Riding High
A minor detail when it comes to surfing? You’ll need a board. We like the Average Joe model from Channel Islands Surfboards. With its manageable weight and length, it’s exactly how the Santa Barbara-based team of surf professionals designed it: simple, fun, and easy to ride, no matter what level you’re at.
Peace of Mind
Spooked by the thought of what swims below the surface, father-son surfing duo David and Nathan Garrison teamed up with marine biologists to create Sharkbanz, using magnetic technology to disrupt sharks’ electrical sixth sense and keep the beasts at bay. Wear the band on your wrist or ankle, or equip your board with a Modom Shark Leash.
Classic Wetsuit
More than 65 years since creating the first wetsuit in a small NorCal surf shop, O’Neill has become synonymous with surfing. With styles for every age and level of experience, the Epic suit is perfect for beginners, made with the brand’s signature UltraFlex neoprene at an affordable price point.
Ray Blocker
Spare yourself the sunburn and the greasy shine that comes with typical SPF, thanks to new mess-free formulas that go on clear and absorb quickly. Our pick? This mousse-like sunblock from Coppertone that stays water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Towel Off
Make a statement and a difference with one of the four designs of Outerknown’s The Beach Towel, made from super-soft Portuguese cotton. World Surf League champ Kelly Slater teamed up with designer John Moore to create island-inspired duds that are earth-friendly and fair trade. Some products, like this towel, give 100% of proceeds to support the Ocean Conservancy’s beach and ocean preservation efforts.