Before you buy a surfer anything, spend five minutes looking at their stuff.
What wax is in the van? What leash is on their board? What zinc do they use? It sounds obvious, but those little details tell you more than most gift guides will.
One of the best presents I've had was a board sock that actually fitted my board. Another was a set of little foam protectors for the nose and tail when I travel. Neither sounds particularly exciting written down. Both were things I could actually use.
I've also been bought things that have barely left the bag. A changing bag that took up too much space in the van. A fin-removal tool I didn't feel I needed. Thoughtful presents, just not particularly useful to me.
So these are the gifts for surfers I'd start with: some I've received, some I use, and some I'd suggest if you want something a bit more personal.
A quick note: I run QUIVER, so the art and photo-printing links below are to our own shop. My gift stories are personal experience; not every suggestion is something I've owned or tested. Check current availability, delivery and the recipient's requirements before ordering.
1. A board sock that actually fits
One of the best presents I've received was a board sock, but the context is what made it such a good gift. I was just about to head off on a surf trip to the tropics and didn't own one. It was exactly what I needed to help keep that intense, glaring sun off my board when it was out of the water. It gives the board some shade, although it won't protect it from being left in extreme heat.
If I'd already had a perfectly good board sock, it wouldn't have been nearly as thoughtful or useful. That's the trick with buying gifts for surfers: look at what they already have and what they've got coming up. Something simple can be a brilliant present when it's exactly what they need at the right time.
A board sock is a simple gift, but it takes a little attention to get the right one. Check the board's length and shape, then check the manufacturer's sizing. Don't assume every board of the same length fits the same sock.
If you're not sure, take a photograph of the board and its dimensions into a surf shop. That's easier than trying to remember whether it was six foot something or something six.
I'd choose this for someone with a board they use regularly and no suitable sock, or one that's looking a bit tired. It's less useful if they've already got a good one for every board.
Before you buy: check the fit and what they already own. A sock isn't a substitute for a proper travel bag.
2. Nose and tail protectors for their next surf trip
Someone bought me little foam protectors that go over the nose and tail of a board when you pack it for a trip. It was a clever little present. Something I was pleased to have rather than another thing to find space for.
If they've got a surf trip coming up, this is worth a look. Check that the protectors suit their boards and work with the way they pack their board bag.
There are other travel-protection options too, but I'd start with what's missing from their current setup. They might already have their packing routine completely sorted.
Before you buy: ask what protection they use. No bit of padding makes a board damage-proof.
3. Their usual surf wax or zinc
These are things I'd genuinely be happy to receive because I use them all the time.
With wax, pay attention to the brand. People have favourites. If they're using Sticky Johnson, FU Wax or Sex Wax, take a photograph of the wrapper rather than buying whichever packet happens to look good.
Check the water-temperature formula as well. Buying the same brand is only half the job if you've picked wax intended for completely different conditions.
I'd do much the same with zinc sunscreen: find out the exact product they already use and are happy with. You don't need to make it more complicated than that.
A few useful replacements can be a perfectly good present. They don't need to arrive in a big gift box full of things nobody asked for.
Before you buy: copy the actual product, not just the brand name. Check the label, expiry and suitability for the person you're buying for.
4. A leash — if you know the right one
I've been bought a leash before, and it can be a good present. It's also something I'd check rather than guess.
Look at the one they use now. What brand is it? How long is it? How thick is the cord? Which board and conditions do they use it for?
Two leashes can look much the same in a shop and be intended for different uses. A thin competition leash isn't a default choice for everyone, and the words on the packaging aren't enough to decide what suits someone's surfing.
If they've asked for a particular replacement, great. Otherwise, get the details and check the manufacturer's guidance or speak to a surf shop.
Before you buy: confirm the model, length and intended use. If you're still unsure, let them choose.
5. A little brush for sandy feet
This is probably the least glamorous present on the list. It's also something I actually keep by the side door of my van.
Just a small handheld brush. The sort that comes with a dustpan, although you don't need the dustpan.
When my feet are sandy, I brush them off before climbing in. It doesn't get every grain, but it gets most of it, which means a bit less sand ends up across the floor.
You could put a note on it: “For keeping at least some of the beach out of your van.”
A couple of small, soft cloths for wiping zinc off after a surf are another simple idea. Nothing fancy. Just something useful to keep with their kit.
I'd put these alongside wax or zinc as a few small presents. You don't have to spend much to show you've noticed what someone actually does.
6. A print of a place, a wave or a design they'd love
A surf print doesn't have to be complicated. It might be a place they care about, a wave they love, or simply a design you know they'd like on the wall.
Maybe they've always dreamed of surfing Pipeline, or they have great memories of a trip to Nicaragua. You could look through QUIVER's Pipeline prints or choose We Like It Spicy by Osci, an artwork I bought while travelling in Nicaragua. Every time I walk past mine, it takes me back there. That's what I'd be looking for in a gift: a connection to a place or memory, rather than just something with a wave on it.
And sometimes it's simply an art print you think they'll like. Have a look at what's already on their walls. Do they go for colourful illustration, black-and-white photography, or something quieter?
Before you buy: check the print size guide, the available framing options and delivery. Don't assume a particular surf spot is in the catalogue until you've found the actual artwork.
Browse the QUIVER surf prints →
7. A framed print of them surfing
A good photograph of yourself surfing is a pretty personal present. If you've got a shot they love, having it printed and framed gives it somewhere better to live than a phone camera roll.
That's something you can explore through Frame Your Wave at QUIVER.
Before you buy: check you have the photographer's permission, and that the file is good enough for the size you want.
8. A lesson or filming day with proper video feedback
If they've got enough equipment, a coaching session is another direction I'd consider.
For a beginner, that might mean a lesson suited to where they are now. For someone who's been surfing for years, I'd look for a coach who can film a session and sit down with them afterwards to go through it.
The review is the bit I'd pay attention to. Is someone going to explain what they're seeing and give them a few things to practise, or are they just handing over the clips?
Those are different presents. A folder of footage can be great, but if the point is helping someone improve, make sure the coaching is actually included.
I'd also check that they're interested in it. Some people would love feedback on their surfing. Others would rather just have a surf.
Before you buy: confirm the coach suits their ability, filming and feedback are included, and what happens if conditions aren't suitable. A flexible date or voucher is easier than choosing their day for them.
9. A Stab Premium membership
For the person who's always watching surf videos, Stab Premium is worth considering.
It includes films and series such as Stab in the Dark and The Electric Acid Surfboard Test, alongside premium editorial. If they're interested in boards, good surfing and the people involved, there's a straightforward reason to choose it.
It also doesn't take up any more room in the van.
Before you buy: check whether they're already a member, then use Stab's current gift-subscription option and check the terms. Don't accidentally sign yourself up to the wrong membership.
What I'd be careful about buying
A wetsuit changing bag
This is a personal one. I've been bought the sort of changing bag you lay on the ground, stand in while getting changed, then close around your wetsuit.
Mine had a rigid ring and took up more room in the van than I wanted. I also don't find myself standing neatly in one spot while wrestling out of a wetsuit. I end up on the ground anyway.
I just throw the suit in an IKEA bag and hang it up afterwards. That works for me.
Someone else might love a changing bag. I'd just check whether it's something they want before buying one because it looks useful in the photograph.
A fin-removal tool
I've received one of these too, and personally I didn't feel I needed it.
I use FCS II fins, but I'm not going to turn a gift guide into instructions for pulling fins out. Different systems and products have their own guidance. The useful point is to find out whether the person actually wants the tool before buying it.
Boards, wetsuits and fins without an exact request
They can all be brilliant presents. They can also be expensive ways to get someone's preferences wrong.
If they've sent you the exact model, size and specification, that's different. Otherwise, I'd ask or give them the choice.
If you're still not sure, let them choose
For equipment, a voucher for their favourite surf shop is a sensible option. They can put it towards the particular thing they've been looking at.
If you know they'd like some artwork but you're unsure which piece, a QUIVER gift card lets them choose. Check the current options and terms before buying.
Put something personal in the card. “For a photograph of that trip you won't stop talking about” gives it a bit more thought than a voucher on its own.
A few questions before you buy
What's a good inexpensive gift for a surfer?
Their usual wax, a small brush for sandy feet, or a couple of soft cloths for removing zinc. Those are the sort of little things I'd actually use. Check the wax brand and temperature formula first.
What do you buy a surfer who already has everything?
A framed surf photograph, meaningful artwork, a membership they'd enjoy, or coaching if they want it. Replacing something they use up regularly is also completely reasonable.
Is surf equipment a good gift?
It can be, provided you've checked the details. A board sock needs to fit, and a leash needs to suit the board and intended use. For boards, wetsuits and fins, I'd want an exact request.
Are these good Christmas gifts too?
Yes. Just check delivery dates for the recipient's country, especially for prints and framed items. For memberships or gift cards, check how and when the gift is delivered rather than assuming it's instant.
Buy for the person you actually know
You don't need to understand every board in their quiver to buy a good present. A little attention goes a long way.
Look at what they use. Remember the places they talk about. Ask if you're not sure.
I'd rather have the right board sock or a little brush I'll keep in the van than something expensive that never gets used.
And if you're going with art, start with a place, a memory or a style they already like.
