Stab’s 2024 Super Dooper Mega Holiday Gift Guide
Everything we (actually) use and adore, for the surfer in your life.
There’s nothing worse than buying someone a gift for the sake of it.
You feel shitty, they feel shittier, your bank balance ditto. Nail it, however, and no cap, that man/woman/child will think about what a thoughtful and great person you are, literally, daily. Luckily for all the surf-gifting head-scratchers out there, the Stab network has never been more mobile, spread about the globe and, therefore, dialled in when it comes to great, practical gear that genuinely makes their transient existences run that little bit smoother. Here’s what we mustered from the troops, categorised for maximum ease.
Btw, there are no affiliate links or other financial motives here (besides the one Stab Premium plug). These picks are straight from the heart and soul of the Stab staff.
Surf-Specific Hardware
Surfers wake up in cold sweats dreaming of rocking up on the day of the year without the right board/fins/wetsuits/boardshorts/wax/leggie string (by far the worst of all), so if you really love them and want to show it, replenish their stocks. For a surfer, gifts they need for surfing never, ever miss. Here’s some gems.
Fu Wax
Straight from the surf-addict in chief Mikey – “I haven’t fallen in 7 years” – comes surfing’s most simple yet effective present: wax. Buy ’em a bar, buy ’em a case (even better) and smiles are 100% guaranteed. Will be used, will be appreciated.
Doc’s Pro Plugs
Not exactly the number one most favourite uncle gift on the list, but perhaps the most necessary (there’s nothing elegant about getting your ears drilled). “These ear plugs are great surfer ear preventative for the cold offshore mornings,” says Zipper creator Blake Michel, plainly. Protect those drums kids!
Florence Windshield Long Sleeve Hooded Rashguard
“The warmth of a 2mm top meets the weight and mobility of a rashguard. Gamechager for windy sessions in otherwise warm locales,” says Mikey C, and hey, the man surfs more than you. The range of colours, including the pictured ‘Dark Navy’ is a nice touch too. Florence are doing a hell of a job.
A rock solid gift guaranteed to hit.
Hyperfreak Fire 3mm St Booties
Finding a pair of booties that fit just right, feel nice in the wax and generally don’t feel like they’re restricting your surfing is harder than you’d think. And these here surf daps are Stab Social Chief Coral McDuffee’s first true neoprene foot love. “I just learned I like booties because I found a pair I can whip on
with numb fingers,” she says. Maybe your significant other/dad/sister/Uncle’ll like ’em too.
Trust in Jack’s boots.
Al Merrick fins
If you’ve worked in surf for a minute, you know that people gatekeep their fin-contacts closer than they do their ozempic dealers, and if someone like Stab’s Premium coordinator Christian Bowcutt sticks his head above the parapet and endorses a set, you can bet your bottom dollar they work. “They work in all conditions — zero complaints so far,” says Christian.
The best part? Both Futures and FCS sell a version of this fin (FCS’ are called Al Merrick Pros, Futures’ are called AM2s), so no matter which system you rep, this set will be right at home.
Deflow 9mm Winter Leash
“Having a thicker leash that you haven’t already stretched to 12-feet compensates for your decades-long refusal to maintain any training program, and empowers you with confidence in larger and/or more spherical waves,” so says Stab’s man in Europe Brendan “BDPS” Buckley. Who, spends a fair amount of his time spinning in the Supertubos cycle and therefore can be trusted to know what he’s talking about. Ps: This peach/flesh/whatever shade’s rather nice too.
When the day of days hits, best come prepared.
Oakley Surf Helmet
This here is top-tier tech when it comes to protecting your noggin from reef/board/hard-packed sand, which is obviously great – CTE etc. However, the real joy is that little confidence bump it gives that makes you swing on the wave of your life. “Even if you use this thing once a year, the peace of mind it provides is worth the investment alone. Best surf helmet in the game bar none,” says Mikey C, a man whose surf-gear testing reputation precedes him.
Trust the O with your scone (helmet will be available for purchase on December 14).
Straight-Up Surfboards
The object that makes our world spin. A dream if you meet your match, nightmare if you don’t; finding the perfect craft is a lifelong pursuit. However, if you need a little directional help to finding the surfboard of you-or-your significant other’s dreams, here’s some suggestions from a mob who’re as obsessed with this queer, joyful objects as anyone.
JS Flame Fish
Sure they might make you surf a bit funky on film, but who cares. If you find a fish/hybrid/Sunday funday board that you truly love it leads to, A) Increased time in the water and B) Increased happiness. The Flame Fish come fresh from the recs of Prof Garrett James (of Stab Highway fame) who concurs with the aforementioned thesis. “There are more 1-3ft days in Southern California than otherwise,” says he. “This board has kept me in the water, and having fun, more times than not.” Before adding, “Ps. Ride it as a quad.”
Enter here, guaranteed fun inside.
6’6 Ian Byrne Curved Channel
Now here’s a real surfboard. Stab Highway director Matt Baker’s been living somewhere with big sweeps and even bigger crowds (aka, the Gold Coast) for millennia, and he’s only just worked out the magic formula: walk and talk as hard or soft as you want, but for god’s sake, carry a big stick — like this beauty from Ian Byrne. “6’6 Ian Byrne curved channel,” Matt says in the chat. “Throw away those 30-litre performance whips and start enjoying yourself,” he says. Before adding, “Yes I should’ve figured this out years ago but I live on the Goldy, so ease up.”
Slide into the Dms of a master and order yourself a magic staff.
Ben Webb Vault (and Sub-Vault) Surfboards
Ben Webb’s a lovely man and incredible surfer who happens to make surfboards that work really, really well, particularly in good waves. The list of converts to Ben’s boards is long and prestigious (Creed, Chippa, Steph have all been papped drawing beautiful lines on BW creations, among others). Unsurprisingly, Stab’s ranks have also been infiltrated by converts. Mikey for one (“The Vault model is for those who dare to dabble in the pointy end of surfing.” Holden Trnka ditto (“Gonna back Mikey, but I’ll say the ‘Sub-Vault’ is an equally enjoyable, somewhat more approachable shortboard shape of his.”)
Board From Custom
‘Board from Custom’ comes straight from the considerable, zany intellect of one Brendan Buckley, so best let him explain his newest venture. “I built this because I’d noticed an increasingly large gulf between board builders and board designers, and I wanted to give everyday people control instead of people telling them what to buy,” says Buck. “We’ve been doing a few boards a month, but I haven’t properly pushed it yet. I can conveniently blame this on time poverty, but it surely has more to do with the fear that its potential failure would represent the absolute failure of myself as an individual and see me ostracized from any community I’ve either been born into or built. Happy holidays!”
Channel Islands Dumster Diver 2
You’d be hard-pressed to name a surfboard that’s been more influential on the broader surfing populous since Dane Reynolds found something stumpy in a skip behind CI than the Dumpster Diver. And to this day it’s still the single most ridden, and most universally loved, surfboard amongst the Stab staff. “It just makes sense,” says Aaron, speaking on behalf of the US contingent who, like most of us, spend the majority of their surfing lives thrashing around in 1-3 foot surf. “It’s what we ride.”
Name a good surfer and you can guarantee they’ve had a love affair with a DD at some point.
(Not Quite In The Surf Yet) Specific Hardware
Coming up with categories for gifts recommended by people who surf and travel constantly is actually quite difficult (lot of bags), but if you’re looking for something small (relatively inexpensive) and more than useful, then this is your zone. Some obvious, some left-field, all used daily by Stab’s extensive network.
Kanulock 4.0M / 13FT Lockable Tie-Down Straps
There are two types of people in this world: those who own a set of tie downs and know how to use ’em, and those who don’t. No brainer the first’s the only way to live your life, like our boy Garrett J, who knows a thing or two about keeping the goods secured to the roof of a moving vehicle. “Best I’ve ever used,” he says. “Super sturdy. Easy to use. Lockable. Won’t fuck up your car. Plus, they survive the abuse of Stab Highway year after year.”
A more useful gift (literally) doesn’t exist.
Wax Fresh Wax Remover
Straight from the nicest man on the Sunshine Coast (who looks spectacular in lederhosen), Stab in the Dark director Dylan Roberts, comes this neat do-hicky. “Weird little wax remover which is extremely efficient,” says Dyl. Hey, if the wax comb’s had its time in the sun, who are we to stand in the way of progress?
Try a fresh wax approach here.
Nocs Zoom Tube 8×32
Twitcher or surfer, this is just a damn thoughtful, damn useful gift, straight from the big brain of Stab’s utilitarian-in-chief, Will. “I always keep one of these Nocs in my car to scope El porto closeouts down the beach,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll see a secret sandbar, most of the time I don’t.” Looks cool, clip it to your belt and get out there and sniff out those uncrowded gems.
Thoughtful gifts for thoughtful folks.
Creatures Of Leisure Hardware Board Sock
It’s impossible to have too many board socks, making it the perfect gift for a surfer, regardless of how well you know them. This handsome Creatures number comes from Stab filmer Dylan Roberts’ recs with the accompanying note that, “Boards are not allowed in my car unless in a sock.” And hey, anyone who’s tried to clean wax off the faux-leather seats of a Subaru Forester can surely support that notion.
Utilitarian, durable gifting perfection.
FCS Keylock
“Trust me, everyone knows you hide your key behind your wheel,” says Blake. And he’s right, the only questions now is: “Is your car worth enough on the re-sale market to bother?” There is an antidote however, not a new one, but one that works beautifully, and it’s this simple bit of kit right here. TNT/angle-grinder resistant, all you have to do is remember the combination (please not ‘0000’).
Buy one for yourself, buy one for someone else, sleep (surf) well.
Or alternatively, read this piece and come to a different conclusion entirely.
Long-haul Hardware (Airport Shit)
90% of the reccs were duffel bags/boardbags/backpacks and carry-ons, which isn’t surprising, because if you travel for a living and find a great bag, it makes life better. Sometimes to the point of genuine love (seriously, if you’ve never truly loved a bag, you need to travel more). Here’s some spectacularly-well designed carry-alls.
DB Ramverk Backpack
“Oh and fuck it, throw the Ramverk backpack in there as well,” said Mikey C as an afterthought as we assembled this list. “I bring that thing everywhere in the world with me and it’s a much more approachable price point for a partner.” DB have really nailed this whole travel gear that functions at a really high level but isn’t hitting the Rimowa price point. And look, whether you’re a college student, office cat or intrepid traveller, this sleek looking thing has compartments for everything you own (and more).
Buy one for someone you really love and they’re guaranteed to love you right back.
Channel Islands Traveller Wheeled Quad Boardbag
“Best board bag I’ve ever had,” says Stab’s man in San Diego, AC. And when you’ve been in the surf game for 20+ years, that’s high praise. “Well-padded, easy to travel with,” and you know what? Trusting Channel Islands, who’ve been making surfboards since 1969, with keeping your crafts safe on a plane isn’t the stupidest idea.
Put your precious cargo in safe hands.
FCS x Pacsafe Mission Gen II 40L
FCS’s fin reputation as (literal) game changers precedes them, but anyone who’s been surfing and travelling for a minute knows their bags — board bags, duffel, under-carry, specialist fin/tool kits, and backpacks — have always been top draw too. Tom Bird, Stab VP, is a long time convert. “These have always and still are best in class,” says Birdy. “Once you find your pockets, everything has a home.”
Sleek, discreet even, but open her up and everything falls into place.
Yeti 50 Carryall Tote
It’s a veritable battle of the totes on Stab‘s Santa Wishlist this year, and this Yeti number submitted by Stab film guru (and veteran lugger of stuff along reefs/beaches/airport lounges etc) Dylan Roberts is certainly the handsomest to look at. “Everything from wet surf gear to groceries,” says Dyl. And, anyone who owns a tote with added pockets/zips/wet/dry compartments, are Swiss Army knife useful.
Far less wanky and far more useful than a New Yorker tote.
Octopus Massive Tote Bag 86L (SMOT)
We’ve made no secret of being Octo fans since they hit the market half a decade (century!?) ago, and the SMOT (Super Massive Octo Tote) comes double recommended from Stab’s Stateside crew (Christian, Aaron and Coral). “Been a favourite since its launch five years ago,” says AC, before adding, “Oh, and I’ve had the same bag the whole time.”
High praise-worthy big ass tote = fail-proof gift.
DB Surf Pro Coffin
When it comes to up-to-date knowledge on lugging surf craft around the world, Stab’s fearless editorial leader (Mikey C) takes some beating, and his current weekly surf trip driver is DB, the Swedish brand who’ve waded into our world in impeccably Scandinavian fashion. “Looks great, durable, and improves ease of travel by 70% when you pair it with the roller bag,” says Mike. “Only downside is that it fits four boards max.” Lol.
Aesthetic and function aren’t mutually exclusive.
Ronstan Dry Roll-Top Backpack 55L
“I’ve used this dry-bag religiously for the past three years,” says Stab’s resident wordsmith (or one of, at least) Holden Trnka. “Pocket on the outside for fins, fin key, wax, sunscreen, etc, with ample room inside for a wetsuit, booties, towel, etc. Brought on boat trips, day trip hike missions, etc. Never let me down. Made by a boating brand too.” Ronstan; fresh.
Avoid turning up in the same dress as everyone else.
Yeti 22L Backpack
Told you there’d be a lot of bags, however, as mentioned before, we become really attached to these things. And, there’s literally been a scrap for everyone to get their favourites onto this list. Aaron carries the most heft in the Stab States chapter, so his choice goes straight in, especially when it’s as top tier as this Yeti offering. “Design is clean and simplistic enough for urban environment or travel alike,” says AC. We trust the Yeti.
A Stitch To Wear (Among Other Things)
The Stab office has become far less of a catwalk since leaving Sydney and LA for surfier pastures (although the Top Boy Sam Mac still knows how to assemble a fit). However, the taste remains. Albeit, perhaps, in a more casual manner. Therefore, the ‘Apparel’ section is more utilitarian than peacock, and maybe that’s a good thing. Come browse.
Klly Rover Sides (Burnt Brick)
Kelly Slater makes, slides? You bet he does, and y’know what? Calling it now that this is far from his worst biz venture thus far; Crocs and their knock-off brethren are landfill fodder if ever there was! The main ingredient in these bad boys? Algae! What will they think of next? “Comfortable, durable, also add an inch to your height (not that I care),” says Mikey C. Particularly fetching in the Barney Rubble brown pictured above, or “so ugly they’re beautiful” as MC claims.
Sad Eyewear Cure (Gloss Black/Polarized Bronze)
“I really like these sunnies,” says Christian. And it’s not hard to see why. Quality shades are a must if you spend ample time peering into the sun checking the surf, and for daily drivers you want quality, obviously, and a little flair (but not too much). The Cure’s have got that sturdy black frame/caramel lens combo that screams high-grade, but they’re discreet enough to avoid unwanted attention in more discreet surfing car parks.
Sad by name but certainly not nature.
Blundstone Chelsea Boots
Holden slid these Australian classics into the chat with an apologetic tone, but he shouldn’t have. The reason so many of his Antipodean comrades (Holden’s from SF but has recently completed his badges in Stab‘s Byron office) rock the humble Blundstone is that they’re gorgeous and work every damn day. “Maybe an obvious choice, but I’m two years in and they’re not slowing down,” says Holden. Before adding, “As long as you don’t mind people asking if you know when Neil Young is gonna start touring again.”
Keep on rockin’ Blundies the free world friends (while you still can).
Slowtide Waterproof Changing Poncho
This house believes that the age of worrying about looking like a dork is over, and the poncho is officially sanctioned as a more-than-useful garment that’s it’s perfectly acceptable to use to change for groms, boomers and gen-whatever’s alike. Take our Best Wetsuit pilot Coral for instance: “I’m an unapologetic poncho enthusiast and this waterproof Slowtide number has saved my clothes, and dignity, from pouring rain.” Can’t say fairer than that!
Embrace modernity and changing in comfort.
Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell 3L rain Jacket
Our man on the inside at Patagonia HQ shared an anecdote that founder Yvon’s (regular) jaunts to the office usually include the (tongue-in-cheek) line, “Why do we make so much stuff?” When it comes to “stuff” like the Torrentshell however, nobody does it better. “Pair it with any rain pants and you’ll be ready to drive around scoping for sandbars while staying bone dry all day,” says Christian.
If they go outside, this gift is a guaranteed slapper.
Vans OTW Premium Slip-0n 98
Vans checkered slip-ons are as eternal as Leather jackets, white t-shirts and Levis, and if you need a fresh pair of daily slip ons then the Premium ’98 – part of Vans’ relatively fresh, elevated OTW offering – is a tasteful restoration of quintessential surf style. “On any given day in the office here in the US, at least three people will be wearing black and white or grey checkered Slip-Ons,” says Stab US Tsar AC. Our advice? Can’t go wrong with ‘Lunar Grey’ (pictured).
Big, Small and Medium Tech
We’re no lovers of the rear view, so if it’s shiny and elevates then bring it on says the good ship Stab. Whether it’s work-facing or not, the Stab gentry is always on the look out for the latest and greatest. So, if you’re looking for something digi and useful for the surfer in your life, look no further.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Starting with the most obvious, but most used, here’s Apple’s latest in-ears, which despite being infinitely losable (and expensive to replace) are, undeniably, a remarkable product. “Makes hikes down to surfs more fun, and lets you listen to your music pre-surf as you change,” says Christian, simply, in the group chat. To which Buck responded, “Where the fuck do you guys think you’re hiking to with your AirPods and Blundstones? It’s all average; just give up and surf the Harbor with Coral.”
Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker
Whether you’re swinging a hammer or hosting a shindig, if you need a tough, quality boom-box to fill the room, then Turtlebox does a hell of a job. “The quality is incredible,” says Aaron. “It’s the size of a lunchbox and can easily project loud enough to have a room with 100 people bouncing.”
Seriously, speaker-tech has come lightyears.
Skullcandy Dime Evo Headphones
Skullcandy are so back, and just quietly, when it comes for affordable, quality, headphones, they’re seriously hard to beat. And Stab Highway guru Garrett is a bona fide convert. “I use these everyday,” he says. “The noise-cancelling setting is amazing for muting unwanted noise/people. The bass goes boom. And they’re a fraction of the cost of Apple airpods so if/when you lose them you don’t feel like you just got kicked in the dick.”
A solid gift that won’t dent the kids college fund (is that still a thing?)
Eat, (Mainly) Drink, Read, Protect Yourself From The Sun (And Be Merry)
Ok it’s getting a really difficult to come up with categories now, so this is a bit of a catch-all. However, if you’re a bit lost on what to scoop up last minute before heading to (wherever it is) you’re forced to spend Xmas, then this might just be the isle for you.
Laird (Hamilton) Superfood Instant Coffee
“Surf trips generally mean shitty coffee or no coffee at all,” says Garrett, a man whose passport’s far from empty. “When you’re waking up at or before the sunrise and the waves are cooking, that little extra kick might be what you need. Our lord and savior Laird Hamilton has your back. Get yourself an electric travel kettle and you’re set.” (Even the shittiest hostels in the world have a kettle).
Trust Laird, drink brew, get barrel.
Rambo Estrada – Unbound: Vol 1
Rambo’s a great man with a great name who happens to be an even better photographer. When it comes to NZ, no one captures the essence of the Land of the Long White Cloud better, so if you’re looking for something beautiful for a surfer’s coffee table, look no further. “Rambo Estrada’s beautiful book on NZ surf for sure,” says Dyl, a man who knows a thing or two about framing a nice surf scene. “Equally remarkable for the coastline and its characters.”
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion
Two Sun Bum products made their way onto the Stab Xmas group chat wish list, but Garrett put forward the strongest case for the SPF Roll-On, so he gets the starting slot. “I’m a big fan,” he says. “It’s moisturizing without being greasy; I’ll use it on my face and body. And, you can pack it in your carry-on if you’re traveling light.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
“Man I’m so fucking sick and tired of not having ceremonial grade matcha in my house,” says Stab’s man in Europe Brendan Buckley. And honestly, we haven’t the foggiest whether he’s taking the piss or not. However, if you or your partner are into banging the gong (getting it on etc), then no judgement here.
Feel Good Inc – Mineral Zink Stick (SPF50+)
The Stab staff are genuinely obsessed with sunscreen. No cap. And whilst it’s very much each to their own in terms of brands — hey, everyone’s complexion truly is different — for Mikey, a man who surfs heaps and lives (mainly) in the tropics, this is his everyday protectorate. “Your skin actually likes this stuff,” he says.
Walk the line between breakouts and melanoma here.
ERGOMAKER Height Adjustable Standing Desk Frame
Hey, now here’s one out of nowhere that’s a hell of a present for the appropriate recipient. Stab’s Matt Baker swears by his, anyway. “The number one product that got me back in the water after major back issues is the ERGOMAKER Height Adjustable Standing Desk Frame from Amazon,” says Matt. “Sitting is the new smoking, and sciatica is really shit for most activities, especially surfing. So, stand up, people.”
For the person in your life with a bad back (aka, everyone).
Stab Premium ($79/year $65/year)
If none of these gifts were the right fit for the surfer in your life (first of all, are they actually a surfer?), or perhaps if they live in a distant land where long-haul deliveries go to die, we dare to offer a different, completely digital, and yes, self-serving gift to conclude: Stab Premium.
This past yar, we created or licensed 4,366 minutes of Premium surf films and series, and wrote 311 Premium articles exclusively for our Premium members. Next year, those numbers will only increase with four How Surfers Get Paid eps expected to drop (the first in early Jan), an eight-episode Stab Highway East Coast (USA) series kicking off on Jan 23, along with your favorite board-testing series Stab in the Dark, Electric Acid, and so much more.
Get Stab Premium for 20% off using code holiday 2024 here.
And Now For Something Completely Different (Aka What Not To Buy)
This here is Ethan’s Davis’ footnote, and despite it being designed to be a cautionary tale — Eth’s a smart kid in his 20s — they’re all well-doable gifts for the right person. If, for instance, you don’t buy the cheapest, shittiest version known to man (a good telescope is a rad gift), if it works. So if by some miracle you’ve made it this far and still haven’t come up with an idea, then maybe Ethan’s tales of woe might provide some final inspiration. Take it away young Padawan.
Temu Telescope
“Staring up at the stars can evoke awe, wonder, and humility — a feeling of stepping into infinity, marvelling at ancient light, and pondering the mysteries of a universe too vast to fathom. That’s what I hoped for after I proudly assembled my flat-pack Temu telescope, complete with cryptic Chinese instructions. Instead, the world appeared inexplicably flipped upside down through its lens, and within minutes, a fog settled over the view like bacteria spreading in a Petri dish. Learning: Don’t expect to spot the rings of Saturn or that secret peak you’ve been conquering over the past week with a lens that can’t even locate a streetlight across the road. The only thing sharper than this telescope’s ‘focus’ was their marketing emails, which arrive every three minutes without fail.”
Indoor Plants
“Nothing tells you you’re unprepared for larger responsibilities quite like a fiddle leaf fig that looks like it’s been sandblasted staring at you from your bedside table. You water it, it wilts. You don’t water it, it wilts. You move it to the light, it pouts. You move it away, it throws leaves like it’s in a dramatic soap opera. If you’re thinking, “This’ll brighten up the place,” save yourself the heartbreak—and the existential crisis that comes with realizing you can’t even keep a glorified stick alive. Stick to succulents, or better yet, fake plants. They’ll judge you less.”
TBF, if you can keep ’em alive, it’s actually a good gift.
White T-Shirts
“Fresh off the high of Stab High Japan, I dropped $140 on a vintage white T-shirt in Shinjuku — because apparently, nothing says “smart investment” like overpaying for what is essentially a blank canvas for soy sauce stains. It reminded me of Mitch Hedberg’s line: “I bought a really expensive pen because I got sick of not caring about losing all my cheap pens.” Same energy, except instead of losing it, I wore it once, washed it, and now it’s a crop top. The lesson? White T-shirts, whether they’re $5 or $500, are soon-to-be napkins.”
Not really sure what to link to here, so, here’s, Uniqlo?
Happy New Year.
