Surf Cat

Assuming your local beach is open, surfing is an ideal sport for the present moment: it’s outside, refreshingly cool, and relatively easy to stay socially distant. So, if you promise to stay safe and follow all relevant health guidelines, we promise to show you the best gear to get out shredding, whether you’re already crushing 8-footers or still trying to stand up in the whitewash.

Supergoop! Everyday Lotion

Before all else: sunscreen. The UVA and UVB rays are especially intense on the water, but Supergoop! has you covered with broad spectrum coverage and a water- and sweat- resistant formula that lasts up t0 80 minutes. Also, it’s now reef-safe, so the only trace you’ll leave is cutting a sick line.

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Warby Parker’s Perkins Frame Sunglasses

On the drive down to the sandy shores, make sure your eyes are just as protected as your skin with one of Warby Parkers’ most popular sunglass frames. Durable and scratch-resistant, the lenses block 100% of UV rays and come in prescription and non-prescription varieties. Also, all orders ship for free and include a 30-day return or exchange policy.

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XCEL Comp 2mm Short Sleeve Wetsuit

If the water’s still a bit chilly, or if you want protection from any malicious jellyfish, try this wetsuit from XCEL. With a zipper in the front, the wetsuit is easy to slip on while also giving you the mobility necessary to paddle, and short sleeves mean you still get to feel the salty brine on your arms as you slide down the wave.

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Vuori’s Bahia Boardshort

Maybe the water is warm enough to ditch the extra layers. Maybe you like to wear something underneath your wetsuit. Either way, you’ll love these boardshorts. As you kick to get out past the break or stumble as you try to stand up, they stretch to accommodate. Plus, the six-inch inseam means they’ll never get caught around your knees and that you look fresh on and off the board.

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Billabong’s All Day Wave Performance Long Sleeve Rash Vest

It may be suns-out, guns-out, but if you try to surf a full day with no shirt, you’re going to have a bad time (there’s a reason they call them “rashguards”). This long-sleeve surf shirt, from Billabong, is made of a silky poly elastane blend, so you’ll barely notice it as it gives you 50+ UPF protection.

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ROKA’s Transition Pack

Pretty much any backpack can get your gear down to the beach, but once it’s soaking wet and covered in sand, that’s a different story. With three customizable inner storage pouches and a dry bag that’s big enough to hold a wetsuit, ROKA’s Transition Pack is the perfect way to transport everything you need.

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McTavish’s 9’3″ INVOLVEMENT Longboard

Typically, longboards are recommended for beginners, but even pros often have one around in case the conditions are especially flat. Whether this board is your first big surfing purchase or another item in your roster, it’s going to ride well. And, if your tastes are especially particular, you can also order a custom board from McTavish.

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Solid Surf Co Pescador 7’ – 7’6” Surfboard

A shorter board with a fish-tail, the Pescador is aimed at more intermediate shredders. Specifically designed for all conditions and to prevent nosedives, and constructed using recycled materials, it also comes in two colors and in 7’, 7’4”, and 7’6” versions.

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Josh Hall’s Rocket Fish 6’ Board

Another fish-inspired board, the Rocket Fish is aimed at advanced riders with strong shortboard experience. Because of its streamlined shape, this board can rip down waves at max speed while still being easy to control, and at just six feet, it practically carries itself down to the swells.

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Dakine Kaimana Team 7′ Leash

Keep all six-foot-plus of that board attached to your body with this leash from Dakine. It will stretch to make sure you aren’t yanked through the water, and regardless of where the board washes off to, you’re protected thanks to its Infinite Flex 360° and Zero Distraction ankle cuff.

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GoPro’s HERO8 Waterproof Camera

Instead of trying to describe what the inside of the barrel looked like, record it with GoPro’s latest portable, waterproof camera. This version, the eighth in the company’s long-line of successful adventure recorders, comes with four lenses and a HyperSmooth mode that stabilizes even the gnarliest videos.

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GoPro’s Surfboard Mount

You’re not going to hang the GoPro around your neck, are you? Feel free to install this mount any way you want — either to face you so you see your surfing form, or to face the shore and capture what you’re witnessing as you shred.

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GoPro’s Bite Mount

If you want to go even more extreme, use this bite mount to get the most accurate first-person footage of your rides. Don’t worry, if it pops out of your jaws, the rubber floating will keep the GoPro on the surface.

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The Critical Slide Society’s Cade Poncho

Especially after a day of riding, why wear pants if you don’t have to? Go from damp wetsuit to comfy dryness with this lightweight poncho. Made of 100% cotton, it’s the most stylish and comfortable way to change your clothes and get to that beach bonfire.

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