My name is Joe, aka @TheSurfingExpert and I source the top surfing products, whether it’s from major brands, or from niche companies you’ve never heard of.
Summer 2020 may not be like any other summer, but surfers will continue to enjoy the beach. After months of being stuck inside, I think I speak for all surfers when I say we’re all ready to make the most of it! Here is a list of 10 essentials that will keep surfers safe, comfy, and stoked all summer.
1- OUTERKNOWN APEX TRUNKS by KELLY SLATER
The first thing to look for when it comes to boardshorts is comfort. The Outerknown Apex Trunks will deliver regardless of how hot it gets! They’re ultra-light and the 4-way stretch fabric makes them perfect for surfing. If that wasn’t already enough, they’ve been put to test and approved by the best surfer of all time Kelly Slater himself. They’re made in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility, so you can feel good about your purchase.
BUY NOW – From $145.00 with many color options available here.
2- ALL GOOD SPF 50+ MINERAL SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen should not be an option when you’re in the water or just hanging out on the beach this summer. While there are countless sunscreen options available, only a handful combine all the elements that make All Good the perfect one for surfers: it offers a high level of protection (SPF 50+), it’s made in the USA out of organic ingredients that are harmless to your skin and to the environment (coral reef-friendly, cruelty-free, GMO-free, paraben-free) and it is water-resistant up to 80 minutes so it won’t come off on your first duck dive.
BUY NOW – From $9.99
3- HYDRO FLASK TRAIL SERIES™ WATERBOTTLE
Bringing a water bottle to the beach this summer is just as important as sunscreen! The new Hydro Flask Trail Series™ bottles are 25% lighter than Hydro Flask’s regular bottles. Very durable, they have the great benefit of keeping your drink ice-cold for 24 hours even on the hottest summer days!
BUY NOW – From $44.95
4- TURQ UNDERWEAR
Chaff and rashes become the surfer’s worst ennemies as soon as the water gets warm enough to trunk it. Turqs have been designed specifically to prevent this! They’re ridiculously comfortable to wear, in and out of the water, and have been favorites for years now. Wearing them under a pair of Outerknown Apex Trunks is the perfect combo to score fun waves!
BUY NOW – From $29.00
5- NAKED VIKING SURF MARLIN KEEL FINS
When waves drop in size this summer or when you just want to switch things up, it’s time to take out the fun boards, fishes, twin fins, and mini-simmons. The Marlin twin fins from Naked Viking Surf will then become your best ally to supercharge your summer board and provide the best mix of speed, control, and rail to rail performance. They’re made in NVS’ signature Apex construction, very durable and available in single-tab (Futures) or twin-tab (FCS).
BUY NOW – From $79.95
6- ELECTRIC X JJF KNOXVILLE SPORT SUNGLASSES
This is John John Florence’s first signature series sunglasses. A pair of stylish, timeless, and reliable sunglasses that will effectively protect your eyes thanks to Electric’s exclusive melanin-infused polarized lenses. Good stuff.
BUY NOW – From $180.00
7- CHEER X OUTERKNOWN WETSUIT TOP
This is Outerknown’s first attempt in the wetsuit category and you can tell that they’ve put in the time to do things right. They’ve partnered with leading wetsuit brand Cheer to create this 2mm neoprene-free wetsuit top. Instead of traditional neoprene, they are using premium FSC-certified natural Hevea™️ rubber and recycled fabrics. This eco-friendly top will keep you rash-free and toasty all summer in waters above 70ºF. Keep it close for the winter too when you escape on a trip somewhere tropical!
BUY NOW – From $140.00
8- KONA SURF CO. UV SHIELD
This neck gaiter from Kona Surf Company will keep you protected from the sun and wind. It can also be worn as a face cover when surrounded with other people as recommended by the CDC, whether you’re on the beach or in town. It features a 50+ UV protection and is made of a soft, quick-drying and breathable fabric. Kona Surf Company is a family-owned surf company based in Wildwood, NJ. Shopping local is a great way to support small businesses that are an integral part of the surfing community!
BUY NOW – From $19.99
9- PHOOZY THERMAL CAPSULE
Something no-one really thinks about but learn the hard way is that extreme temperatures drain and may permanently damage your phone battery. Phoozy is the solution to this and should be added to your summer essential list! If you go out for a surf leaving your smartphone in a bag sitting in the hot sun in your car or on the beach, chances are you’ll find your device overheating when you come back. Phoozy is made with thermal protection materials that were directly adapted from NASA technology. It’s also water-resistant and it floats if dropped in water, making it perfect for surfers or anyone who spends time by the water!
BUY NOW – From $29.99
10- SLYDE HANDBOARDS GROM BOARD
Slyde Handboards makes catching waves more accessible and easier than ever with their bodysurfing handboards. It’s a great way to introduce the fun of the ocean to friends and family who are coming along to the beach, or for experienced surfers to improve their most fundamental skills. Expect a lot of speed on the waves, countless barrels, and most importantly… a lot of fun! This is what summer should be all about!
BUY NOW – From $59.99
BONUS ENTRY – PARKIT THE VOYAGER CHAIR
The Voyager is not your regular beach chair. It’s so much more. It features a cooler compartment, outsize storage pockets, a cup holder, straps for easy transportation, and an ergonomic seat to relax on while watching the waves roll in. Built to last, it packs a sturdy aluminum frame, and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo for the armrests were used in the making. This one would have been really high on our list but it hasn’t been launched yet. The good news is that you can already pre-order The Voyager here and enjoy it for the summers and years to come!
PRE-ORDER NOW – From $152.00
To send us suggestions of products to review, or if you need surf gear advice, reach out directly to Joe@TheSurfingExpert on Instagram or email him at [email protected]
