So the holidays are just around the corner and I'm sure you're wondering what kind of gifts to purchase for that surf-crazed family member or partner. Well fret no more. I'll hook you up with my recommendations and link you to some surf-related products that I find very useful. Remember that the sales will all begin on Black Friday and last through the new year, so click around and find the best deals. I gave you mostly Amazon links to the items, but there might be better deals to be had if you seek them out. Happy Holidays everyone!
Jebshred's Surf Gift Ideas
Board Wax - It's like golf balls for a golfer, you just can't have enough. At least a few times a year I'm left digging through the bottom of my truck looking for a scrap of wax. I've even tried to make my own. But you can't go wrong helping to restock your surfer's wax supply. But be careful to buy the right temperature range for the waters that your surfer frequents. I approve and recommend any of these surf wax brands: Sticky Bumps Original, Sticky Bumps Munkey Wax, EHOMEA2Z Wax, Sex Wax Quick Humps, BubbleGum Original, Matuna's Organic, Yew.
Surf Accessories - I find these things to be useful: Wax Pickle, Wax Comb, Sportlite Changing Mat, Dakine Board Sock, FCS Day Bag, Pro-Lite Smugglers Series Double Travel Bag, FCS Triple Wheelie Board Bag, MBB Surfboard Bike Rack, Wetsuit Drying Hanger
Hoodies - I love a good hoodie. I have a ton of them, pullover and full zip. Some are warmer and more comfortable than others. These are the best out the brands that I've tried, listed from warmest to barely there: Rip Curl Departed Anti Series, Patagonia Better Sweater Hoodie, Billabong Classic Fleece Hoodie, Rip Curl Vapor Cool Pullover, Hurley Dri-Fit Fleece, Fruit of the Loom Jersey Hoodie.
Slippers - Keeping your feet warm, or warming up your feet after a cold-water surf can be challenging. Having a comfy set of slippers to slide into makes a huge difference. Here are some slippers I've purchased and approve of: Reef Cushion Matey Cozy Slippers, Olukai Moloa Slipper, Ugg Ascot Slipper, Quicksilver Surf Check Lil Slipper, Eagsouni Ankle Boots.
Sunglasses - I wear a ton of cheap sunglasses. I lose and break them pretty regularly. These are the best of the cheap and stylish brands and off-brands: Blenders, Shady Rays, Arctic Penguin, Cloudfield, Boom, Torege, Sojos, Panama Jack.
Surf Subscriptions - Every surfer needs to stay connected. These are the best apps and premium subscriptions to help any surfer forecast and document their surfing adventures: Surfline Premium, Magic Seaweed Pro, Dawn Patrol, The Surf Network.
Custom or Stock Surfboards - It's not as easy to find a decent selection of surfboards in the Northeast. But here are a few places you can visit in-person OR online if you're in the market for a new stick, either custom, or off-the-rack: Warm Winds Surf Shop, Real Board Loft, or Vec Surfboards for a custom order from a local shaper.
Wetsuits, Hoods, Boots, Gloves - There's a lot of good rubber to choose from. I like these brands and recommend them for keeping you the most warm: NeedEssentials Wetsuits, Isurus Wetsuits, Rip Curl Flashbomb Series, O'neill Psychotech Series, Excel Drylock Series, Hyperflex Wetsuits
Also, check out the Surf N Show "2020 Favorite Finds" Gift Guide from Noel Salas below... I really enjoy his product reviews and surfboard testing. He's a great surfer and a solid human being, working hard to give back to the surf community. Keep keeping me stoked Noel!