Stab’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide — Surf Essentials
Meet the boards, fins, traction, leashes and more that are actually used by the Stab team.
Editor’s note: We don’t get any kickbacks if you click those links — they’re just to make your life easier. P.S. these are just the surf essentials on our gift list… wearables + accessories can be found here.
What a time to be a flesh bag with internet.
Just about any earthly item is but a few swipes away, instant gratification delivered to your door without a drop of effort or remorse. Of course that dopamine rush is often expensive (financially) and short-lived (emotionally), at least compared to a truly lived experience.
That’s what this list is all about — getting you onto commercial goods that provide not just a hot flash of blood, but long-lasting fulfillment. Particularly in the water.
Below you’ll find the Stab staff’s most used (and in many cases, abused) pieces of surf paraphernalia in 2025. Essentially an email thread goes out to everyone with a stabmag.com address, asking for their best purchase/steal of the year. Then, everyone gives each other shit and fights for a couple of weeks, before eventually we land on a complete list designed to cover gift-buying for anyone who ever even thinks about surfing.
Because we like to surf, do it most days, and deservedly or not, have more access to the latest and greatest surf gear than most.
If you’re stumped, we got you. Let’s go.
O&E Leggie
“My item is the O&E leash that has the leash string built into it. I always lose or forget or give away my leash string. Now it’s all just one piece,” says social editor Cam Winkleman. To which the ever sympathetic Buck replied, “When it starts with a fucking leash, you know shit’s going to be bleak: is that really what you want, Cam?” However, I’m gunna stick up for Cam here and say, A) There’s not a surfer on earth that doesn’t need a new/extra leggie. And B) O&E are the hallmark of quality and true blue Ozzie folk to boot. Cam 1 : Buck 0.
CI Leggie
And the leggie chiding continues. “Do you have to remember a leash string for this one?” asks Stab‘s Editor in high chair Mikey, rhetorically. “Yes. Does it also have the best velcro/ankle cushion combo I’ve ever experienced in a leash? Also yes.” Looks like comfort trumps convenience for Mikey C, who admittedly spends an inordinate amount of time in the drink. If he rates the CI Everyday Leash, it’s for good reason. “I’ve also yet to break one,” he concluded.
Soar Glass-Ons
“40 year collaboration between good mates Greg Trotter (Soar Fins) and Greg Brown (Gash Surfboards),” says long-time Quiksilver Don-turned-Stab recruit Nat Johnsen. “I honestly feel like I surf more by having multiple boards with glass-ons. It removes indecision or the panic to get ready when trying to maximise surf windows. Plus, if it’s a custom fin template that’s been refined for the specifics of your board, there’s no need to contemplate the ‘what ifs.'” We’re not ones to doubt 40 years of collaboration between master craftsmen.
Coffin Bros Future Fins
“The Coffin Fins are the best Future Fins I’ve ever used,” says our Cali Chief Aaron Carrera. “Performance and feel are like glass-ons.” Which is high praise for someone who’s been in this game as long as Aaron has. If you or a significant other like burying rail (doesn’t have to be to CC’s standards, but we can dream), then this is a home run gift.
Hey, AC knows fins (and so do the Coffins)
FCS x Mick Fanning Fibre Fusion Thrusters
Even Mick Fanning likes to experiment with equipment in the year of our Lord 2025, however, if it doesn’t allow the trademark Fanning swoosh-back, forget about putting his name to it. The Fibre Fusions are the same template as Mick’s best selling original, just in a new carbon construction — “stiffer than the black and white plastics, more spring than his fiberglass,” says Mick. They come highly recommended from Stab‘s resident board mule Ryan McFadden, who is quietly the best surfer on staff.
Practical elegance in fibreglass.
JS Big Horse
“First time I’ve ridden a step-up that actually does what it claims,” claims Stab keyboard smasher Holden Trnka, before further explaining the promises his previous step-ups have broken. “Paddles like a 7’6, fits in the pocket like a 6’6. Three inches of foam in the middle but thanks to the rails being majorly slimmed you won’t notice it somehow.” Ry McFadden was quick to back up Holden’s point with a no-claim claim of his own, after a particularly hollow session up north: “Can confirm this thing works.” Whether you’re buying it for yourself or someone else, nothing says I love you like, “Merry Christmas honey, go skewer the wave of your life.”
That’s not a knife, this, is a knife.
Chilli BV2
“My most ridden surfboard is a Chilli Surfboards BV2, paired with the MF 2+1 fins,” says Stab‘s master of cinema, Dylan Roberts. “Ideal for 0-3 foot waves, it’s a perfect combination of cruising and manoeuvrability.” Dyl’s been riding Chillis for years and is a Sunshine Coast local, so when it comes to groveller-adjacent crafts that you can ride in pockety surf, he’s a worthy source.
Christenson Lane Splitter
“This board fundamentally changed my surfing. It also works backside and in waves from 2-6 feet — I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad session on it” – Michael Ciaramella, 32, reformed thruster addict. Surfboard design is in a really interesting place these days, and people like Christenson have had more than a little influence. Different feelings underfoot that still let you surf to the peak of your ability is where it’s at, and whether you’re threading tubes or wrapping turns, the Lane Splitter is your boredom antidote.
Don’t change lanes, split ’em.
Ryan Burch Picklefork
As if the Lane Splitter wasn’t evidence enough of Mikey’s reformation, here’s our growth hormone-deficient E.I.C and surfboard tester’s second fibreglass pick. And get this, he actually paid for it! “When I saw the price tag, I was terrified it wouldn’t work. Now, it’s probably the best $1,500 I’ve ever spent. If you’re a thruster guy who’s feeling alt-curious, this is exactly the bridge you’re looking for. Also, it somehow goes better backside than frontside.”
Variety, easiest way to spice up your life.
JS Black Baron
“Realizing you surf better on a twinnie is a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’ve grown up riding high-performance thrusters,” says Stab front-of-camera darling Garrett. “The best thing about this particular twinnie is that you can still throw your weight at a proper turn. The caveat? You need the right fins. Do: Get a performance twin fin set. Don’t: Put keel fins in this thing and expect to rip.”
Pyzel Power Tiger
“When the waves get ‘good’ and you need a board to harness speed/power, not a board to generate speed/power, this one feels nice,” Garrett, who has the biggest forehand gaff in the office, continues. “It’s not gonna make you surf like JJF, but at least you’ve got the right equipment for the job.” Pair with Florence hooded rashie, Florence trunks, JJF sig Veia leash and grip to achieve gear dork enlightenment.
Great surfboard with a great name for great waves.
Channel Islands Better Everyday
“This was the most intuitive surfboard I’ve stepped on in 2025,” says Mikey C — man who rides more different surfboards per year than just about any professional surfer on the planet. “I used mine exclusively as a quad and can’t imagine why you’d try it as a thruster, but most of these come with a 5-fin setup so knock yourself out. This is probably the board I’d feel most confident referring to a friend.”
We’re all Mikey’s friends.
Channel Islands Traveler Wheeled Quad
Hey grom, you got a passport? Stab dogsbody Ryan McFadden was given the unenviable task of transporting the Stateside contingent of Kelly Slater’s SITD boards to Oz earlier this year. And when his job (nay life) was on the line, he put his faith in CI. “I’ve used my fair share of premium travel bags over the years, most get the job done, but this one genuinely stood out,” Ryan says. “The first obvious win: the wheels. They make sprinting through airport terminals to catch a connection infinitely easier. The second: despite being marketed as a quad bag, with a bit of strategic packing I managed to fit six 5’10” Kelly Slater Stab in the Dark boards snugly inside. Can proudly report that they made it all the way to AUS ding free.”
For the wandering surfer in your life.
Florence Trunks
If there was an award for Surf Marketing 2025 (is there?) then Florence would surely be in contention for the top spot, and their gear’s just as impressive as the brothers circumnavigating the globe by sail. We don’t mess around when it comes to trunks, and for Stab‘s Premium Don Jimmy Wilmott, these trunks are his Holy Grail. “Arguably the best boardshorts I’ve ever treated myself to,” he explains. “Super comfy, light, great length, no chafe and dry super quick.”
Masterful surf brand everything.
Roark Boatman 3.0 Boardshorts
“I’m not really into the ‘hyper lightweight stretch tech’ type of boardshort, I’m more into something that isn’t flashy, doesn’t cling, and is built with structural integrity to keep my nether region intact,” says Stab hot rod Garrett. “These boardies tick all of those boxes.” Roark are the masters of utilitarian travel gear, so if you’ve got a nomad in your life who loves quality gear then look no further.
Dark Seas Zenith Boardshorts
We’ve been suckers for a pair of tasteful, black, tech trunks for nay on two decades at Planet Stab, and it’s kink that endures. This year it’s Blake frisbeeing noir shorts under everyone’s tree with the no (visible) frills — the Dark Seas Zeniths. “Been digging these,” says EAST creator Blake Michel. “Sleek, decent length, disappear and don’t feel any restraint while surfing.” The perfect gift for understated surfers of any age — get the waist size correct and you’re top of gift mountain.
Dark hearts, dark trunks, dark future?
Quik Trunks and Rashie
A fair chunk of the Stab Australia genetics couldn’t be less apt for residing and surfing in Byron Bay (thus all the sunscreen down below). However, the office aryans are a useful source for recommending gear to the surfing masses. Especially Nat Johnsen, having been involved in selling a fair bit of it himself over the years. Nat’s hole-in-the-ozone-beating go-to? Longsleeve rashie and big trunks, Quik loyalty still burning strong. “A 2000s staple, had them for three years, use them every surf and they still hold up,” Nat says. “Very happy that modern day brands are offering tasteful versions that allow for this kit to still be accessible. I wear this year round: understated, comfortable, practical sun protection.”
Rashie and big trunks: the freckled surfer’s salvation.
Patagonia Men’s Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top
The rashie got mercilessly booted from the zeitgeist a few years ago, but they’re so back. Or so says Stab‘s Garrett James. “You’re getting older, skin cancer is more prevalent than ever, so having a long sleeve rashie in your arsenal for tropical surfing feels like a no-brainer these days,” says Garrett. “Plus, you can surf longer for more days straight when you’re covered up. There are plenty of these things on the market from other brands, but I’ve been using this Patagonia version as it’s cost-effective (US$59) and has held up multiple years.” (Hooded option also available.)
Practical gifts are the best gifts.
Shade At Motion
There’s nothing healthy about a tan, so thankfully surf couture has opened the doors to things that might seem a little kooky at first, but serve a god-damn crucial purpose. In other words, who on earth would’ve imagined good (nay great) surfers would be wearing legionnaires hats in the surf a decade ago? Well they are, and so is Stab‘s Matt Baker. “I’m tired of getting rust cut out of my head, I’ve tried a few surf hats and this works the best,” says Matt, after (literally) having 30 stitches removed from his dome just last week from a skin cancer removal. “Comfortable, good protection and doesn’t hinder your view. Nice to hear the flap rustle in the ears when you’ve got some speed too.”
Support your (our) local surf hat-slinger.
Feral 2mm Short Sleeve Full
Welcome once again to Shinya Dalby’s tasteful curation of surf clobber. Next up: Feral Wetsuits. “Once you go Feral, it’s hard to un-Feral (iykyk),” says Shin. “This sleek Yamamoto rubber short arm is kinda just… me. Minimal, silky, hugs the rig nicely. Really great suit for: A) Foam climbs, and B) Karate kicks.” Shinya: can surf, can dance, can pick the gems out of the vast wash of surf co output.
For the man who knows quality.
Fahrenheit Celsius Huntington 2/2 Short Arm
“The most versatile wetsuit on the planet is the short-arm steamer,” says Sam Mac. “The only problem with it is that wetsuit brands treat it like an afterthought. Because it has short arms, they rarely cop the same neoprene, warmth, or tech they save for their ‘serious’ suits. During EAST, I saw Mikey February wearing the Fahrenheit Ceclus. Ignoring the fact that everything looks unfairly good on him, I hunted down a stockist five minutes from our Oceanside office: Freeman Street Surf Shop. The suit looks good, has a back zip, and crucially doesn’t feel like the neglected middle child in the range. I wore it a handful of times in California, then took it to Stab High Sydney for a session, where it was stolen from the surfers’ area. Price per session: 395/3 = $132.”
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire 4/3mm+ Chest Zip Full Wetsuit
“Had the pleasure of testing the 4/3 O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire up in Northern California for a week during some pretty cold offshore mornings,” says new guy Ryan McFadden. “Not quite sure of the water temp as I don’t nerd out on that stuff, but 95% of the crowd were in hoods and booties so that should give you an idea.” Relativity is the one true god, after all.
The original and still damn close to the best.
Mr Zoggs Sex Wax
1972, that’s when Mr Zogs (good friends with Dr Seuss) first hubble, bubbled and whipped up some wax, and I’ll be damned if it isn’t still the valid go-to of, well, everyone that’s not hooked on Fu. Amongst the Wax wars, one thing isn’t in contention: “Sex Wax” is the best name for a wax brand in the history of surfing. Nat J’s lifelong surf addiction and he’s showing no signs of quitting.
Original and, the best? (1,2,3 fight!)
Fu Wax
We say it every year: buy a surfer a box of this and they’ll love you more and more with each stroke. Most thoughtful, relatively inexpensive gift barring a new wallet. The Fu x Sex Wax 23 Year War continues within our ranks, but for Mikey C, a man who you know surfs more than your average bear, it’s all Fu. “I guess Sex Wax is cool again, but I’m still backing Fu,” says Mike. “It stays stickier throughout a surf and doesn’t build up on your board as quickly. Alternatively it sucks when people want to borrow your Fu because they use it all wrong — should be flat side down.”
Fu Wax Cooler
“If you’re like me and you leave your boards and wax in the back of your car at all times, this one’s for you,” says Garrett. “This little receptacle is essentially an insulated Yeti bottle (also a nice gift for your loved one) for your wax that’ll keep your bars from melting on the hottest of days. What it won’t help you with is the melted wax on your car-cooked surfboard.”
Simplistic innovation.
Veia JJF Squash Tail Pro Pad
“John came from Dakine, who’s historically made some of the best pads in surfing. So when it came to making a pad for his own accessories brand, he knew the wheel didn’t need to be re-invented — just aired up and retreaded,” Mikey says of John’s Veia pad. “These things won’t make you surf like John (or Caity Simmers for that matter), but they do absolutely work.”
The most powerful surfer hardware endorsement on the planet?
Mission: Control Traction Pad – Midnight
“Mission Control Traction pad in new Midnight color,” Aaron says when asked what his current go-to traction is. “Pad goes along with their new surf film, Mission Control, and we’re seeing Midnight (Navy) traction pads everywhere now. They did this once with the cream traction pad and they’re going to do it again.”
Free Flys Swimwear
We’ve had some stellar names on the Stab staff list over the years, but ‘Coral McDuffee’ has to be up there. Presumably a 20-something Irish-American police cadet (actually Stab’s social wiz), Coral explains that her year’s been all about saving valuable space in the backpack and hitting the road, and Free Flys covers as many of her bases as possible. “At my best, I’m packing workout clothes, surf suits, sun protection, and kinis. But when there’s no laundry time, or space, I grab Free Fly’s swimwear combo,” says Coral. “The minimalist set is quick-drying and actually stays on. Great for yoga, runs, surfing, sauna, swims etcetera.”
Buy them for your wife, buy them for someone else’s, it’s much more fun if you don’t get caught.
Steph Gilmore G-Bomb 1.5mm Long Sleeve Springsuit
Can’t say I’ve worn one, however, a couple of years ago I did gift my then girlfriend, now wife, a Rip Curl long arm spring suit. And boy did it hit the spot (a minor downside is that I subsequently had to teach her to surf). Steph’s got impeccable taste, and the springsuit in her new range is modelled on the suit that Tom Curren wore at J-Bay during that (first) wave.
A one-way ticket to the good books, with some iconic surf lore thrown in for good measure.
Sun Bum Signature Spf 50 Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick
Another solid option when it comes to keeping those skin cells trauma-free, Sun Bum’s become the Oceanside office fav for dashing out for lunchtime whacks out the front. “Surprisingly, it fits everyone’s skin tone quite well,” says Coral of the inclusive ‘tinted’ shade. “No sunburn, breakouts or additional freckles. Easy to apply and doesn’t require makeup remover or excessive scrubbing to take off.” Downside: when the boss comes in at 2pm and everyone’s covered in it and asks, “Have you lot been surfing instead of making tiktoks?” “No” doesn’t fly.
Ella Baché Great Sunguard Spf40 Foundation
Along with Mayhem surfboards, Ella Baché has to be the most consistently recommended product since Stab’s inception. All the blondy blue-eyes in the clan swear by it, and hey, if it keeps that fair skin freckle and melanoma free, then chances are it’s good enough for you too. “Every time I surf I use Ella Bache zinc,” says Dyl, possibly the blondest of the Stab bunch. “Excellent sun protection and for a small tube it lasts a long time.”
We Are Feel Good Inc. Sunscreen
Not everyone needs total black-out when it comes to sun-protection, so for the more olivey amongst us, Feel Good is the one. Smell’s nice, doesn’t irritate the complexion, and comes in that big bottle for max longevity. “Another year, another plug for the best cream in the game,” says resident Italian Mikey C. “It’s worth the international shipping fees, but even better if you have an Australian friend bring some over for you.”
Protect yo neck (and everything else).
Parking Pass For Your Local
Now here’s something genuinely off kilter and thoughtful. “Fumbling around for coins to feed the meter and/or dealing with a parking kiosk are just enough of an annoyance to turn you off from paddling out for a quick wave,” says Oceanside, CA resident Garrett. “Don’t get me started about coming in from a surf to find a ticket on your windshield and the curse words that follow. If you live in a location that offers an annual parking pass, I promise that purchasing one will keep you and your people surfing more often with less of those dreaded tickets on your windshield.”
CC: your local council.
Bostik Blu Tack
“Spare me the ear-plug sales pitch—I’ve tried them all, and nothing beats a $3 pack of Blu-Tack,” says Nat J. “Zero style points in the lineup, sure, but if your ears are as cooked as mine, who cares? Bonus: you don’t have to listen to half the bullshit being sprayed around out there.” Perfect for teaching the from a hard, valuable lesson, or, as a gaff for the poor bastard in your life who’s just had their ears drilled (shivers).
The surfing equivalent to a lump of coal.
Stab Premium gift card
Wait too long to purchase and of the above? Here’s our final lifeline. Get your partner, bff, step mom etc a year of Stab Premium and grant them access to…
– Daily editorial, news, and culture, including competition coverage, interviews with some of the most influential figures in the game, travel features, and more.
– Premium surf films, long form documentaries, and weekly video content.
– Live events, including Stab High, Surf100, and beyond.
– Exclusive access to merch, discounts for events, and board and gear giveaways. More of this coming in 2026.
Just $79.99 USD for an all-access pass to Surf Narnia.
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