Top 10 Best Surf Brands for Christmas Gift Ideas

Shopping for a Christmas gift for a surfer can be tricky—what do you get the person who lives for the waves and what are the best surf brands to get it? Sunscreen might be top of the list, we get it, yet there’s a near-endless array of fantastic products the surfer in your life would love to receive. You can go accessories, surf-intended clothing, or even a clever T-shirt with just the right logo that screams I LOVE SURFING!

Since Christmas is just around the corner, we thought we’d make your life easier by offering our top pick of the 10 top surf brands to check out. And if your surfer friend is headed to Tamarindo, Costa Rica (the perfect destination for solo surfers looking to make new friends), you might like to read about the stellar items they can pick up from our Iguana Surf Shop.

You know, so that they can pack light!

1. Patagonia

Known for its dedication to sustainability, Patagonia offers eco-conscious gear that surfers love. Look for their wetsuits made from Yulex—a planet-friendly natural rubber that performs well even in cold water. From surf jackets to board shorts, anything from Patagonia is a top choice for the surfer with a green heart. The brand might not be the most obvious choice of surf gear – it isn’t nearly as famous as some others – but it’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to make eco-friendly choices.

Gift Idea: Patagonia’s travel bags and dry bags are perfect for surfers who are always on the go.

2. Billabong

Billabong has been a surfing staple for decades and is easily considered the best surf brand out there. It offers a great mix of performance and casual gear and is usually loved by anyone who loves both hitting the waves and chilling by the beach. Look for their boardshorts and UV-resistant rash guards for solid options that look good and last long.

Gift Idea: A pair of classic Billabong boardshorts for him or a Billabong swimsuit for her. Because do you even surf if you don’t own at least ONE Billabong item?!

3. Quiksilver & Roxy

Two other famous brands – considered among the best surf brands in the industry – are Quiksilver and its sister brand, Roxy. Both offer surf gear and trendy clothing for anyone of any age. Known for bold designs and durable products, these brands are fantastic for everything from wetsuits to casual wear.

Gift Idea: For guys, go for a Quiksilver hoodie or cap. A Roxy swimsuit or beach poncho makes a perfect gift for the ladies. And, of course, both brands offer a great selection of surfboards and leashes.

4. Rip Curl

Rip Curl is a well-known top surf brand that produces gear specifically designed for serious surf conditions. While you might see a beach lover (but not necessarily a surfer) with a Billabong T-shirt, Rip Curl is usually reserved for dedicated surfers only. Consider a Rip Curl wetsuit or tide watch if your surfing friend doesn’t shy away from colder and more challenging waves.

Gift Idea: A Rip Curl tide watch is a genius gift for surfers who like to track wave conditions. Or, if you know your friend likes to hang out at the beach after a surf outing, try a Rip Curl poncho – they’re super cozy!

5. Vissla

Recently, Vissla has been giving Patagonia a run for its money, developing an innovative approach to eco-friendly surfwear. They use materials like recycled polyester and coconut fibers in their boardshorts. Another top surf brand with a green-flag bonus!

Gift Idea: Vissla’s wetsuit line has also been highly reviewed for both quality and environmental impact.

6. O’Neill

O’Neill is the original wetsuit brand – they’ve been keeping generations of surfers warm and comfortable. If your surfer gift-receiver lives in a cooler climate, you really can’t go wrong with an O’Neill wetsuit. It’s a fantastic option for comfort, flexibility, and insulation. Their gear is not cheap, but if it’s a top-quality Christmas gift you’re after, it’s a solid choice.

Gift Idea: An O’Neill wetsuit is an investment, but one that any serious surfer will appreciate. For a more budget-friendly gift, look into their surf accessories like waterproof bags or UV-blocking shirts.

7. Reef

Reef used to be known primarily for its excellent flip-flops, but those days are long gone. The brand, already a household name among surfers, has extended its offerings to include clothing and accessories. Their sandals remain iconic, but their gear goes way beyond footwear now!

Gift Idea: A pair of exceptionally comfortable Reef sandals or a plush hoodie makes an excellent gift for anyone who loves the surf lifestyle. 

8. Volcom

Volcom’s edgy designs and functional gear make it a favorite among younger surfers and those who like a bit of rock-and-roll style in their wardrobe. It’s an absolute top surf brand cult among the Southern California surf crowd. From shorts to graphic tees, this brand offers stylish gifts for surfers (as well as snow and skateboarders) but you can totally trust the quality. 

Gift Idea: Volcom’s hats and T-shirts are great casual gift options – when you want to gift something thoughtful and lovely but not invest a great deal of money.

9. FCS

Known for its innovative fins, leashes, and traction pads, FCS is all about enhancing the surf experience with top-quality gear so it’s one of the top surf brands for technical surfers in particular.

Gift Idea: An FCS leash or set of fins would be a dream gift for any surfer looking to fine-tune their board but even a simple traction pad would be a thoughtful present.

10. Iguana Surf Shop in Tamarindo – Local Picks & Surf Camp Vibes

Of course, we couldn’t leave out our very own Iguana Surf Shop, located right here along the pristine shores of Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica.

We’ve got a handpicked selection of surf gear that’s perfect for gift-giving, from graphic tees and hoodies to rashies, towels, caps, tank tops, and surf hats—all proudly sold under our brand, Iguana Surf. Our sunscreen comes from New Body and Gozo, while flip-flops and sandals (in many styles and colors) come from Pura Vida.

Gift Idea: Why not give the gift of an experience this Christmas? Our surf lessons make fantastic gifts, whether it’s for beginners or more experienced surfers. 

Bonus Christmas Gift Idea – a Getaway at Iguana Surf Camp!

For a present of truly epic proportions, consider giving the best gift of all—a stay at Iguana Surf Camp. We welcome solo travelers, couples, and groups and create a chilled and welcoming community where surfers can catch waves, make new friends, and enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Solo travelers, in particular, find our surf camp perfect for meeting other surf-loving adventurers. And if you need another reason to gift THE best surf present of all, we’re offering a fantastic Christmas special.

Black Friday Specials! Shop, Surf, & Sleep to Your Heart’s Content!

To make your Christmas shopping even easier this year, we’re offering two outstanding Black Friday Specials:

3-for-2 deal on SURF LESSONS – Book two lessons and GET A THIRD FREE!

5-for-1 on the SURF CAMP – Book 5 nights at Iguana Surf Camp and get ONE NIGHT FREE! 

So why not treat yourself or that special someone in your life with THE best surf gear, surf lesson, or surf camp in Costa Rica? Enjoy a spectacular and memorable Christmas with us in Tamarindo, filled with waves, new friendships, and plenty of Tamarindo sunshine!

From all of us at Iguana Surf Camp, we wish you happy holidays filled with epic surf sessions and unforgettable adventures. Whether it’s a new wetsuit or a stay at our surf camp, make it a Christmas that any surfer would love!

See you on the waves in Tamarindo!