BEST SURF HATS - A GUIDE
Sun is a bit like beer.
A little is amazing. Too much and you get red in the face, dehydrated and will possibly vomit.
While you can’t wear certain headwear to stop you getting drunk at the pub, there are a huge range of options to combat the evil day star when out and about. Even better, there are options for when you’re surfing! This is our guide to the best surf hats out there. It’s not about just ‘surf brand’ hats. It’s more for functional options that stay on while duck diving, don’t distract you too much when actually on a wave, and (mostly) don’t make you look like a total goober. Here’s your best surf hats that we know about…
BEST SURF HATS
Best Surf Hat For Duck Diving (and tube riding)
Solite is a brand best known for making ultra-technical surf booties. Their surf hat is an absolute corker as well. The thing that sets it apart is its smart design that allows you to flip the visor to the front or back depending on where you need sun protection. Even better, you can slide it back when paddling back out into the lineup and needing lots of duck dives, or when you’re hoping to thread a tube without any distraction in your eyeline. A favourite of Damien Hobgood’s and ours as well.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Surf Hat For Sun Protection
So this one ain’t exactly stylish, but man does it offer good coverage. For my fellow freckle heads out there, the Rip Curl Surf Series Bucket Hat is your go-to burn saver. There’s the full legionnaires mullet flap, a wide, full circle brim and adjustable chin strap. Rippy go the extra mile in adding a hydrophobic coating too, so the water runs off your melon like a duck’s arse. The stealth logos and no-nonsense approach to design make sure it’s not totally obnoxious to wear. A good staple to have in your best surf hat quiver when visiting the tropics or going on boat trips.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Surf Hat For Sun Protection
So this one ain’t exactly stylish, but man does it offer good coverage. For my fellow freckle heads out there, the Rip Curl Surf Series Bucket Hat is your go-to burn saver. There’s the full legionnaires mullet flap, a wide, full circle brim and adjustable chin strap. Rippy go the extra mile in adding a hydrophobic coating too, so the water runs off your melon like a duck’s arse. The stealth logos and no-nonsense approach to design make sure it’s not totally obnoxious to wear. A good staple to have in your best surf hat quiver when visiting the tropics or going on boat trips.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Womens Surf Hat
There isn’t a whole lot of difference in terms of functional design between a men’s and a women’s surf hats. Fits are similar. We all have chins, so need comfort and security there. Styling for women’s surf hats is a big one though. A lot of brands are as boring as walking. Not Sunward Bound. This brand brings plenty of fun to their sun accessories with epic prints and a whole range of options. Their surf hat design is ultra sturdy, comfortable to wear and looks great too. The holy trinity of best womens surf hats. Kinda wish they’d dip into mens to and add some variation to the black, grey or off-white options in macho land.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Kids Surf Hat
One for the groms! Truth be told, quite a few of the kids surf hats out there are completely naff. The designs are bulky and some even have stud buttons on them. Some are just dorky. Considering kids 8-14 are more style conscious than the largest surf hat market - bald dudes - it’s good to see Creatures have offered something fun. This one goes a more 5-panel cap style with an adjustable snapback and chin toggle. It floats, has a removable back flap and is made from quick dry fabric. A decent price too that’s a bit more parent friendly.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Kids Surf Hat
One for the groms! Truth be told, quite a few of the kids surf hats out there are completely naff. The designs are bulky and some even have stud buttons on them. Some are just dorky. Considering kids 8-14 are more style conscious than the largest surf hat market - bald dudes - it’s good to see Creatures have offered something fun. This one goes a more 5-panel cap style with an adjustable snapback and chin toggle. It floats, has a removable back flap and is made from quick dry fabric. A decent price too that’s a bit more parent friendly.
BEST SURF HATS
Best Toddlers Surf Hat
Alright, so there aren’t that many toddlers out there that actually surf. Maybe a few who’s mums or dads have ‘the next Kelly Slater’ stars in their eyes. Nearly every kid loves the beach though. Throwing sand at their siblings, probably eating it, and building castles out of it. Kid’s skin is definitely more sensitive to the sun too, so a good surf hat is an excellent idea. O&E make a great one for only $30 that comes in a range of colours.
