Surfing is one of those sports that people either get really into, or not at all. No one wants to be deemed “too cool for surf” by their friends, so having the best surfing accessories helps to not only look the part, but also keep a great time because you love the sport.
There are a few important things to consider when buying surfing supplies. One, they have to fit you perfectly. The essential element of surfing is to feel like you are one with the board, and the only way to ensure this is to make sure there isn’t a loose article of clothing that could get in the way, or make you feel like you’re not in complete control.
Another consideration is the colour of your gear. You may want to stand out with bright neon colours on your wetsuit, or stay subtle with black. You may want to have bright colours on your leash to warn unsuspecting swimmers you’re coming through!
Lastly, there should be an element of safety attached to your accessories, and if you’re just learning, this could be vital for you to wear.
Check out the best surfing accessories for the 2022 surf season.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky Bumps Warm/Tropical Water Surfboard Wax | Best Overall |  |
| PUTTY BUDDIES Floating Earplugs 3-Pair Pack | Budget Pick |  |
| GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Sticky Bumps Warm/Tropical Water Surfboard Wax
Pros:
- Wipeable warm wax
- Made with organic beeswax
- Great price
Sticky Bumps Warm Weather Surfboard Wax features organic beeswax to give you the best traction possible for warm, tropical water surfing.
Handcrafted in Kauai, Hawaii, this wax will endure the warmth and moisture over a long period of time. The intense combination of beeswax designed to activate once out in the water. Sticky Bumps is soft and pliable when it is warm and breaks down quickly in mild climates.
This is simple to apply with a rub on application. You can also wipe it right off when the water gets colder.
2. Wave Tribe ECO Surfboard Leash 'Strong Like Bull Never Break'
Pros:
- Leash can be increased 2 inches wider than leading competitors using a new steel alloy material found only in Wave Tribe products
- Five feet long, not too long! Fits inside a backpack when traveling, no more tangles
- Leash bag holds key and house/car keys
- Best value for money money, strong enough to tow a truck, long enough to be safe for the average surfer
- One size fits all, suitable for most men's height, women's heights up to 5'8" and children's heights up to 6'0"
- Eco-friendly, durable, cool colours, stylish
– Padded Wrist Strap – Comes with Ergonomic Padded Offset Grip & Stainless Steel Fixings
3. PUTTY BUDDIES Floating Earplugs 3-Pair Pack
For Swimming, Water Aerobics, Pool, Ocean, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Swimming Pools.
The Putty Buddies Floating Earplugs are perfect for use in the swimming pool, ocean, boating, snorkeling, water parks, and for swimming and bathing. They are so comfortable that you won’t even notice you have them in after a few minutes. The Putty Buddies Earplugs are recommended by doctors because they block more water than do most other earplugs and are made of soft silicone that is non-toxic and non-irritating. They effectively block water from entering the ears, yet let in enough air so that you can still hear normal sounds. Get the protection that you need and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable time in the water.
4. GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera
Pros:
- GoPro Hero6 delivers 4K at 60fps for 4K, 2.7K and 1440p videos
- GPS, gyro-based image stabilization, accelerometer, and compass for seamless video and photo capture in the toughest of environments
- Waterproof to 20m
- Incredible battery life: up to 2hrs recording at 1080p60, up to 10hrs at 720p60
- New, brighter sensor enables up to 33% more light for great low-light performance
- Free downloadable app for on-the-go convenience, remote control and camera setting adjustments
- Overall a best buy for the performing features. A 4K camera from GoPro, which lets you capture each moment in your life in real time, is way easier now to use with GoPro HERO6.
- For instance, it uses its built-in GPS to track where and how fast you are moving, then it adds that information to your video for awesome speed-lapse and on-mountain time-lapse videos. The camera is loaded with new shooting features and intelligent video modes to help you make every moment count.
Black (CHDHB-601).
5. Dakine Cyclone II 36L Dry Pack 2020
Pros:
- Multiple compartments
- Durable material
- Spacious
Cons:
- The shoulder strap is not very well-padded
- Other bags may have significantly larger capacity
This dry bag from Dakine features a removable shoulder strap as well as a sturdy durable handle for carrying it. The water-resistant zipper keeps the content safe even in case of rain. The pack is sturdy and sturdy and it also comes in many different colors to choose from. It is the top pick on our list of the best surfing accessories for travel. Read the full review here.
6. O'Neill Men's Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Pros:
- Moulds to the body for a fit tailored to your body needs
- Ideal for recreational and beginner surfers wanting to stay warm
- Trim fit and sleek design
- Wave-trim design makes paddling less strenuous
- Durable nylon/elastane blend
- Ideal for surfing on beaches during fall and winter seasons
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty
If you are on a budget, this is an excellent cheap wetsuit that will offer you all the benefits necessary without taking a toll on your wallet. O’Neill has always been one of the top brands of surf clothing, with some of their best products being surf boards, wetsuits and bathrobes.
The Reactor wetsuit is made of a nylon/elastane blend, which is durable and offers a snug fit. If you are looking for a warm, functional, durable, comfortable and stylish wetsuit for surfing for a lesser price, then you might have just found it.
The internal seams are glued and blind stitched. The neoprene booties, the large knee panels, and the wrists are part of the design that makes it warm and comfortable. The suit is soft against the skin and starts off flexible before soon moulding to the shape of your body.
7. Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag Double/Triple
Pros:
- Provides excellent protection for your board
- Highly durable
- Features lots of storage compartments
- Can carry multiple boards
Cons:
- Expensive
- A bit heavy when full
This bag is nearly as thick and heavy duty as the PVC boards themselves. It’s virtually indestructible. This is the only bag on this list that I’d trust to get thrown around cargo, and it’s the only bag I’d trust to go out in the salt water with. The ripstop material weighs a bit more than the neoprene boards that PVC is made out of, but just a little.
There is also my pick for the best surfboard bag, which is the Pro-Lite Smuggler bag. It’s a bit expensive, but I’ve never found anything as versatile and well-made as this bag. The board bag doubles as a backpack, you can carry multiple boards with this bag and the smuggler has a lot of storage space.
It also comes with four mesh pockets with clips and built-in dividers. There are so many reasons to trust this board bag such as nice padding, adjustable straps, thick nylon, heavy duty zippers, and more.
8. Rip Curl Mens Rifles Tide Watch
The Rip Curl Tide Watch will keep you motivated during a fun to intense day of surfing. This watch features a resin band, triangle display face, and a date window. This versatile watch is also water-resistant up to 100 feet.
9. Roof Rack Crossbars 54” Universal Locking Crossbars by Vault
Pros:
- Easy to install (took less than half an hour)
- Material is sturdy
- These crossbars have a fleece on the inside to protect your car's paint
- Came with a detailed instruction and template with vehicle specific measurements
- Fitment is easy
- These bars can be rotated about 45 degrees in any direction
- When the crossbars are inside the vehicle, you can carry large pieces of wood or lumber
- Perfect for hauling multiple kids to school in the family truck
- The carrying bars are longer that most of its competitors
- Good quality accessories at a reasonable price
Cons:
- Instructions are not detailed enough. You may need to refer to online videos to install them.
- Vehicle specific measurements are not available
- You need to have a good idea of how to take measurements for the crossbars to fit
- It might be a little taller than some SUVs permit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who makes the best wetsuits for surfing?
There are a lot of things to look for in the best wetsuit for surfing. Wetsuits are also popularly known as "panos" for short. A reliable wetsuit can have you beaching and bucking waves in the warmest temperatures through the harshest of winters, giving you the versatility to surf all year round, anywhere!
This section aims to point out the best wetsuit brands on the market, give a guide to suit sizing and, most importantly show you the tricks and tips to get the very best from your suit.
We'll also be highlighting some great leashes in this section so keep an eye out for those!
The best place to get wetsuits and great value are online. You have thousands of stockists to choose from. If you follow all the guidelines below you should end up with a killer suit.
What surfboard leash should I buy?
A surfboard leash must be comfortable, and you should be able to swim in it flawlessly. There’s a short leash and a long leash, and if you’re a beginner just starting to learn, you can get a long leash. The long leash is designed for someone learning how to surf, and it’s a little safer than the short leash. It’s better for you to be able to stay next to your board if you’re having some problems, which will improve your confidence.
What type of waves are best for surfing?
Surfing is an activity that takes place on the waves. An ideal surf spot has waves ranging from 2-12 feet (1-3 m). However, beginners can start with waves that are closer to their waist high.
The size of a wave that you’ll be comfortable with surfing can vary depending on your skill level. People of different heights will often have different maximum surf heights. If your chest is above the wave or where the wave would break, then it’s probably a good wave to try.
What is the best surfboard for an intermediate surfer?
The best surfing board for an intermediate rider should be between 6 and 9 feet long. A length of between 6 and 7.5 feet will help you to learn the basics as this is the best area for that. A 7.5 foot board is ideal for an intermediate surfer.
As for a bigger board, an 8- to 9-foot board is best. While longer boards tend to make for slower turns, they also offer greater stability. Here are some of the best-rated boards on the market at different lengths:
6 feet to 6.5 feet: The Surftech Combat is a stable board that feels natural in small waves. The BIC Sport Crossover 6 (also known as the Airush Performer) is a best seller.
6 feet to 7 feet: The Billabong X-Flex and the BIC Sport Crossover 6 are the best sellers in the 6.6 feet to 7 feet category.
Conclusion
Best surfing accessories are great for your surfing enjoyment. Wetsuits are available in a wide range of options, from thin and flexible to thick and heavy. Some are made of lycra, while others come with rubber elements. Choosing a great wetsuit is an important factor to get the best surfing experience possible.
We hope that after reading our guide, you will have a better idea of what you should look for in surf accessories that will lessen the toll that surfing takes on your body. We can’t think of a better way for you to have fun and take a step towards improving your body and mind than surfing.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky Bumps Warm/Tropical Water Surfboard Wax | Best Overall | |
| PUTTY BUDDIES Floating Earplugs 3-Pair Pack | Budget Pick | |
| GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera | Upgrade Pick | |