The Summer Surf Gear Guide 2020: for a surfer, summer will always be summer | Photo: Shutterstock

Try the 2021 edition.

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging periods in the history of surfing.

In a time when we need to protect ourselves from an invisible and smart virus that attacks the essence of life in society, it is also paramount to maintain mental health.

Humanity is battling a global opponent, and we need to play it conservatively to protect our present and future as surfers and as citizens of the world.

Surfers must emerge as role models adopt responsible practices and behaviors in and out of the water. In other words, go surf when and where it is allowed.

Summer 2020 hasn't been canceled, suspended, or postponed.

We just need to figure out how to enjoy it to the fullest while following the guidelines issued by your national health authorities.

As Gerry Lopez once said, "surfing is where you find." We dare to add a line: "And where you're safe."

SurferToday adapted this year's summer surf gear guide to the unexpected times we're living in.

Enjoy your fair share of waves. Let's get through this together - surf responsibly. And remember: when in doubt, don't go out.

 

The World Stormrider Surf Playing Cards

The World Stormrider Surf Playing Cards

Is the ocean flat? Are you still in quarantine mode? These informative and fun playing cards feature standard and alternative card games with 54 of the world's surf spots.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

How to Read Water

How to Read Water

Learn to read the ocean's signs like a Polynesian. A remarkable book about the clues given by Nature to interpret the bodies of water. Find north using puddles, forecast the weather from waves, decode the colors of ponds, spot dangerous water in the dark, and decipher wave patterns on beaches.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

VonZipper Elmore

VonZipper Elmore

A classic and cool pair of surf sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. Inspired by the wayfarer, the Elmore features polycarbonate lenses for enhanced impact resistance.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Volcom Crisp Stone Short Sleeve Tee

Volcom Crisp Stone Short Sleeve Tee

Volcom is one of the most iconic surf brands on the planet. Whether you're surfing, snowboarding, or skateboarding, this 100 percent cotton t-shirt will keep you stoked and ready to shred.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

A best-selling inflatable 10' SUP with a wide design and superior maneuverability and a non-slip soft top deck. The kit comes with a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, manual air pump, patch repair accessory kit, and storage bag.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Sun and Sand Surf Mug

Sun and Sand Surf Mug

This 11 oz coffee mug will help you stay hydrated and caffeinated while you wait for the surf. It is microwave and dishwasher safe and was hand-painted with lead-free inks.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Surf Survival

Surf Survival

The best book about surfer's health features tips, information, and advice on how to be prepared to handle surfing-related emergencies. Prevention, rehabilitation, sports medicine, wound care, and infections - it's all in here in this must-have handbook.

Buy: Amazon.com

Billabong Sweatpant

Billabong Sweatpant

Comfortable all-around surfer sweatpants with welt pocketing and drawstring waistband.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

DB Skimboards Proto Plank Skimboard

DB Skimboards Proto Plank Skimboard

An affordable and highly flexible skimboard for waves and inland, wet-and-flat surfaces. Featuring durable high-pressure laminate (HPL) top and bottom sheets and 100 percent North American maple core.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

An award-winning sunscreen formula free of biologically harmful chemicals. This reef-friendly protection applies and absorbs quickly without the obtrusive smell and oily feeling.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Dakine Cap

Dakine Cap

A timeless trucker hat with a surfer twist. Made from 100 percent cotton, this Dakine cap features an adjustable snap closure and a classic mesh back to keep the air flowing.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

A Brief History of Surfing

A Brief History of Surfing

In 272 pages, surf historian Matt Warshaw takes us on a journey to the history of surfing. Learn how the sport of the kings evolved from ancient times to high-performance wave riding.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Snailman Microfiber Beach Towel

Snailman Microfiber Beach Towel

A quick-drying, lightweight beach towel made from raw materials that will dry three times faster than a traditional towel. Moreover, sand will disappear when you shake it. Perfect for surfers.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Ding All Polyester Repair Kit

Ding All Polyester Repair Kit

The most popular surfboard ding repair kit in the world contains polyester resin, hardener, fiberglass cloth, a sanding pad, mixing sticks, a cup, and cover sheets.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

GoPro HERO8 Black

GoPro HERO8 Black

Get ready to capture 4K60 footage, 12MP photos, and high-quality audio with the best-selling surf camera on the planet. The high-tech stabilization levels, time warp options, live streaming features will impress any surfer.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Reef Fanning Flip Flop

Reef Fanning Flip Flop

Nobody makes surfer flip-flops better than Reef. Their best-selling model has been approved and endorsed by Mick Fanning. Why? Because it features anatomical arch support, a compression-molded EVA foam footbed, and a key bottle opener.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Revolution 101 Balance Board Trainer

Revolution 101 Balance Board Trainer

Improve your balance, burn calories, and keep your wave riding skills up-to-date with this two-piece roller-style trainer board. It's compact, durable, designed, and handcrafted in the United States. 

Buy: Amazon.com

 

A Secret History of the Ollie

A Secret History of the Ollie

Every surfer should skate. Skateboarding is surfing's younger brother. With over 1,200 images, this award-winning book will tell you everything you need to know about the history of skating and its culture.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

A Colorful World: Adult Coloring Book - Surf & Sun

A Colorful World: Adult Coloring Book - Surf & Sun

A spectacular collection of beach and surf-inspired illustrations for you to colorize and relax. These 24 original drawings feature surfer girls, mermaids, beach cottages, inspirational quotes, and underwater scenes.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Apple Watch Series 5

Apple Watch Series 5

The world's finest surf watch lets you track your waves, check real-time ocean conditions, and get forecasts and tide time information.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Sanuk Chiba Slip-On

Sanuk Chiba Slip-On

Laid-back surfer shoes made from 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyurethane. They feel like flip-flops but are incredibly comfortable and durable.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

DJI Mavic Mini

DJI Mavic Mini

Shoot the surf like a pro with this drone equipped with a 12MP/2.7K quad HD three-axis gimbal camera and up to 30 minutes of flight time.

Buy: Amazon.com

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