The best surf hats offer UV protection, durability, and a snug fit. Top picks include the Patagonia Surf Brim Bucket Hat, FCS Essential Surf Cap, Decathlon – Olaian Surf Cap, and the O’Neill Sport 2mm Cap. These hats are made from quick-drying materials, have wide brims for sun protection, and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
If you’re searching for yourself or seeking ideas on gifts for surfers, take a look at these surf hats.
(The Ultimate Surf Gear Guide)
9 of the Best Surf Hats
There are a variety of different hats and surf brands to choose from, so it’s important to find one that is best suited to your needs.
1. Patagonia Surf Brim Bucket Hat
Look no further than the Patagonia Surf Brim Bucket Hat.
This hat is designed to provide sun protection, making it perfect for days spent in the sun.
The wide brim helps to keep the sun out of your eyes, and the adjustable drawcord ensures a snug, comfortable fit.
The hat is also made from recycled nylon and polyester, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Whether you’re hitting the waves or just relaxing on the beach, the Patagonia Surf Brim Bucket Hat is sure to keep you cool and protected all day long.
2. FCS Essential Surf Cap
This cap is made from a lightweight fabric that won’t weigh you down, and it has a wide brim that provides excellent coverage.
The best part is that the FCS Essential Surf Cap is adjustable, so you can customize the fit to ensure that it stays securely in place.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the FCS Essential Surf Cap is a great choice for keeping your head protected while you enjoy your time in the water.
3. FCS Essential Surf Bucket Hat
This surf hat is made from 100% polyester fabric and features a 3” brim and an adjustable drawstring.
The hat is available in black, grey, and navy and has a UPF rating of 50+.
The brim helps to keep the sun out of your eyes and the drawstring ensures a secure fit.
The polyester fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, making it ideal for surfing and other outdoor activities.
Whether you’re hitting the waves or hiking in the mountains, the Essential Surf Bucket Hat will keep you sun-safe and comfortable all day long.
4. Decathlon – Olaian Surf Cap
When it comes to finding the best surf hats, the Decathlon – Olaian Surf Cap is a great option.
This hat is made from 100% polyester, making it lightweight and breathable.
It also has a UPF 50+ rating, meaning it will protect your head from the sun’s harmful rays.
The hat also features an adjustable chin strap, so you can keep it securely in place even when the waves are high.
Best of all, the Decathlon – Olaian Surf Cap is available in a variety of colors, so you can find one that best suits your style.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Decathlon – Olaian Surf Cap is a great choice for staying protected out on the waves.
5. O’Neill Sport 2mm Cap
If you’re looking for a surf hat that will keep you protected from the sun, wind, and water, the O’Neill Sport 2mm Cap is a great option.
Made from neoprene, this hat provides full coverage of your head and ears, and it even has a chin strap to keep it in place in rough conditions.
The best part about this hat is that it’s extremely lightweight and comfortable, so you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing it.
Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach or hitting the waves for some serious surfing, the O’Neill Sport 2mm Cap will help you stay protected from the elements.
6. Ocean and Earth – Mens Bingin Soft Peak Surf Hat
Want to avoid those harmful rays, you can’t go wrong with the Men’s Bingin Soft Peak Surf Hat from Ocean and Earth.
Made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, this hat features a wide brim that helps to keep the sun out of your eyes.
The UPF 50+ rating ensures that your skin will be protected from harmful UV rays, and the adjustable drawstring allows you to get a custom fit.
Whether you’re hitting the beach or just spending a day in the park, the Men’s Bingin Soft Peak Surf Hat is perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable all day long.
7. Dakine Kahu Surf Hat
This hat is made from a lightweight, quick-drying material that provides excellent sun protection.
The hat also features a wide brim that helps to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Additionally, the hat has an adjustable chin strap that helps to keep it in place even in the most challenging conditions.
Best of all, the Dakine Kahu Surf Hat is available in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find one that suits your style.
Whether you’re looking for a basic black hat or something with a more colorful design, the Dakine Kahu Surf Hat is a great option.
8. Tropic Stash Foldaway Surf Cap
You can’t go wrong with the Tropic Stash Foldaway Surf Cap.
This cap is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that helps to keep your head cool and comfortable in even the hottest conditions.
The wide brim provides excellent sun protection, and the UPF 50+ rating ensures that you’ll stay safe from harmful UV rays.
The hat also features a detachable chin strap that keeps it securely in place, even in rough waves.
Best of all, the Tropic Stash Foldaway Surf Cap can be easily folded up and stored in your pocket or bag when not in use.
9. The Dakine No Zone Surf Hat
If you’re looking for a great surf hat, the Dakine No Zone is a great option.
It’s made from durable 100% nylon fabric and features UPF 50+ sun protection.
The wide brim helps to keep the sun out of your eyes, and the adjustable chin strap keeps the hat in place even in strong winds.
The No Zone is available in several different colors, so you can find one that best suits your style.
Plus, it’s machine-washable for easy care. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the Dakine No Zone surf hat is a great choice for keeping your head protected from the sun.
Do surf hats work?
Surf hats are a dime a dozen these days.
You can find them at surf shops, sporting goods stores, and even some fashion retailers.
They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they all claim to do the same thing: protect your head from the sun while you’re out surfing.
But do surf hats work?
The theory behind surf hats is simple enough.
They’re made of a light fabric that covers your head and neck, keeping the harmful UV rays of the sun off of your skin.
This helps to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Most surf hats also have a brim that shades your face, further protecting you from the sun’s rays.
Why surf hats don’t usually work
The problem with surf hats is that they’re not usually very well-made.
The fabric is often too thin to provide any real protection from the sun’s UV rays.
And because they’re so lightweight, they tend to blow off in the wind easily.
The brims are also often too small to provide adequate shade for your face.
As a result, you can still get sunburned even if you’re wearing a surf hat.
What to look for in a good surf hat
If you’re going to buy a surf hat, there are a few things you should look for.
First, make sure the fabric is thick enough to provide good coverage from the sun’s UV rays.
Second, look for a hat with a wide brim that will shades your face well.
Finally, make sure the hat fits snugly so it won’t blow off in the wind.
Following these guidelines will help you choose a surf hat that will work to protect you from the sun while you’re out surfing.
Why do surfers wear hats?
When it comes to surfing, there are a few essential pieces of gear.
A good surfboard, of course, is important.
So are a wetsuit and a pair of wax for the board.
But one other piece of gear that is often overlooked is the hat.
A good surf hat can help to protect a surfer from the sun, wind, and salt water. It can also help to keep the surfer’s hair out of their eyes.
Surf hats come in a variety of styles, but the best ones are usually made from quick-drying materials such as nylon or polyester.
They should also have a wide brim to provide maximum sun protection.
And finally, they should be comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.
With so many factors to consider, it’s no wonder that finding the perfect surf hat can be a challenge.
But once you find a hat that meets all of your needs, you’ll wonder how you ever surfed without it.
The Importance of Surf Hats
Sun protection is paramount when you’re spending hours out in the open water, waiting for the perfect wave. The reflection of the sun on the water, the continuous exposure, and the saltiness of the water can increase the risk of harmful UV radiation, which is where a good surf hat comes in.
Benefits of Wearing a Surf Hat
- UV Protection: Direct exposure to the sun for prolonged periods can lead to sunburn and increases the risk of skin cancer. A good surf hat provides a physical barrier against UV rays.
- Comfort: A wide brim will not only shield your face from direct sunlight but also reduce glare, allowing you to spot oncoming waves more easily.
- Protection from Elements: Besides the sun, surf hats can also protect your head from wind, rain, and even minor bumps.
- Heat Regulation: The head is a primary area for heat loss. On cooler days, a surf hat can help retain body warmth, while on hot days, a breathable hat can facilitate cooling.
Selecting the Right Surf Hat
- Material: Look for materials that are UV resistant, quick-drying, and durable. Neoprene, polyester, and nylon are popular choices.
- Fit: A surf hat should fit snugly on your head. Adjustable straps or drawstrings can ensure the hat doesn’t get carried away by a wave or gust of wind.
- Brim Size: A wider brim offers better sun protection, especially for the face and neck.
- Coverage: Some hats come with neck flaps or are designed like caps, covering only the top of the head. Depending on the level of sun protection you want, select a design that offers optimal coverage.
- UPF Rating: Just like SPF in sunscreens, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating in fabrics indicates how effectively it blocks UV radiation. A UPF of 50+ is recommended for maximum protection.
Whether you’re a professional surfer or someone who enjoys the occasional wave, a surf hat is an invaluable accessory. Given the potential hazards of prolonged sun exposure, investing in a quality surf hat is not just about comfort but also about health and safety. Stay protected and ride the waves with confidence!
