Surf Culture

Before you venture out into the world of surfing, make sure you’re on the same page with your peers. Surfers have an exclusive way of talking, and not understanding a word they’re saying can REALLY make you feel like an outsider — or worse, a kook. I’ve been surfing for many years now, and have conversed with other surfers of different genders, ages, and native tongues. Still, it’s surprising to me how we all instantly connect when it comes to the way we talk. In this article, I’ll teach you all about surf slang and terms, and how I usually use them in my daily conversations. You’ll be able to catch up on inside jokes, engage in friendly chats, and impress other surfers with your fluency in Surf Lingo 101 in no time! Surf Slang and Terms A-frame- a peak-shaped wave with left and right shoulders Example: “Dude, A-frame. You go right, I go left.”  Accessory man- a surfer that wears all kinds of accessories at the same time i.e. reef walkers, visors, multiple rashguards under the wetsuit Example: “If you ever need a rashie, I’m sure accessory man over there’s got a-plenty.” Aggro- an aggressive surfer or way of surfing Airplane wings- ugly longboards Example: “Did you see that dude with airplane wings? Man, he almost hit me.” Akaw- a term used for something shocking, rad, or awesome Example: “Akaw! Yo, look at that wave. Dude’s looking like he’s gonna get pitted.” Amped- the feeling of excitement before a surfing session Example: “Today’s surf report’s got me amped up this morning!” Ankle slapper/biter- small waves as if reaching ankle-level Example: “Man, the waves are ankle slappers today, I should’ve stayed home.”  Axed- a heavy wipeout directly hitting a surfer Example: “Dude, that wave has so much speed, it axed me straight to the face!” Baby photo- small pecker/penis shrinkage after cold water surfing Example: “Yo dude, your full-on baby photo looks so obvious in your wetsuit right now. Ha!” Backdoor- to go inside a wave barrel Example: “Amazing backdoor on that gnarly wave, dude!”  Bail out – to abandon or jump off from the board before or during a wipeout Example: “Oh my god, that wave almost killed me I had to bail out.” Balancing on the log- to paddle out on a surfboard with an erection Example: “Yo, wait up! Just having a little trouble balancing on the log up here.” Barney- a derogatory term for a surfer rookie, untalented (see also kook) Example: “Wow, the sesh today sucks. Too many Barneys out there.” Barrel- wave curl, tube, or hollow part of the wave Example: “Dude. Everybody’s stoked about today’s barrels.”  Beach bunny- women wearing bikinis who frequently tan at the beach Example: “Brah, I see that beach bunny as often as I see you getting axed.” Betty- female surfer Bilge- water or goo that comes out of boots Example: “Dude, where did you swim? That bilge’s just plain nasty, man.” Bomb- a massive wave Boots/booties- neoprene booties usually worn with wetsuits Example: “I need to put on my booties or else I get reef rash.” Brah/bro- surfer friend or buddy Example: “Jeez bro, you need to practice in a surf camp or something or they’d be calling you Barney next.” Brekky- post-surf breakfast Carve- sharp turn on the wave’s face Example: “Rad carve, Matt!” Cheah- another term for ‘Yeah’ Example: “Eggy dude just told me he’s sorry for snaking in. Cheah, right.”  Choppy (similar to blown-out)- inconsistent wave conditions Example: “Watch out for yourself out there, I heard we have some choppy waves today.” Clean- smooth wave conditions without bumps Cliffhanger- snot or booger inside the nose that gets obvious in water Example: “Dude, you better wipe off that cliffhanger before you talk to Betty.”  Clipped- to get hit on the head with a lip Example: “You need to watch out, man. Getting clipped ain’t no fun.” Coffee bomb- when you’re sitting out on a wave and then feel an urge to drop turd after drinking coffee Example: “Dang, I wish I didn’t drink that coffee. I’m about to drop this coffee bomb.” Comb- used to remove or maintain surf wax Contra-gear- a product in exchange for weed Example: “Ey, Mike, I’ve got some contra-gear here in my pocket, dude.” Crest- top point of the wave Cutback- sharp turn or change direction in the face of a wave Example: “That cutback ripped the wave, man.” Cutting off- also referred to as snaking, to cut someone off who’s next in the lineup of catching a wave Example: “Ayo, that dingbat keeps cutting people off in the line!”  Dawn patrol- surfing session before sunrise/early morning Example: “Sorry, bro. Can’t get my budgies on for tonight. I’m on dawn patrol tomorrow.” Deck-check- to paddle towards a big wave and back out last second Example: “Dude went in for the bomb, but deck-checked before the drop-in.” Dick-dragger (female: clam dragger)- a term used for surfers who can’t stand up on their boards yet Example: “Dude, you’ve been dick-dragging for days, stand up, will ya?” Ding- damage or crack to the board Drop in – when a surfer closest to the peak dropped, then another surfer down the lineup cut off on the wave Example: “Hey dimwit, why’d you drop in for!?” Dryspell- a long period of flat wave conditions Example: “Man, I’ll give you ten bucks if you end this dryspell right now.” Dude- a fellow surfer, can also be referred to as ‘due’ Eddie would go- a reference to the surfing legend Eddie Aikau who’s fearless when taking on big waves (also a bumper sticker in Hawaii) Egg beater- a surfer who sits on his/her board, blocking your way toward a wave Example: “Hey, egg beater! Get the hell out of the way!” Eggy- the feeling of dullness in the morning Example: “Will take a rain check today, I’ve been feeling eggy since I woke up.” Eskimo roll- to roll the board over to avoid being washed off the … Read more

More than being a video-sharing service, YouTube is now the perfect avenue for just about anyone to showcase themselves. That includes surfers – young and old, pros and newbies, or simple enthusiasts. All of which are worthy of hitting the follow button. YouTube allowed surfers to share their adventures, wins, and mishaps. Since surfing year-round isn’t easy for most of us, their YouTube channels become a great way to get a buzz and feel waves are coming to you. If you’re checking out YouTube channels that will fill you in with all things surfing, you’ve come to the right place. We listed down some of the best surfing YouTube channels you should subscribe to so you won’t miss the waves as much. Top 10 Best Surfing YouTube Channels To Subscribe To Surfing YouTube channels are more than just entertainment. You can turn to them when you need to get a buzz on days when the waves aren’t so perfect or when the nights are dark. They are also excellent sources of tips and advice on surfing. These surfing channels we gathered will offer you everything from surf training videos to surf-spot guides. And, you’ll also get a chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional surfer from those “a day in the life” videos. Jamie O’Brien Koa Rothman Ben Gravy Beefs T.V. Kai Lenny John John Florence SURFER How To Rip Brett Barley World Surf League 1. Jamie O’Brien Joined: December 2, 2012 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 762K Jamie O’Brien’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieOBrienJOB When he’s not riding waves, Jamie O’Brien is either making cameos in surf films or making his own vlogs for his YouTube channel. Born on June 9, 1983, in Kahuku, Hawaii, O’Brien is an American professional surfer who holds multiple awards, including the 2009 Rip Curl International. The Pro Surfer turned video star has one of the best surfing channels on YouTube. Backed with his surfing crew, he and his group take on gnarly waves, dive into extreme challenges, and experiment with all kinds of crazy and fun stuff. Jamie O’Brien’s unique glimpse of his crazy life – from his slip ‘n slides at Waimea Bay to taking massive pipeline swells on a soft-top surfboard are all professionally filmed and edited by his equally skilled filmmakers. 2. Koa Rothman Joined: January 4, 2013 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 126K Koa Rothman’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KoaRothman Earlier this year, Rothman made a buzz after riding the biggest wave ever ridden in Hawaii. It was estimated to be 100 feet tall at Jaws on the island of Maui. If you are his subscriber, you’d know just how he’d take on waves like that, especially if you’ve seen his January 21, 2021 video. Rothman’s surfing YouTube channel tagged “This Is Livin’” shows the most beautiful footage of Tahiti, Indonesia, Fiji, California, Europe, and his hometown in Hawaii. No wonder he’s got nothing but the absolute beauty of the seas captured in videos. It helps that Koa is an engaging and genuine host. His fun personality tells a lot about his experiences as a pro surfer, filmmaker, and musician, too. These are some of the great surf vlogs for a beginner’s inspiration and source of fun. 3. Ben Gravy Joined: April 26, 2007 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 145K Ben Gravy’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BenGravyy/ In late February of 2021, Ben Gravy’s surfing YouTube channel was suspended indefinitely after traveling to Puerto Rico. For some reason, because he was connected thru Wi-Fi, YouTube thought his account was compromised. Fortunately, it’s back online with many cool and exciting videos that his fans sure took time to watch. His surfing YouTube channel is one of the earliest surfing channels on YouTube. This surfing channel has documented not just his everyday life but how he surfed in every single US state. His most viewed video was uploaded in 2018 with 798K views. It was the DIY conversion of his cargo van into an off-the-grid camper. The 10-day camper van project turned out pretty well that you’d see the same van in some of his other videos. 4. BEEFS T.V. Joined: May 19, 2015 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 146K BEEFS T.V.’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BEEFSOFFICIAL/ BEEFS T.V. describes itself as amateur broadcasting for documenting everything from surfing, making friends, waves, soft boarding, skimboarding, boogie boarding, eating, and almost everything that goes around the beaches of Southern California. Chris Monroe is behind the surfing YouTube channel BEEFS T.V. Its content revolves around Blairk Conklin, Kalani Robb, and almost everyone from the Catch Surf team. If you like loads of Palm Springs Surf Club scenes, you will love watching videos from this surfing channel. Monroe is the one-person show behind this surfing YouTube channel. When asked whether it is challenging to document surfing, he says it is pretty easy for him. His excellent video footages are all punctuated with humor and rough filming, making them highly addicting. 5. Kai Lenny Joined: February 25, 2010 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 88.5K Kai Lenny’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaiLenny98/ Kai Lenny lives life like no one else. This is pretty obvious in most of his videos on his surfing YouTube channel. His footages are always fun and exciting, and it isn’t so surprising. After all, he’s that pro water athlete that can take on just about anything – surfing, windsurfing, wing surfing, kiteboarding, and more. Known for his big beach clean-ups in Hawaii, this big-wave surfer from Hawaii is a true waterman who has a habit of setting new boundaries for what’s possible. His surfing YouTube channel shows just how innovative he is when it comes to his gear and how he rides. Follow Kai as he pushes his limits while on a tow-board, shortboard, or even a foil-board. There’s almost nothing this guy can do. His talent makes most people think he is the new Laird Hamilton of this generation. 6. John John Florence Joined: January 23, 2019 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 142K John John Florence’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JJF/ The two-time world champion … Read more

Surfing documentaries provide us with an avenue to focus on when the weather keeps us from going to the beach. We explored the highs and lows of the documentary department to bring you the best surfing documentaries you can relax and enjoy while waiting for your next ride. Top 8 Best Surfing Documentaries Reveiwed Momentum Generation Bustin’ Down The Door Andy Irons: Kissed By God Bra Boys The Endless Summer Sea Of Darkness Code Red Riding Giants 1. Momentum Generation Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist Stars: Jeannie Chesser, Thomas DeLonge, Shane Dorian, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado Release Date: August 21, 2018 Production Companies: All Rise Films, Priority Pictures, DDC International Where to Watch: HBO There is something spectacular about surfing that this eloquently created documentary will move even a non-surfer. Momentum Generation is a surfing documentary that you wouldn’t expect to bring you to tears. But it would. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Momentum Generation focuses on a group of surfers – Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, Benji Weatherley, Kalani Robb, Ross Williams, Taylor Steele, and Pat O’Connell. All of them were present and were remembering their teens and 20s up to their fit 40s. This surfing documentary is an expertly cut collage of largely unseen archive footage from Taylor Steele’s shots in the early nineties. It also included snippets of particularly in-depth interviews with Slater, Williams, Machado, and more. Momentum Generation lifts the curtain on an elite group of surfers whose lives and careers most of us thought we already knew. It reveals a lot about their early lives, rivalries, tragedies, and their strongest sense of camaraderie. 2. Bustin’ Down The Door Director: Jeremy Gosch Stars: Reno Abellira, Clyde Aikau, Eddie Aikau Release Date: July 25, 2008 Production Companies: Fresh & Smoked Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Surf feats and mystical macho talks from bronzed guys on Hawaiian beaches are what Bustin’ Down the Door is all about. The native Hawaiians show the mortal dangers on the beach while flamboyantly strutting their stuff in the most challenging spots and dangerous conditions. Narrated by Edward Norton, Bustin’ Down the Door provides a gripping look at the surf scene along with the seven-mile miracle, which up until then had only been ever surfed by some locals and a few established American surfers. This surfing documentary will make you think that surfing is not all rainbows and butterflies, but more like catfishes and whale poos. It proves that life on the waves isn’t always a sunshine ray despite the sunny skies and beautiful seascapes. Bustin’ Down the Door opens up about the unwelcomed arrival in the early 70s of Australians and South Africans. The narrative also includes how it led to a whole new level of competition and the subsequent formation of a formal surf league. 3. Andy Irons: Kissed By God Director: Steve Jones, Todd Jones Stars: Bruce Irons, Lyndie Irons, Kelly Slater Release Date: September 11, 2018 Production Companies: Teton Gravity Research Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video Kissed By God is one of the surfing documentaries that have elicited wet eyes everywhere it played. It’s an extraordinarily raw and honest portrayal of Andy Iron’s life, authored by those who knew and loved him and awash with accounts few believed would ever be told. He was one of the greatest surfers of all time, so much that you may have seen the phrase “A.I. Forever” on shirts, bumper stickers, boards, contest merch, and almost everything else surf-related. This surfing documentary dove headfirst into the life and death of Andy Irons. Kissed By God covered everything from the beginning of Iron’s life and explored every aspect of his surfing popularity, rivalries, and world titles. All the while, he was struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues. This surfing documentary filled with raw and honest interviews of Andy’s brother Bruce, wife Lyndie, and some of the biggest names in surfing made Kissed by God the most comprehensive account of Andy Iron’s life. 4. Bra Boys Director: Sunny Abberton, Macario De Souza Stars: Kelly Slater, Cheyne Horan, Russell Crowe (voice) Release Date: March 15, 2007 Production Companies: Garage Industries, Bradahood Productions Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu Set in the early 2000s in a ragged Sydney suburb, Bra Boys is one surfing documentary that will make you want to box with your grandma. It focuses on surf cultures roots in the area of Maroubra with its finger pointed in the way of the Bra Boys surf “gang.” Bra Boys has a dark, punk rock undertone that helped highlight what happens when the primal nature of surf tribalism takes hold of society—one which back then was still in the hangover of historical oppression mixed with blue-collar communal pressures. Aside from the Bra Boys, it spotlights the Abberton family and the high-profile case they have been involved with. Russell Crow beautifully narrated the fascinating and sometimes tragic insight into the contrast between the stunning beauty of the waves and the harsh reality of life. Overall, this surfing documentary provides a fascinating insight into one of Australia’s most notoriously tight-knit surf cultures. It is a bit contradictory in parts, but then that’s how life usually is. 5. The Endless Summer Director: Bruce Brown Stars: Robert August, Michael Hynson, Lord James Blears Release Date: February 16, 1965 Production Companies: Bruce Brown Films Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Fandor, Hoopla, Netflix One of the oldest surfing documentaries, The Endless Summer, is the defining work of surf film making, aiming its abiding ability to capture the audience’s emotions from the surf-obsessed to the tried surfing oncers. The Endless Summer has narration, music, and cinematography that is easy on the mind and eyes. It floats through the screen and has you envisioning yourself in your own surf world – whether or not you are a surfing enthusiast. Interestingly, this surfing documentary has no special effects, no plot, no stars – yet it brings the purest face of surfing. It was … Read more

Before the advent of digital media, the only way we get in touch and updated with the surfing world was to get a copy of the latest surf magazine from the local newsstand or a friend. We treasure and store these paper publications safely in our storerooms or proudly display them on our coffee tables. The ever-changing technology and the birth of the internet resulted in just about anyone being able to start an online surf magazine, including you. But, to look back to those days when we’d happily smell the fresh pages of the magazine and to find out which of those weeklies we should follow online these days, we are bringing you five of the best surf magazines that never get old. History Of Surfing Magazine Publication In case you didn’t know, there is a website solely dedicated to identifying and tracking all surf magazines launched from at least forty countries with surfers and surf-related topics on the front cover. Al Hunt, a huge surf fan, started allsurfmagazines.com with all of this information. According to Hunt, the early references to surfing were included in relatively few books and general interest magazines like Harpers Bazaar in 1873, Outside in 1908, and Mid-Pacific in 1911. But, no magazine mainly focused on surfing. It wasn’t until 1917 when an Australian publication produced “The Surf.” This magazine came out every Saturday starting December 1st, 1917 and in all, there were 20 issues of it published every week until April 13th, 1918. The Surf was in newspaper style and print, and the only known copies of these can be found in the Mitchell Library in Sydney, Australia. Its weekly columns tackled all aspects of beach life, including board riding around Manly, a beachside suburb of Sydney, the venue for the first “World Surfing Titles” in 1964. After WW2, various publications, including National Geographic came out. In 1954, the first Makaha International Surf Championships created a program that became a widely recognized first complete surf publication. From then on, surf magazines have sprung year after year, and Al Hunt documented them all in his collection. Top 9 Best Surf Magazines Surf magazines are a big part of surfing history. In their pages are the details of the surfing lifestyles – how it evolved and has helped build the concept of surf culture for decades. Here are some of the best surf magazines from then and now. Carve Surfer Tracks Magazine Australia’s Surfing Life Zigzag Magazine Surf Girl The Surfer’s Journal Free Surf Magazine Surf Simply 1. Carve Headquarters: Berry Road Studios (Berry Road, Newquay, Cornwall TR71AT) Current Editor In Chief: Steve England Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest Founded in 1994, Carve Surfing Magazine is the UK’s best-selling, most significant, and brightest surf title. This surf magazine features bleeding-edge surf photography, top-notch features, and all the best bits you can find in the surfing world. Carve Surfing Magazine is your first stop for the latest surfing news, surfing videos, travel, wetsuit, and gear guides. In 2019, Carve celebrated 25 years in the industry. Throughout the 25 years, they have featured more surfers from more areas across the UK and Eire than any other surf media has. 2. Surfer Headquarters: The Office (4 New York Plaza, Second Floor, New York, NY 10004) Current Editor In Chief: Todd Prodanovich Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest Surfer Magazine has been in circulation since 1960. Its long history of delivering on the promise earned them the moniker of being The Bible of the Sport. The promise at stake was simple – to offer their audience a slice of the entire surfing world with every issue. Their issues never fail to present an array of provocative and insightful editorial features, revealing interviews and, most of all, their award-winning state-of-the-art surfing photography. Surfer Magazine is legendary and has helped shape surf culture as we know it. 3. Tracks Magazine Headquarters: SE1005 L10 97-99 Bathurst St, SYDNEY NSW 2000 Current Editor In Chief: Luke Kennedy Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Tracks Magazine is a monthly Australian surf magazine that has been around since 1970. Published by Nextmedia, it promotes itself as “the surfers’ bible.” This surf magazine started as some sort of counterculture tabloid, printed on newsprint and produced on Sydney’s northern beaches. Since then, this magazine grew as a significant surfing publication. One of the most loved sections was the cartoon series “Captain Goodvibes,” which Tony Edwards, an Australian cartoonist, came up with. This section was first published in May 1973 and became a regular until July 1981. 4. Australia’s Surfing Life Headquarters: Elanora, 4221, QLD Current Editor In Chief: Ray Bisschop Digital presence: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube Surfing Life has been the premier Aussie source of all things surf-related since 1985. In 2001, Morrison Media publisher and General Manager Craig Sims purchased this publication and continued with the issues month after month. Nowadays, the publication keeps up with the digital trend by getting its audience all the surf content needed online. It still offers print, but the publication’s commitment to helping the environment limits printing when it only needs to print. 5. Zigzag Magazine Headquarters: Durban Current Editor In Chief: Sean Kelly Digital presence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube It only took a meeting with the publisher of a Hawaiian tabloid magazine named Backdoor to inspire producing the Zigzag magazine. This surf magazine was founded in 1976 with its original team, Paul Naude, Mike Larmont, and Doug MacDonald. The publication, like most companies, experienced roller coaster periods, especially during global economic recessions. In 2008 and 2009, they had to negotiate major staff retrenchments, among other things. But, fast forward to today, it remains South Africa’s most successful surfing publication. 6. Surf Girl Headquarters: Berry Road Studios (Berry Road, Newquay, Cornwall, UK TR7 1AT) Current Editor In Chief: Louise Searle Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube Finally, a surf magazine dedicated to the women of surfing. Surf Girl was founded in 2002, targeting women of all ages and abilities who are significant about surfing and surf culture. This women-oriented surf magazine featured news, travel articles, interviews with … Read more

In surfing culture, a surfer earning a nickname is a triumph on its own. Having one either means they’ve done something so good that it needs to be memorialized. Or they have a specific physical characteristic that the other surfers notice about them. It could also be because of a humorous story behind it, or perhaps it’s an alter ego that only comes out whenever they ride the waves.  Catchy and creative nicknames can build a surfer’s career and help people remember them even when they retire. They are often associated with being a pro, while having none may leave a surfer feeling left out. So if you’re looking for alias inspirations, this article contains the most awesome nicknames of the best surfers worldwide!  Top 30 Best Surfer Nicknames  #1: Duke “The Big Kahuna” Kahanamoku  In Hawaiian, Big Kahuna means a prominent person, a boss, a leader, an expert… but did you know that Duke Kahanamoku refused to be called this nickname way back then? Aside from being called “The Big Kahuna”, Duke is also known as the ‘Father of Modern Surfing’ today. It’s a reminder of his greatness and unbeatable skills when it comes to this water sport.  #2: Miki “Da Cat” Dora Miki Dora is temperamental, rude, and a rebel. If there was a person who inspired the statement “Don’t ever meet your heroes”, then that might be him.  But while most people frown at his personality, there’s no denying Miki Dora’s passion and skills for surfing. He gained the nickname “Da Cat” because of his feline-like movements when riding the waves. Quick, stable, and agile — all at the same time.  #3: Mick “White Lightning” Fanning  Non-surfers may know of the famous Mick Fanning because of the video where he punched a shark in the nose back in 2015. In the surfing world, however, he’s known as the “White Lightning” for his blonde hair and unbelievable speed in the water. He’s already retired today, but he’s left his own legacy as the fastest surfer in the world.   #4: Adrian “Ace” Buchan Adrian Buchan is an Australian pro surfer who wears tons of hats. Or shall we say, he’s an “Ace” of all trades.  He’s a WSL (World Surfing League) brand ambassador, a climate activist, and a representative of the World Pro Surfers. According to him, one of his greatest achievements is when he won over Kelly Slater in the Billabong Pro Tahiti in 2013.  #5: Greg “Da Bull” Noll Greg Noll is a surfing legend known for his body build, his big personality, and for conquering the biggest waves in both North Shore and Waimea Bay. His trademark move is by charging down the face of the wave, similar to how a bull will to an oncoming threat; hence where his nickname “Da Bull” came from. #6: Mick “Keg on Legs” Lowe While the other legendary surfers got their nicknames because of their achievements and surfing style, Mick Lowe got his because of his body physique. When he won over Taylor Knox in 2004, his continuous celebration and drinking led him to weight gain. This earned him the nickname “Keg on Legs”.  All’s well that ends well, though, for he used his added pounds to give more power to his surfing prowess. #7: Jay “Bottle” Thompson Jay Thompson is an Australian pro surfer who’s got a funny backstory for his nickname. According to him, a local guy pulled down his boardshorts as he was climbing up a ladder, which resulted in him baring his ‘johnson’ for everyone to see.  The audience who, unfortunately, saw it said his penis looks like those little white milk bottle candies they used to eat as kids. More than 15 years later after that incident, he’s still stuck with the moniker “Bottle”. #8: Kelly “Jimmy” Slater Winner of 11 world surfing championships, Kelly Slater is known as the greatest competitive surfer of all time. That’s why it’s no surprise that there are a lot of nicknames surrounding him like “The GOAT”, “King Kelly”, and “Kells”. But where did the nickname “Jimmy” come from?  In the year 1990, Kelly Slater was asked to take the role of a surfer, Jimmy Slade, in the American TV show Baywatch. He was reluctant to play the part as he felt the show was commercializing surf culture, so he asked to be written off the show after two years.  #9: Bethany “Soul Surfer” Hamilton When Bethany Hamilton was 13 years old, she was attacked by a shark that bit her left arm off. While most people would be discouraged by this ill-fated event, Bethany stood her ground, got into surfing again, and won a national title after that accident.  Today, Bethany is a recognized author and speaker who shares her courageous story in TV documentaries. She’s also the inspiration for the 2011 movie ‘Soul Surfer’. #10: Peter “The Condor” Mel Every time Peter Mel chases big waves, he spreads his arms far and wide for balance, then bends his legs as he rides down the face of the wave. This stance earned him the nickname “The Condor”.  #11: Keoni “Cheeseburger/Burger” Nozaki Keoni Ozaki, or as most surfers know him, “Cheeseburger/Burger”, is a Japanese guy who’s born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii. But while he loves to eat burgers and drink beer, he didn’t earn his nickname because of this. The mom of his childhood friend and also pro surfer, Mason Ho, is the one who gave him his famous alias. He didn’t like it at first, but he just got along with it because the name’s already stuck with everyone. #12: Cheyne “The Horror” Horan Throughout his career, Cheyne Horan has earned different nicknames. During his teenage years when he was still a member of the Coca-Cola skate team, he was referred to as the “Kid Dynamo”. The nickname “The Bondi Brat”, on the other hand, was given to him by his colleagues during his World Tour because of his distinctive outlook on life. Finally, he … Read more

Whether you are pumping yourself up for an early morning surf or taking a good long drive, nothing beats an excellent soundtrack to play on your background. And, for a surfer by heart, the most enjoyable music for just about any activity are the best surf songs from yesterday and today. We covered a list of the best surf songs from the 1960s to the present day to give you that beach vibes you can add to your playlist. Top 5 Best Surf Songs – Classics 1. Surfin’ USA Artist: The Beach Boys Released: March 4, 1963 Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys peaked on the Billboard Pop Chart at number three, making it the band’s first top ten hit therein. This surf song also made it the band’s first single to hit charts in Australia. The Beach Boy’s hit was also played in different movies, including Teen Wolf in 985, Rush Hour, and the Sopranos’ ending scene. 2. Wipe Out Artist: The Surfaris Released: January 1963 An instrumental surf rock composed by Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller, and Ron Wilson was first issued on independent labels in January and finally picked up for national distribution in April of the same year. This song spent four months on the Billboard Hot 100, summer of 1963, reaching number two, behind Stevie Wonder’s Fingertips. 3. Pipeline Artist: The Chantays Released: July 1962 Pipeline from The Chantays was a huge hit when it came out in the early 1960as. It brought the feel and looks of the surfing community that it got an instant following from surfers and water enthusiasts. This song captured the spirit of the sand, sun, and waves in one great piece. This tune peaked number four on the Billboard Charts in 1963. 4. Surfer Girl Artist: The Beach Boys Released: September 16, 1963 The band’s name won’t surprise us why they have more than one of their singles on this list. The Beach Boys’ first single from their third album, Surfer Girl, stayed on the chart for 56 weeks. Listening to this song may remind you of the earlier days when it was just Gidget shredding those big waves. Surfer Girl talked about a surfer girl who seemed innocent and romantic. 5. Surf City Artist: Jan and Dean Released: May 17, 1963 The American duo Jan and Dean wrote this song depicting a fictitious surf spot with “two girls for every boy.” It was the first surf song ever to reach a national number one spot and remained for two consecutive weeks. It also crossed over to the Billboard R&B Chart, where it topped at number three. These songs are also worthy of being mentioned as runners-up for the classic surf songs. Let’s Go Trippin’ by Dick Dale & the Del-tones Surfin’ Safari by The Beach Boys Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures Ride the Wild Surf by Jan and Dean The Lonely Surfer by Jack Nitzsche Special mention also goes to: Theme from The Endless Summer by The Sandals Theme from The Endless Summer by Gary Hoey Top 5 Best Surf Songs – Modern 1. You and Your Heart Artist: Jack Johnson Released: April 6, 2010 Johnson’s inspiration for this song started with a guitar riff that he couldn’t get off his mind. The words came from the book he was reading with a broken king character. You and Your Heart was described as a “breezy and rhythm guitar-driven hit.” Its catchy guitar melody is slightly more upbeat than most of Johnson’s tracks. 2. Riptide Artist: Vance Joy Released: May 21, 2013 Vance Joy, an Australian singer-songwriter, first release the song Riptide as the 2nd track on his debut EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing. This upbeat piece has been lyrically defined as a coming of age love story known for its metaphors and pop culture references. Riptide received positive reviews from music critics for its lyrics, vocals, and production.  3. The Sound of Sunshine! Artist: Michael Franti & Spearhead Released: September 21, 2010 Fun fact! This song was inspired by a medical emergency that one of the band members experienced while on tour in 2009. Franti ruptured his appendix, and it took about seven days before the doctors figured out what was wrong with him. Waking up after his surgery made him feel emotionally grateful. Thus he wrote this song (and the whole album) to put into music his words and feelings. 4. The Only Place Artist: Best Coast Released: May 15, 2012 The Only Place received some generally favorable reviews with a potential for mainstream appeal. The band’s extensive touring schedule subsequently inspired them to prepare the lyrical content of this piece. Having never spent too much time away from home, it wrote about how their lives have dramatically changed being away. 5. Better Together Artist: Jack Johnson Released: January 2006 A surfer himself, Jack Johnson knows what strings to pull to get you into the surfing vibes with his guitar. Johnson learned the guitar just around the same time he learned how to surf. Unfortunately, his surfing career was put to stop after getting into a surfing accident that required 150 stitches on his forehead. These songs are also worthy of being mentioned as runners-up for the modern surf songs. Give Love by MC Yogi So It Goes by Best Coast Road to Paradise by TAT Wiseman by Slightly Stoopid Shine On by The Kooks Conclusion There are more than a hundred surf songs worth listening to, but these are the best surf songs popular globally that surfers (and non-surfers) from all parts of the world can relate to. How about you getting this on your playlist and start blasting the speakers loudly! Related Resources Surfing Checklist Surfing Competitions Surfing Etiquette Best Surfing Beaches in California The Shaka Sign Luke MorrisLuke is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. … Read more