Summer Surf Gear & Essentials: Get Ready for the Waves

The best surf gear ensures you’re ready to hit the waves – be safe, be comfortable, and come have the time of your life on Costa Rica’s best surf beach!

We must admit, we have it good in Tamarindo. With year-round summer temps, excellent Guanacaste breaks at our doorstep, and pretty perfect surf conditions almost 365 days a year; we live in a surfing paradise. So, we know a thing or two about the best surf gear around. If you’re about to pack for the surfing trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica, check out the essentials you need – what you should bring from home or can conveniently buy or rent locally to save on packing space and hassle.

Here’s a guide to the summer surf gear we can’t do without!

1. T-Shirts: Stay Cool and Stylish

Living in a T-shirt 24/7 is one of the best things about living in a tropical paradise. And nothing says summer like a comfortable, breathable t-shirt that keeps you cool when the temps rise. At Iguana Surf Shop in Costa Rica, we have a collection of surf-themed t-shirts designed to offer the ultimate comfort while showcasing your love for the ocean. Because we can also look cool while keeping cool, right? 

Made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, our T-shirts are perfect for those hot summer days in Tamarindo. Our Iguana logo T-shirts are not only perfect for fair-skinned surfers who must prioritize sun protection while surfing on our shores, but they also make the best Tamarindo souvenir.

2. Tank Tops: Embrace the Sun

T-shirts are great for hanging around a seaside café, getting to and from the beach, and even surfing,  but for maximum freedom of movement, tank tops are better. Tank tops are designed for increased airflow (so they keep you cooler) and optimal arm movement in the water. If you want to spend a whole day on the beach and cannot be bothered changing into (and out) of your surf shirt, tank tops are super convenient and offer a nice balance between comfort and sun protection.

Our Tamarindo surf shop in Costa Rica offers a variety of tank tops that combine style with functionality. 

3. Beach Towel: A Beach (and Surf) Day Essential

Nothing ruins a fun surf day faster than a towel that either absorbs all the water and takes forever to dry or is so water-repellent that it doesn’t dry you at all. Yaiks. A good-quality beach towel is an essential surf gear we can’t do without. At our Costa Rica surf shop, you’ll find a selection of towels in various sizes, designs, and colors, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect one to suit your style. The best part? Our beach towels are of soft and absorbent materials that dry super quickly and pack small.

4. Sunglasses: Protect Your Eyes from Glare

Ever heard of surfers’ eye, aka pterygium? If you’re a surfing novice, that’s something you should definitely know about. When exposed to excessive UV radiation, your eyes can develop small growths that can – at their worst – affect your eyesight. The #1 way to prevent surfer’s eyes is to protect them from the sun as much as possible when you’re outdoors.  

Sure, sunglasses may not strictly be “essential surf gear” material—we get it—but if you surf a lot, it means you’re outdoors for most of the day. And what’s the one accessory you shouldn’t do without when outdoors in a sunny tropical destination?

Yep, you get the gist.

Look for a good-quality pair of sunglasses specifically designed for outdoor activities, with polarized lenses that reduce glare and provide excellent UV protection. 

5. Caps: Shield Your Face from the Sun

The best way to double up on that eye protection is to wear a cap, about the only surf gear that ensures those pesky UV rays don’t infiltrate from above your head in the midday sun. At Iguana Surf Shop, you’ll find a wide range of styles to suit your vibe, including baseball caps, visors and stylish sombreros. Another perfect Costa Rica souvenir, perhaps? You bet!

6. Surf Hats: The Ultimate Sun Protection While Surfing

The biggest challenge surfers face is maintaining that sun protection when they’re actually surfing. Aside from specially made surfing sunglasses, which are recommended for sensitive eyes, a surf hat is also incredibly useful. Designed to stay put no matter what – thanks to their tight fit and chinstrap – surf hats boat a wide rim and offer excellent sun protection. They also help you avoid heatstroke on sweltering days so ideal if visiting Tamarindo during the hottest months of March and April.

7. Rashguards: Protect Your Skin While You Surf

Rashguards are arguably the best surf gear to wear, especially during the summer when the sun is strongest. Made from a stretchy, quick-drying material, rashguards – also often called rashies or surf shirts – protect your skin from UV rays, board wax, and irritation from sand and saltwater. Truth be told, they trump both T-shirts and tank tops in the water. 

Our selection of rashguards includes options for men, women, and kids, all designed with comfort and durability in mind. And keep in mind that they’re not only for surfers! Rashies are always recommended for children and adults who spend a lot of time playing in the waves, snorkeling, or enjoying any other water sport.

Don’t forget that when you book a Tamarindo Surf Camp with us, we’ll include a rashguard for you to use as part and parcel of our included surf gear. And if you would prefer to only join us for the surf sessions, and not the camp, then our Stellar Packages are ideal. Choose from our 3-, 5-, or 7-day packages and join us for daily surf lessons, unlimited board rental and even a T-shirt to keep as a souvenir!

7. Flip Flops: Comfort and Style for Your Feet

Easy on and easy off, flip-flops are THE surf gear essential no beach lover can do without. At our surf shop in Costa Rica, we offer an array of flip-flops and sandals to suit every surfer’s taste. Because even the most ardent barefoot walker has a hard time walking on Tamarindo’s blistering hot sand!

9. Waterproof Phone Cases: Keep Your Devices Safe

Most of us can’t spend too long without our phones and we certainly don’t often leave them in our lockers when out surfing. How would we be able to capture our friends’ great surf moments and those amazing Tamarindo sunsets?! Be smart, though, and invest in a waterproof phone case to protect your device from sand, saltwater, and accidental drops in the water. A waterproof case is not essential, but it’s kinda essential, you know? Don’t leave home without it!

10. Reusable Water Bottles: Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is insanely widespread among surfers who spend hours on end catching waves. The irony! Don’t forget to pack an eco-friendly reusable water bottle and pop into Iguana Camp & Surf Shop to fill it with fresh, filtered water. We have dispensers in the shop and the hotel for you to use. Disposable plastic pollution is one of the main contributors to ocean degradation so, please, help us keep Costa Rica’s beaches pristine when you visit and only use a refillable bottle. 

11. Sunscreen: Protect Your Skin

Living in a tropical paradise sure has its perks, but by now, you also know it has one major downside – that never-ending sunshine can be pretty brutal. So don’t forget your sunscreen! A high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen is a must for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. At our surf shop in Costa Rica, we offer a range of eco-friendly sunscreens at our surf shop, designed to be reef-safe and gentle on your skin.

12. Surf Board: The #1 Essential!

Now, where would you be without a surfboard? Sitting on the sand, that’s where!

The #1 surf gear essential that brings it all together is the surfboard, the one item that you probably will not want to pack from home. And why would you, when you have the priceless convenience of so many to choose from at the best surf shop in Costa Rica?

Choosing the right surfboard can be tricky if you’re not experienced, so read our comprehensive guide on How to Pick a Surfboard or, better still, come in and chat with us when you arrive in Tamarindo. We can better advise you in person once we know more about your skill level, personal preferences, height, etc. 

Our excellent rental packages mean you get 50% off the rental price of a board for the duration of your holiday if you take a lesson with us. We also offer a discounted Monthly Subscription if you plan on hanging around a little longer.

Visit Iguana Surf Shop Costa Rica – Tamarindo’s best-stocked surf shop!

Whether you’re gearing up for a surf session or looking for stylish summer garb, Iguana Surf Shop has everything you need. Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s premier surf beach town, Tamarindo, our surf shop offers a wide selection of high-quality surf gear and essentials. 

So don’t forget your must-haves:

• T-shirts & Tank Tops
• Beach towel
• Sunglasses
• Caps & surf hat
• Rashguard
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Waterproof phone case
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Surf boards

And know you can get most of the gear right from us, right here in Tamarindo. With our friendly staff and unbeatable location, Iguana Surf can help you make the most of your summer surfing adventures.