Surf, Style & Stoke: Top Holiday Gifts for Intermediate Surfers
Buying a gift for an intermediate surfer means stepping into the zone between style, function, and outright obsession. They’ve already outgrown beginner gear, but they’re hungry to level up their performance, confidence, and style in the water. Whether you’re shopping for a Surf Diva, partner, surf groms, or yourself, this guide is packed with useful gift ideas that actually make a difference. From surf coaching sessions to surf merch, and, well, surfboards (!), here are the best holiday surf gifts from your favorite surf shop. Our team shines with almost 30 years of holiday gifting experience.
1. Surf Coaching Sessions: The Gift That Changes Everything
If there’s one gift that truly transforms surfing, it’s personalized surf coaching. For intermediate surfers, lessons bridge the gap between “I can catch waves” and “I can surf with flow.” This includes shortboarder, longboarder, and alternative shapes like a fish or a mid-length board.
Why Surf Coaching Is The Best Holiday Gift:
✔️ Refines turns, positioning, and wave selection
✔️ Builds confidence in small to medium-sized surf
✔️ Helps eliminate bad habits
✔️ Delivers faster progression than solo session
HOLIDAY BONUS at Surf Diva Surf School: Grab a minimum of 4 coaching sessions and receive 20% OFF. This is a perfect gift bundle for surfers who are serious about improving.
2. The ultimate gift idea for an intermediate surfer: Their very first surfboard.
When gifting a surfboard to an intermediate surfer, the goal is to match their progression without pushing them too far too fast. A high-quality foamie can still be an epic choice at this level, as foam adds forgiveness, keeps wave counts high, and lets surfers experiment in everything from small mushy days to crowded lineups. If they’re ready to step up, however, look for a mid-length, funboard, or egg or fish shape with enough volume to paddle easily but enough responsiveness to start linking smoother turns.
The same fundamentals from Surf Diva’s board-choosing guide still apply: consider volume, length, and the types of waves they surf most. A board that supports confidence, progression, and pure fun will always be the right gift.
Your best bet is to swing by your local surf shop with a few key details about your giftee, such as their height and weight, how often they surf, where they usually paddle out, and what skills or goals they’re working toward. No amount of internet research can beat the hands-on guidance you’ll get from experienced shop staff. Surf shop crews, like our own Shop Divas and Divos, can size up that info in seconds and point you toward the right board for their level.
And don’t forget to shop for the essentials: a leash that matches the board, the correct fin setup, and a couple bars of wax to round out the perfect holiday surf gift. Top it off with a big red ribbon and you’ve got a board that’s going to look amazing under the tree.
3. Level 1 & 2 Women’s Weekend Surf Clinics: Level Up Fast
“The women’s clinic was exceptional—dedicated instructors and an inspiring group of women made the experience truly memorable. I highly recommend it.”
Cecilia Simon
Women’s Weekend surf clinics are hands-down one of the most exciting holiday gifts for intermediate Surf Divas. Female surfers thrive in this structured coaching environment that emphasizes seasisterhood, confidence, strength, and progression.
These immersive experiences combine:
- In-water coaching
- Ocean knowledge
- Technique refinement
- Confidence-building strategies
- Making new surf buddies
Level 1 Clinics
Level 1 Clinics are perfect if you’re brand new to surfing or you’ve had just a taste and want more. You’ll sharpen the essentials with friendly guidance that helps you feel confident on your board from the very first paddle. Expect hands-on coaching in board handling, paddling technique, and choosing the right waves so each session feels smoother than the last. You’ll also learn ocean safety and surf etiquette, giving you the foundation you need to enjoy every moment in the water.
Level 2 Clinics
Level 2 Clinics are ideal once you’ve completed a Level 1 Clinic or a private lesson with one of our Women’s Clinics coaches and you’re ready to level up your surf game. These sessions help you read the lineup with clarity so you can position yourself for better waves every time. You’ll practice clean, confident turns and build fluidity that brings more expression to every ride. We’ll refine your stance, sharpen your control from takeoff to first turn, and boost the strength and endurance that keep you surfing longer, paddling with purpose, and soaking up even more joy in every session.
It’s basically the perfect gift for your surf-obsessed friends or anyone looking to take their surfing to the next level this season.
The Women’s Weekend clinics are high-impact, motivational, and unforgettable, thus an ideal gift for surfers who already have the basics locked in and are ready to push forward.
For current clinic schedules and details, check here.
4. Core Surf Shop Merch: Style That Speaks Surf
If you’re hunting for the perfect holiday gift for an intermediate surfer, you can never go wrong with merchandise from your local Surf Shop. It blends function and true surf culture style! The perfect gift for those who live half their life in the water and the other half chasing the next swell. You are also supporting small and family-owned businesses.
Top holiday picks include cozy hoodies that keep surfers warm after winter sessions, ultra-soft tees that work from dawn patrol to everyday wear. The list also contains hats or beanies that are clutch for beach days, road trips, and long travel missions. Mugs and water bottles are another favorite for hauling surf essentials, wax, fins, and whatever else gets thrown in the car for a strike mission.
Whether you’re gifting your surf bestie, your partner, or treating yourself, Surf Shop merch is a stylish and functional gift choice for any intermediate surfer.
We compromised with a collection that spreads some Holiday Aloha, but is still sufficient for a beach day.
5. Gift-Baskets or Stocking Stuffers for Intermediate Surfers
Don’t forget the little things that make surfing even sweeter! Think wax, ding repair kits, high-quality, reef-safe sunscreen, and cozy surf ponchos or oversized towels, which are available at your local shop. Add wetsuit booties or gloves if they surf colder waters, ocean-themed decor, waterproof jewelry, a stylish surf watch or sunglasses.
This complete holiday surf bundle can be ordered online, shipped right to you or your giftee, and comes beautifully wrapped by Surf Diva to make any surfer’s holiday truly epic!
Final Thoughts: Make This Holiday Legendary
If you’re shopping for an intermediate surfer this holiday season, skip the generic big-box-store gifts and give something that truly makes waves and gives back to the surf communities. Pick a gift that elevates their surfing, builds real confidence, creates unforgettable memories, and makes every session better.
From surf coaching and weekend clinics to boards, surf shop merch, and must-have accessories, everything you need to create the ultimate surf gift is right here.
🌊 PRO TIP: Our Buy 4, Get 20% Off coaching packages sell out fast during the holidays, lock it in early to maximize the stoke.
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Still not sure? A GIFT CARD is always a great option – Shop here!
Looking for a gift for a beginner surfer, check out our gift guide for beginners here.
