The 16 best gift ideas for surfers in Europe: from surfing equipment to clever travel gadgets
Surfers are uncomplicated people
Surfers are simple creatures after all. Give them waves, warmth and something that stops their wetsuit smelling like a swamp or a new toy to make their surf life smoother and they’re happy.
They don’t need fancy things. They need practical things. They need essentials that survive salt water, wind, sand and constant use. And they’ll love a great gift that reminds them you get their surf-obsessed world.
From wax to wetsuit hangers and surf trips that create the best memories, here’s a collection of gift ideas for surfers that actually get used.
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, birthdays or a surprise for loved ones who live for the ocean, these gifts are practical, fun and guaranteed to make every surf session better!
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A group of surfers stand on the beach in front of the A-Frame surf camp practising pop-ups in the sand before heading into the water
Why buying for surfers is so easy
Surfers repeat the same cycle almost every day.
Check waves on a phone, walk to the beach, surf, get changed in a windy car park, drink something warm, talk about waves, wait for the next surf session.
We also go through gear fast. We love accessories that help us hang wetsuits properly, protect boards, save money on repairs or keep our car from feeling and smelling like a saltwater pool on wheels.
That’s why buying a surfing gift is simple! If it keeps us warm, helps us catch waves, protects our surfboards, supports post-surf comfort or makes our beach life easier, it’ll be a perfect gift.
Here are the best gift ideas for surfers in Europe.
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A row of soft-top surfboards with attached leashes lies neatly in the sand, ready for the next surf lesson
16 must-buy gift ideas for European surfers
1. Changing robe
A changing robe is a must-have for winter. It keeps surfers warm, blocks the wind and makes outfit changes easy.
One size fits most people and it gets used year-round. It’s one of the great gift ideas for European surfers and anyone who surfs in cold or windy places.
2. Surf poncho towel
A lighter alternative to a changing robe. Perfect for summer surf trips, beach days and warm water surf spots. Easy to carry and a great addition to any surf kit.
3. A reliable surf leash
Every surfer needs a strong leash. If it snaps, you can kiss your board goodbye.
A surf session ends instantly when a leash breaks... unless your surf-mad loved one has a spare. A leash is an essential accessory and a safe gift idea if you’re not sure what else to get them.
4. Traction pad
A traction pad improves grip and control and gives the board a fresh look. If their pad is peeling or worn or they've just bought a new surfboard, buying one is a great idea. Surfers love practical gear upgrades like this.
5. Eco-friendly surf wax
Wax is one of the best gift ideas for surfers because they use it constantly.
Grab a multipack suited to their local water temps. Eco-options with natural ingredients are even better. Perfect for stockings at Christmas or small surprises!
6. Wetsuit repair kit
Saltwater and sun eventually damage all wetsuits. A repair kit saves money and extends the life of their gear.
It’s practical, small, essential and ideal for any avid surfer. And it means you can also purchase a secondhand wetsuit and fix it up.
7. Surf hat
A surf hat protects from sun glare and helps surfers see the wave clearly. It’s perfect for summer, warm surf spots or anyone planning a surf trip.
8. Reef safe sunscreen
Surfers spend hours in the ocean, so reef-safe sunscreen is key. A good formula stays on during long sessions in wind and waves. It’s a simple and thoughtful surfing gift idea.
9. Travel surfboard bag
If they’re dreaming of new surf spots or planning their next surf trip, a padded travel bag protects surfboards at airports. It’s a big and sometimes expensive gift, but one they'll love forever.
10. Everyday surfboard bag
Great for daily walks from car to the beach. Helps protect boards from sun, scratches and roof racks. Works for adults and kids and makes carrying gear much easier.
11. Waterproof car seat cover
Surfers often drive home in wetsuits if the temps are particularly chilly. A waterproof seat cover keeps the car clean and dry. This is an awesome, underrated gift idea and one of the most useful accessories for daily surf life.
12. Wetsuit hanger or C-Monsta hanger
A wetsuit hanger is essential for drying wetsuits fast.
The C-Monsta wetsuit hanger is a favourite because it holds boots and gloves too. This is one of the best practical gifts for surfers and something they’ll use after every surf session.
13. Insulated mugs
Post-surf coffee or tea is one of life’s simple joys. Insulated mugs or cups keep drinks warm and make early morning surf checks feel special. A small, stylish, great gift.
14. Surf skate/Indo Board
When the waves are flat, an Indo Board or surf skate is perfect for land-based training. These are fun, help improve balance and let surfers practise technique at home. Kids and adults both love them.
15. Surf magazine subscription
A subscription to a surf magazine is a fun, thoughtful gift that arrives throughout the year. Surfers love stories, interviews, travel features and photo collections that keep the stoke alive.
16. A surf trip to southern Spain
If you want a unique gift that creates unforgettable memories, book a surf trip for two. Southern Spain offers warm sun, fun waves and a relaxed beach lifestyle all year.
A stay at A-Frame Surf Camp in El Palmar is perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. You can book lessons, yoga, accommodation and full weeks. It’s the kind of gift that feels personal, special and full of fun moments you’ll remember forever.
FAQ about gifts for surfers
Wax, sunscreen, mugs, a dry bag, a poncho towel, earplugs, a changing mat or a surf-themed gift card. All one size and always useful.
A changing robe, wetsuit hanger, insulated mug or waterproof seat cover. Anything warm or practical.
Yes. Camps like A-Frame are built for all levels and help beginners learn safely in friendly waves and gentle surf spots.
Yes. Earplugs help prevent surfer's ear, which is common in cold water. They’re a smart, affordable addition to any surf kit.
Final thoughts
Gifts for surfers don’t need to be complicated. Surfers love essentials that protect their gear, save time, keep them warm or make surf life easier. If you pick something from this list, you’ll give a gift that gets used again and again.
And if you want something that goes beyond gear, choose a surf trip!
Southern Spain’s warm beach days, mellow waves and easy style combined with A-Frame’s welcoming camp make it the perfect gift for anyone who loves surfing and the ocean.
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
3 weeks ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
6 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
6 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future. -
Inga
a month ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
