up your partner's craptastic sofa with some throw pillows? They're simple accessories that add a surf personality to your living space. So hook up your better half with some wave-inspired interior design. There's something cool and surfy that's appropriate for every room in the house from shower curtains, to table coasters, to coat hangers. There's a fair amount of cheese whiz out there, so some due diligence may be necessary to weed out the garbage. But these coffee mugs and dishes by Mara Stoneware are pretty freaking choice in my opinion. BUY ON AMAZON
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STYLE 'EM UP Some dudes have fashion sense, some not so much. Help your man out with a new outfit
A Fresh Style from Real Watersports
I put together this outfit using the Real Watersports website, but every surf shop has the latest lines from the brands they carry... so you're sure to find something that will look good when you have to go out into public. I live where temperatures are little cooler, and in some parts of the year straight-up cold. So all good outfits for me start with a good base layer, and includes an additional layer on top of the base... got hoodies??? I'm a little obsessed. You can't have too many of these. Zip-ups, pullovers, flannels. They're all game. Don't be afraid of colored cords either, you'll get compliments every time you wear them. Am I sounding superficial? Maybe. But there's nothing wrong with having a little style and fashion in your life... and for some of you, it might help that losing streak of never meeting anyone, and never getting laid. Ask your mom for a surf shop gift certificate, and have the shop girl style you up. You need it.
Underwear/Boxer Briefs by BN3TH
This is the best brand of men's underwear on the planet. They are amazingly comfortable and stylish. The support these undergarments provide is unmatched, and your partner will like the way things hang. There's a separate pouch for your junk! They also carry fabrics made for water to protect against a boardshort travel rash.
Warm Fleece Hoodie by Rip Curl
The Departed Anti-Series Fleece by Rip Curl is my favorite warm hoodie. I wear this with a base layer and a collared shirt and I'm good down into the 40's. It's treated with special coating to repel water, and is constructed with polar fleece. It's great for early morning surf checks. Cool zip chest pocket and contrasting interior fabric make this unique hoodie worth every penny. I own three of them in different colors. Last year's color styles can be found for cheaper ON AMAZON.
Fresh Merch from Jebshred.com
You can't go wrong with a little Jebshred style. And with the new winter Nor'easter colors in-stock, you're sure to find some new gear you like. Spread the stoke with a logo tee, they're made extra soft, and cut a little bit slimmer for an athletic physique. All accessories are well-made, brand name, and manufactured in the USA when possible. Don't know what to get your special someone? Buy a Jebshred Merch Gift Certificate and let them choose! BUY NOW
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Go BIG! New Stick! There's nothing better than a brand new custom, with a bow on it, under the tree
Custom Boards from Catalyst Surf Shop
If you know your special someone's weight, height, and surfing ability, why not hook them up with their own Lost custom surfboard, designed by you? Catalyst has an amazing Lost Surfboard Custom 3D Board Builder. I can spend hours on this. After choosing the dimensions, construction, color schemes, and logos, you can put it in 3D view and admire your creativity. A custom order takes at least 6 weeks to complete, with alternative constructions and airbrushes taking longer... so you're out of the window to have it under the tree this year. But a print-out of the design, placed in an inconspicuous holiday greeting card, will not disappoint. I promise. Delivery to just about anywhere in the USA costs roughly $60-$100 depending on the size of the board you want shipped. This isn't cheap, but it is pretty rad.
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This is a short list. Obviously, there are a lot of options for buying the shredder in your life something special. A lot of things aren't strictly surf-related either. A solid thermal tumbler for that morning joe, an extra large and thick towel for drying off, sunblock, the list goes on. Anything that makes being in or near the ocean easier can be a great gift for a surfer. I hope everyone has an amazing holiday season filled with lots of joy and laughter. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays, and I hope you're surfing where you are!