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There’s a wide world of surf accessories out there today. While some hit the mark, others fail to stand the test of time. We focused on the former to compile this list of staples that make the grade regardless of where you live and what you’re into. From hydration to organization, and far-out travel missions to daily drivers, if it’s on this list, it’ll do you solid.
Best Board Bag: DB Surf Pro Coffin 6'6"
This bag changed the game when it dropped a few years ago and it has only gotten better since. Now on its 3rd iteration, the Db coffin is flawless in design and functionality thanks to input from world tour heavies like Jordy Smith. Jordy, who’s on the road 9 months out of the year, gave the design team a slew of feedback for the latest version and you’d be hard-pressed to find an area they could improve upon. This Db unit will keep your boards safe and you looking fresh, whether you’re flying out of LAX or traversing the Outback. At $500, the price point isn’t cheap, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you're hauling around multiple precious blades on a regular basis.
Best Wet/Dry Bag: Needessentials 30 Litre Dry Pack
The days of giant logos being cool are long gone and that’s part of the reason why Australia-based Needessentials resonates with so many people. That, and the fact that they make top quality products, at excellent prices, ready to withstand whatever life throws at you. Their 30L Dry Bag is a perfect companion for every type of excursion, whether you’re wave-chasing and island hopping in Indo or simply cruising to school / work / or running errands. The bag design is simple but functional: one zip pocket on the outside makes it easy to stash and grab your phone / keys / sunscreen / snack bar and the main pocket holds all the rest. Even if you’re zooming through the shorebreak in a dinghy, your laptop and camera will stay safe. I personally love the buckle straps that allow you to attach extra items like a sleeping pad or extra layer to the outside of the bag super easily. There’s a lot of dry bags out there but at $90, this one is hard to beat.
Best Everyday Leash: Veia JJF Pro 6' Comp Leash
Is there much difference between leashes? Well, for what it’s worth, there is only one that is made for the demanding standards of the North Shore as specified by one John John Florence. Let’s be real, if your daily grind consists primarily of 2-3ft waves without much juice, you can get away with a generic leash for years. The thing is, when the ocean does come to life with some power, that ol’ leg rope may not be your best friend. We’ve tested the 6’ Veia JJF Pro Leash in places like Fiji and, of course, the North Shore, and it’s held true and strong. You may not think about your leash all that much, but if you’re in the impact zone at Cloudbreak or Sunset, about to wear a couple of overhead waves on the head, you’ll sure be hoping that your leash holds up. Best not to take any chances in situations like that, $50 is a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you don’t venture into heavy water very often (or ever), this thing will last you years. The 6' JJF Pro Leash embraces simplicity & longevity through VEIA's duralite neoprene lined cuff, ultra lite micro-strength velcro, drag-reducing rail saver & more.
Best Surfboard Rack: LISS The Spirit Rack
If you’ve got a good quiver, it deserves to be treated like one. Leaving boards scattered around in disarray is a great way to pick up unnecessary dings and dents. A well-placed surf rack goes a long way in keeping your blades fresh and ready for whatever the ocean serves up. Sure, you could build one yourself but that’s not always the case, especially if your aesthetic tastes go beyond your craftsmanship and woodworking skills. The Spirit Rack from LISS looks great whether it’s in your home, office, or garage. Made from eco-friendly bamboo and designed by two brothers with decades of experience, these look far cleaner than anything that would come after a trip to Home Depot. Best of all is that they can be assembled in less than 10 minutes with no tools (or frustration) required. At $300, they’re almost half the price of other comparable racks on the market.
Best Hybrid Bag: Faro Padded Day / Travel Bag
The Faro Padded Day / Travel bag is a worthy complement to your favorite blade, regardless of the size and whatever mission you’ve got in mind. The full zipper makes for such easy access you have to wonder why all day bags don’t feature it. No more pulling and pushing to get your board in or out, even if the wax has melted and made it a bit sticky on the inside. The inside is lined with pockets that you can fill with clothes, towels, wetsuits, and whatever else you need to bring along and create extra cushion for your long haul journeys. The overall aesthetic makes it look more of a bad-ass special forces operator than a surf bum, this goes a long way with check-in agents, trust me. Bonus points to founder Jack Ventura for being a true core-lord and keeping this an independent operation that serves surfers before all else. Starting at $220 for the 6’ version and scaling up in price to $270 for the 11’ unit (Gliders welcome).
Best Water Bottle: Purist Collective Founder 32oz
There’s a lot of water bottles out there but there is only one that is backed by the full faith and credibility of the GOAT. Purist's bottles solve a problem most people don't know they have: standard stainless steel slowly migrates trace metals — nickel, cadmium — into whatever you're drinking, shifting flavor and compromising purity. Purist's patented solution is a micro-thin layer of silicon dioxide, the same compound found in quartz and glass, fused to the bottle's interior. The result is a fully non-porous, glass-like surface — no metallic tinge, no ghost of yesterday's coffee, no compromise. The pop-top open makes it easy to hydrate with one hand while on the road and on the go. Kelly says, "I'm very aware and careful about what I'm putting in my body on a daily basis and clean water is the most significant part of that." Drink like the GOAT and get the 32oz “Founder” model for $58 at puristcollective.com.
