8 Favorites: The Men's & Women's Summer Gear Guide

Beach Chair

There’s no better remedy to erase all the stress that comes from being in a dimly lit room and staring at a screen for hours on end, then lounging outside near your favorite wave. While a blanket on the sand is ok, if you’re going to lounge like a pro, you’re going to want something extra…and we don't care much for Tommy Bahama.

Good news is that none other than Yeti has entered the chat with their new Hondo Beach Chair. Unless you’ve been living under a rock (on Mars) you know that the Yeti name is synonymous with quality outdoor goods that are made to last and the Hondo is no different. It packs small, is surprisingly light, and can recline all the way back for a glorious post-surf siesta. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach in comfort and style or if you need a cozy seat for an all-night psychedelic ceremony, the Hondo bats a hundo every time. 

2mm Spring Suit

I’m stoked to say I’ve now worn a spring suit for a majority of my most recent sessions and damn it feels good. I’ve even seen people trunking it, which seems like a good idea when the sun is pumping but, to be honest, none of them have lasted very long in the water. The happy medium for enjoying the sun but not feeling the chill after a long lull is a solid spring suit. 

I recently grabbed the Manera Seafarer Shorty 2mm and it’s been perfect for the combo of warm sun and chilly(ish) water. It even kept me warm during a recent session up in Ventura which was a few degrees colder than my home spots in San Diego. Manera is relatively new on the scene here in the US but they’re doing it right in every which way–they use natural rubbers, they have suits especially made for women, they fulfill their online orders through local surf shops, and they even signed Dane Reynolds. What’s not to love?

Board Shorts

Easily the most classic summer item on the list is a good ol’ pair of boardies. Yep, nothing says summer quite like putting on a pair of trunks and skinning it in warm water. This season, we just got our hands the brand-new Dawn Patrol boardshorts from Free Fly, and these might be the only trunks we use all season. Designed with ultra-buttery 4-way stretch material, no inseam and a smooth clean-finished outseam you'll get zero chafing during those marathon warm water sessions... not to mention they dry in record time.

Women's Board Shorts

For the ladies, having a different fit is obviously important. A friend of mine recently grabbed the Eclipse board shorts from Outerknown and is absolutely in love with them. No surprise considering they were developed and designed with the help of Sage Erickson. Whether it's out for a surf or just cruising around the house, these are sure fire bet for summer days.

Surfboard

Oh there’s nothing like a sweet summer fling to get the juices flowing and Rob Machado’s new model, the Machadocado from Firewire, is just that. Sure, it may be a bit of an awkward mouthful but damn does it light up an otherwise gloomy grovel day. I’m 5’10 and 175lbs and I rode a 5’6 with great results on a 2ft day. I don’t often ride epoxy boards (currently don’t have one in my quiver) and did a side-by-side comparison with my 5.5 fish and I must say that the epoxy performed better. The boards were otherwise fairly similar but the Chadocado won in paddle power and down the line speed. It goes without saying that just buying the board won’t make you surf like Rob, but you can at least get an idea of what the OG style lord is working with. 

Women's Surfboard

If you don’t identify as a Rob Machado-meets-avocado, rather are looking for something specifically made for ladies, then look no further than XO Coco Surf. She’s got an epic quiver of feminine inspired boards that will cover you regardless of the conditions. If I were a girl, I’d be frothing for her Tryst model fish, or her Serendipity log, for making the most fun of summer surf.  If you happen to be in Hawaii, there is a special XO Coco Shaper Residency happening at the Center Of Radical Education.

Leash

Needing some accessories for that brand new (or not so gently used) board? Then a hit from the Octopus may be just what you need. I personally really enjoyed their 5.5 mission control leash when testing it with the Machadocado because it never once got tangled up on my feet. Seems like it is the perfect length for a fish or grovel type board on those days when there’s either too many kiddos in the shorebreak, or the waves have just enough punch, for you to renege on your core lord leashless ways and strap it up for safety’s sake. If they're good enough for the likes of Chippa Wilson and Harry Bryant, they can for sure handle whatever you're getting into. The Octopus is real. 

Backpack

Are you going on a wet, hot, Euro summer adventure? If so, epic, because I sure get a tinge of envy when I see pictures of the Mediterranean in full summer swing even if it is flat AF. If you’re looking for waves, then heading to Portugal, Spain, France, or England, would be the call. If Aperol spritzes and clubs are your thing, well, then off to Ibiza it is! Regardless of where you’re heading, blending in and being well-equipped is always a good move. 

We’ve been psyched on this low-key, yet high functioning, unit from DB Journey–the Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L. Although it seems nearly bulletproof and expertly designed, it shouldn’t attract any unwanted attention as you’re mobbing through the crowd outside the Milano train station while on your way to the Cinque Terre. It can easily fit a few days worth of clothes plus your go-to travel camera and laptop. Each of which can be accessed by cleverly-placed side pockets, one specifically for your laptop and the other reaching into the main pocket for easy access. Add in their passport cover to keep your most important items safe and, voila, you’re a Euro Pro.

Gear Tote

Maybe Euro summer isn’t exactly where your head is at, maybe you’re more like me and it's a load up the truck and let’s-see-what-we-can-find-kind-of-adventure. If so, then you already know how the back of the rig can easily become a mess: wetsuits, leashes, wax, sunscreen, beach chair, water bottles, snacks, lantern, books (bonus points), blanket, towels, more snacks, fins, and you only know what else. 

That’s where having a solid gear tote comes in handy and who better than the dirtbags at Patagonia to make the best one? Nobody, that’s who. Years ago they got pegged as tech bros thanks to the ubiquitousness of their zipped vests by the Silicon Valley crowd but this couldn’t be further from the truth–they’re gear-loving hippies to the fullest. Whether you’re heading down into Baja or up into Yosemite, the Patagonia Gear Tote will back you up for all your dirtbag ways. 

Hydration

As Chad Kroeger would say, “Hydraysh”. Yeah, you know, that which keeps us from withering away in the sun while we tan our… whatever it is, you need to stay hydrated. That’s why we’re always throwing some Magna packs in our gear tote to replenish ourselves after a marathon surf under the bright summer sun. Not only is Magna got everything to keep you nice and hydrated, it’s also got Magnesium (hence the name) and that’s huge. Most people don’t know this but a majority of our populaysh is deficient in Magnesium and this is no bueno. Magnesium helps our muscles recover after strenuous activity and get us ready for the next go around. Huge bonus points for their cooperative ownership model featuring the likes of legends Luke Shepardson and Barron Mamiya.