The Ultimate Holiday Buyer's Guide for Surfers

It's the holiday season, which means two things: there's going to be waves fueled by cold fronts, and you're going to be looking for new gear for yourself and your loved ones.

But with so much surf and beach gear out there, where do you start?

In the old days, catalogs used to arrive in your mail to inspire you with the year's latest and greatest gifts, and today, these catalogs take the form of digital gift guides.

From shoes to clothes, sunglasses, towels, protein bars (we've got a discount code!) and more, here's some of the best gift ideas for the holiday season.

Xtratuf's Camp Boot

Photo courtesy Xtratuf

Winter season means rugged weather and rugged terrain, from the mountains to the sea and everything in between.

Whether you're scouting waves, on an outdoor adventure, or sloshing through rain or sleet to get to work, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your feet — which is why you need to pick a pair of boots that can hold up in the elements, are comfortable, and as an added bonus, stylish. That's where Xtratuf's Camp boots come into play.

Can they hold up in the elements? Just as their company name implies, Xtratuf makes gear for the most rugged terrain on the planet, so we know it can hold up for your outdoor adventures. Complete with fleece lining and an all-terrain, slip-resistant, and non-marking outsole, they're undoubtedly comfortable. And, as you can tell, they're one of the most stylish boots on the market today.

Photo courtesy Xtratuf

We love Xtratuf's Camp Boot so much that it's the #1 item on our list for your holiday shopping, and a must have for all surfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Get yours right here.

Faherty's Portugese Flannel

Photo courtesy Faherty

Faherty's Portuguese Flannel deserves a space in your closet this holiday season for several reasons. First, it's the perfect blend of warm, lightweight, and soft. Second, in an era where material can be scrutinized and questioned, Faherty stands out above the rest, because their clothing (including this shirt) is woven and crafted in Portugal, a region long known for its quality clothing craftmanship. And third, the flannel is made in partnership with Garret McNamara and his rugged lifestyle in Nazare — if it gets his seal of approval, you know it's quality. As Faherty describes the shirt, it's rugged, refined, and ready for years of wear, and we would add that it does all of this with eye-popping style. You can buy it right here.

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

If you're like me, you've gone through too many blankets to count. When I take a blanket to the beach, it winds up full of sand and drenched in saltwater, and ends up in the trashcan. Similarly, when I camp with a blanket, it ends up wet from the morning dew and has too many stains from food and grass to keep. If only there was a quality blanket that was waterproof ... as it turns out, I wasn't the only one with this issue, and Yeti heard my complaint. Their Lowlands blanket is the ultimate blanket for all things outdoors. Yes, it's soft, durable, and big, but what I loved most about it is that it features a waterproof Hydrobarrier Layer. If you have kids or pets, this is a gamechanger, and is a big reason why this should be under your Christmas tree this year. The cherry on top is that you don't have to wad up the blanket when you're finished; it comes with a carry bag that you can sling over your shoulder. If you're going to the beach, going camping, or looking to cruise outdoors, trust us: you need Yeti's Lowlands Blanket, which you can buy right here.

Carve Designs Eloise Wool Sweater

Photo courtesy Carve Designs

Since the temperatures are cooler, there's no doubt that you're looking to wear something that is fashionably warm. That's where Carve Designs' Eloise Wool Sweater comes in. It's a classic fit with blouson sleeve, oversize cable pattern, and ultra-soft Berg Eco wool blend. For all the ladies out there, this is the perfect fall and winter sweatshirt. Get yours right here.

Carve Designs Zoe Twill Pant

Photo courtesy Carve Designs

Whether you have a long day of traveling or you're trying to change into something comfortable after a surf session, Carve Designs' Zoe Twill Pant is the ultimate versatile pant for the ladies. It's an easy pull-on pant with elastic waistband and draw cord, and best of all, is the perfect balance between comfortable and stylish. Get your pair here.

Freefly's Passage 5 Pocket Pant

Photo courtesy Freefly

Freefly's Passage 5 Pocket Pant is one of the most versatile on the market, which is why it belongs in your closet. Need a pair of pants to wear to work that are comfortable and not stiff? Check. Need a pair of pants to keep your warm traveling? Check. Need a pair of pants to wear around the house? Check. From work to checking the surf and everywhere in between, these pants are some of the best available right now — and look stylish in the process. Get your pair here.

Ombraz Refugio Sunglasses

Photo courtesy Ombraz

If you didn't already know, we're big fans of Ombraz's sunglasses because they're armless. This leads to a more comfortable experience, enhanced durability, and the ability for the sunglasses to rest around your neck when you aren't using them. (Oh, did we mention for every pair they sell, they plant one tree?) Ombraz recently debuted their Refugio line, which provides full eye coverage. Not only is it trendy; they are the go to sunglasses for your next adventure, whether you're scouting waves, skiing, or just cruising.

Check em out right here.

Yeti Ranchero 27L Backpack

Photo courtesy Yeti

You need to upgrade your backpack this holiday season. Whether you often carry surf gear, outdoor gear, or you travel often for work, getting a quality backpack will help not only our items, but your back as well. Take your cheap backpack, through it in the garbage, and get yourself Yeti's Ranchero backpack. What makes it so great? It has a handful of unique features, including several internal and external pockets that help you keep your things organized; it's water and abrasion resistant and it fits your average laptop. What we love most about it is it's pull-to-open RipZip feature for easy access. No more digging through your backpack to get to whatever found it's way to the bottom; Yeti re-imagined this challenge, and came up with a solution that you need to experience for yourself. Get yourself a Ranchero Backpack here.

Freefly's Men's Downvalley Overshirt

Photo courtesy Freefly

Freefly's Downvalley Overshirt is perfect for a chilly morning checking the waves. It's not bulky like a winter coat, yet it retains a surprising amount of warmth despite how thin it is. Best of all? It's so comfortable that you'll want to slip it on as soon as you get out of the water. The Downvalley Overshirt isn't just good for surfing; it's stylish enough that you can wear it on a date or to the office. Because of this versatility, and because of it's price (it's under $150), we highly recommend it, and you can buy it here.

Reef's Shoreline Del Mar Shoes

Photo courtesy Reef

If you're looking for the most comfortable shoes in between surf session, it's Reef's Del Mar shoes. No, it's not hyperbole; we gave them a try, and their cushion rivals any similar Nike or Adidas model. We especially loved their elastic lace option, which allows you to slip the shoes on and off easily, especially in or near sand. The shoes are casual, but can also fit a professional outfit. Best of all? They're under $100. Get your pair right here.

Freefly's Lightweight Hoodie

Photo courtesy Freefly

We call it the in between: it's too warm to wear a thick jacket, but too chilly to wear a shortsleeve shirt. Maybe you're working indoors, or maybe you live in a warm environment like Florida. Either way, we've got the solution for you that's affordable and has style: Freefly's perfectly named lightweight hoodie. It will keep your warm, give you protection from the sun, and have you looking great when you're out and about. Take it from us: keep it in your bag or your car; it'll be something you reach for more often than you think. Get yours right here.

Carve Designs Taylor Linen Tunic

Photo courtesy Carve Designs

This winter, if you're heading to warmer climates to escape the cold, we've got something. for you: Carve Designs' Taylor Linen Tunic. A purposely oversized tunic, it's a relaxed fit, slightly off-the-shoulder style, and collar & stand and shirttail hem, you can wear this as a cover up or with your favorite bottoms. Check it out right here.

Carve Designs Carson Jean

Photo courtesy Carve Designs

It's the holiday season, so why not treat your favorite lady (or yourself) to the best pair of jeans? Carve Designs' Carson Jean are sleek yet casual, relaxed with a bit of a stretch. Their versatility are unmatched; they can be professional, something you can wear out on the weekend, and, due to its stretch, something you can wear on a short outdoor adventure. The numbers speak for themselves: there have been 50,000 pairs sold with over 500 5 star ratings. Get a pair right here.

Basis Surf Paddle Trainer

Photo courtesy Basis Surf

We all want to improve our paddling — especially during those long winter sessions. But unlike other traditional sports, we can't mimic paddling in the ocean unless we, well, paddle in the ocean. That's the problem that Basis Surf set out to solve. They've created a way for you to improve your paddling and get a good exercise in from the gym, from home, or even on the go with their Paddle Trainer. How easy is it to use? Simply attach it to a hook or doorframe and you're good to go. It offers smooth and consistent resistance so it feels like paddling in water, concentric-only so you can train your recovery stroke, and best of all, it's adjustable from 0-200lbs so you can train endurance, sprint, and strength. Bottom line: the paddle trainer will help you surf better and longer, so it gets our vote for a holiday gift. Get yours right here.

Yeti Rambler Half Gallon Jug

Photo courtesy Yeti

Whether you're on the beach or the great outdoors, if you want to stay out longer, you have to stay hydrated. Plastic waterbottles and even small hydroflasks have their problems; that's why you need Yeti's Half Gallon Jug. It holds nearly a day's worth of water, is 100% leakproof, has a hands-free MagCap for easy pouring, and includes a double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages hot or cold. By improving your hydration, you can improve your experience. Get your Yeti Half Gallon Jug right here.

JAMBAR

Photo courtesy JAMBAR

Remember PowerBar? Those protein packed and delicious energy bars that you used to grind on years ago? If you're like us, you miss them. Sure, there's plenty of protein bars to choose from today, but none of them have ever topped the fabled PowerBar. So, when we heard that the creators of PowerBar were back in the biz, we couldn't wait to give their new creation a try: JAMBAR. Yes, they absolutely live up to the hype. They are delicious (flavors include Chocolate Cha Cha, Jammin Jazzleberry, Tropical trio & more), full of protein, and best of all, good for you! Whether you're trying to get a quick bite in between surf sessions, looking for a snack on your next outdoor adventure, or having to skip lunch due to work meetings, we recommend JAMBAR as a solution. Get yourself a pack right here — and use the discount code SURF20 for 20% off your order!

Freefly's Seawool Flannel

Photo courtesy Freefly

Whether you're fishing, checking the waves, or outoors at all this winter season, you need a shirt that has warmth, comfort and style — and that's where Freefly's Seawoold Flannel comes in. Not only has it become one of our favorite shirts; what makes it unique is that there's an interesting conservation aspect to it. The shirt is made from Seawool fabric, a midweight brushed twill made from up-cycled oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles. These materials provide deliver many of the same benefits as bamboo fabrics, with the added bonus that the recycled bottles don't get the chance to end up in our oceans. Get your Seawool flannel, which costs less than $150, right here.

Carve Designs Nadia Twill

Photo courtesy Carve Designs

If you're looking for a fall & winter shirt that is warm and stylish enough for you to wear out for wine, check out Carve Designs' Nadia Twill. It's the kind of shirt that you can keep tucked away in your closet for the next occasion, or if you're on the go, you can keep it in your car or bag and elevate your look at anytime. Best of all? It can go with just about any pant. Get yours right here.

PackTowel

Photo courtesy American Surf Magazine

If you're still using the same soured out towel, it's time for you to level up your towel game. We highly recommend PackTowel, because it's one of the best towel options out there right now. Here's what we love about it: it takes up minimal space in your backpack, delivers maximum absorbency and has quick-drying performance. The numbers prove it: it's capable of absorbing 4x its weight in water and drying 70% faster than comparable cotton towels. Best of all? There's a handful of rad designs you can choose from. Get yours right here.