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Surf Music Guaranteed To Get You Pumped Up

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jason Lock | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Surfing and music go together like a surfboard and boardshorts or a bikini. Imagine: You, a few buddies, a short road trip to the local and a soundtrack that will set the tone for the session ahead. What's not to love?

Surf music can hype you up for those bigger days, or create a more chilled vibe for those lazy sunset, log days. Music sets the tone for the day, and this is why bands and musicians from all over the world have created surf-specific tunes to keep the spirit levels high. It's also why directors agonize over soundtracks for their latest surf films.

Perhaps the earliest entry of surfing into the mainstream music scene was through The Beach Boys' 1963 classic, "Surfin' U.S.A." While the band built a brand around surf and beach lifestyle, only one member, Dennis Wilson, was a dedicated surfer. Yet, their impact on surf and music culture is profound; their laid-back tone painted the backdrop for future surf musicians.

The Bel-Airs are also considered an integral part of the surf music movement. From South Bay, LA, the band was best known for their 1961 hit "Mr. Moto," an instrumental number that helped shape the iconic sound you think of when you think about surfing and music.

Surf music adopted a more modern sound under the Jack Johnson era. A surfer and musician from the North Shore of Oahu, Johnson has been surfing since he was four years old, and he was sponsored by Quiksilver at the age of 14. The surfer/musician gave a lot more authenticity to the music scene.

Overseas, Ben Howard, a UK-based singer-songwriter who grew up surfing one of the country's premier surf spots called Bantham, was also putting his own stamp on the surf-music genre. A prolific surfer, Howard put the picturesque Burgh Island on the map by naming his EP after it. That was before he pivoted into more of a folk sound.

Three-time world champion Tom Curren has also taken to creating music. And the GOAT, Kelly Slater, released a couple of singles a few years back—check out "Feelin' the Feelings," if you're curious.

With all this in mind, we pulled together some of the best surf songs and music to slam on when you're on the way to the beach, or to chill out with at home—whatever you want to do.