But if you need some surf gift ideas for Christmas, birthdays and celebrations, here’s some inspiration.
The Gift of Surfing
Give the gift of surfing with Wave Project
Give the gift of surfing to those who need it most, by shopping with a surf charity. Like the Wave Project who provide surf therapy for young people in the UK facing social and emotional challenges. Or Surfability who offer adapted and inclusive surf experiences for people with additional needs due to disability, illness, injury or learning difficulties.
Both offer fantastic clothing, better than any big surf brand. And the Wave Project have an eclectic mix of accessories, perfect for filling Christmas stockings. Plus you’re helping raise funds and awareness for incredible causes.
Surf Food Gifts
Give the gift of surf food
Surfers need fuel. For super surf food inspiration checkout these cookbooks by surfers, my personal favourite is Salt and Silver’s: Travel, Surf, Cook. Not only is it chock full of gorgeous grub but there’s surf travel stories and photos to salivate over.
For the fine diners or more enthusiastic chefs, give the win-win gift of a cookery course. Ideally a local fish chef will teach you to craft superior seafood suppers for a reasonable price. Not only will you give the gift of culinary skills, there’s a good chance you’ll get a magical meal in return.
Surf Book Gifts
Great books about surfing
Flick through my surf book reviews and you’ll discover fiction, non-fiction, and even illustrated novels with a surfing theme. Don’t have time to read reviews? Then buy Breath by Tim Winton (fiction), Barbarian Days by William Finnegan (non-fiction) or In Waves by AJ Dungo (illustrated). They’re not just exceptional examples of surf literature, they’re amazing books by any measure.
Not big readers? Buy a surf magazine subscription. They feed tired minds with exotic waves, surf stories and top tips, plus you’re supporting an endangered industry. Perfect for lazy days on the beach, brightening up your commute or the perfect complement to your cuppa.
Surf Art and Craft Gifts
Craft your own art
Image source: Otter Surfboards
From hand cut lino prints to fine oil paintings, there’s surf art to suit all budgets and tastes. For example, the talented Tom Metcalf does bold and beautiful surf fin prints from £45, or for a special occasion an original seascape painting by Jethro Jackson.
Prefer to make their own art? Then help your lucky surfer make their own wave craft, with Otter surfboard’s workshop courses. From handplanes to surfboards, James Otter and his crew will guide you through carving and shaping your own wooden surfcraft.
If you’ve got any unusual gift ideas for surfers or been lucky enough to receive the perfect surf gift, please share them in the comments below and help others.