So you want to buy a Christmas gift for a surfer, but don’t know the first thing about surfing. Well help is at hand.
Ask any surfer what they want, they will say “to go surfing”. Sadly you can’t buy waves, but you can keep your favourite surfer protected, equipped and entertained.
In Cornwall and California it’s cold at Christmas, so little winter warmers will always be welcome:
Robies Robes
The luscious fibres and no-nonsense design of Robies Robes removes the hassle from getting changed post-surf. Keeping bare bits warm, dry and covered up. Buy Robies Robes here.
Warm hat
As a folically challenged middle aged surfer I have learnt to love the warmth and protection a good hat can offer. From home-knitted beanies to bearskins, there’s sure to be a hat to suit every surfers head. Buy a beanie from any local or online surf store.
Surfing cook book
The Surf Café Cookbook is written by surfers for surfers and is filled with delicious recipes that are simple to make. Crammed with useful tips ranging from how to gut fish to making crafty home accessories for special occasions, this book makes a great gift for the more creative surfer. Get a Surf Cafe Cookbook here.
Seaside Gin
What pairs perfectly with surf, sea and sunshine? A delicious, ice-cold gin and tonic! Evoking memories of warm summer beach days even in the depths of winter, Mermaid Gin is inspired by its seaside roots on the Isle of Wight. Perfect for grown-up sea lovers, this exceptional gin is crafted by the Isle of Wight Distillery, a B Corp-certified company that also creates a range of unique rums and vodkas.
Thermos
After surfing in crazy cold water for a couple of hours a surfer’s hands start to freeze and they get ‘the claw’. This semi frozen grasp prevents most post surf functions, but buy them a Thermos for Christmas and they can defrost, inside and out with their favourite hot beverage. Available from all good hardware and cookware stores.
Slippers
Slippers aren’t cool but they are toasty warm and toes take hours to thaw after a winter surf. So get a surfer some slippers for a long lasting feet treat.
In Australia, Christmas means BBQs and warm water, so socks and slippers won’t get such a warm welcome. So how about these little beauties mate:
Sex wax stocking
Usually the words ‘sex’ and ‘wax’ might be cause for panic, but not for surfers. Sex wax is the original way to get grip on your stick (surfboard). Lay your hands on these sex wax stockings here.
Balance board
Balance boards are a great way to improve core strength when the surf is flat. The roller version is also a guaranteed way to get laughs, as beginners fall on their butt and send the board flying. Find the original Indo boards here.
Surf Mag subscription
Great surf photos, news and reviews all year round, delivered to the door. A surf mag subscription is the gift that keeps giving. Shop around and get a t-shirt or some other surfing freebie thrown in. Bonus.
Belt
Keep a surfer’s shorts safely above their bottoms, with a new belt. For extra functionality, try and find one with a bottle opener built in.
Stormrider playing cards
Playing cards – a worldwide way of making new friends whilst travelling, making money out of poor poker players or simply passing the time. What can be better? A pack of cards with photos and info of the best surf spots around the world on them. Purchase a pack of Stormrider cards here.