Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 01:46 pm
If you are looking for a surf hat, you came to the right place. In this post, we listed our top 10 surf hats that will protect your head from the sun while riding waves.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surf Hats
When it comes to surfing, the need for protective gear extends beyond a surfboard and a wetsuit. To protect your head from the burning sun during your summer surf sessions, it is essential to have a surf hat. That will provide an extra layer of sun protection to keep those harmful rays away while playing with the waves.
A good surf hat can prevent sunburn, reduce glare, and even save your scalp from the occasional, unexpected scrape on your board. Also, with the right hat, your eyes can focus on the surf instead of squinting against the bright sunlight, making your whole surfing experience much more enjoyable.
So, to assist you in choosing the right surf hat, we have compiled a list of the 10 best surf hats highly recommended by surfers. These hats are renowned for their durability, style, and, most importantly, their ability to protect you while riding those beautiful summer waves.
Our List Of The 10 Best Surf Hats
1. Columbia Bora Booney – Our Top Pick
Columbia Bora Booney is our top choice for the most advanced UV protection. Constructed with Omni-Shade materials, this surf hat offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. It helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage.
This hat’s tight weave construction provides lasting sun protection without sacrificing breathability or comfort. It is also equipped with Omni-Wick technology, which quickly moves moisture away from the skin.
Finally, the hat features UPF 50 shielding, keeping your head safe no matter how hot it gets outside. Also, due to its innovative design, you can enjoy your outdoor activities peacefully, knowing you have the best UV protection available.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Comfortable fit.
● Excellent sun protection.
● Adjustable drawcord.
Cons:
● Limited color options.
2. Quiksilver Men’s Sun Protection Bucket Hat – Durable
The Quiksilver Men’s Sun Protection Bucket Hat suits anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. This surf hat is 100% cotton, ensuring toughness and comfort. Its wide-brim design is perfect for blocking harmful UV rays and protecting your face and neck from the sun. You can wear this bucket hat when you go to the beach, fish, or hike, and it will keep you comfortable and protected all day.
With its embroidered logo, this surf hat is perfect for outdoor outfits. You don’t have to worry about it blowing away on windy days because it has an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit. To keep it in good condition, just hand wash it. Its pull-on closure makes it easy to put on and take off as needed.
The Quiksilver Men’s Sun Protection Bucket Hat is a high-quality product known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is ideal for anyone seeking a practical yet fashionable accessory. Whether you are an experienced adventurer or simply want to protect yourself from the sun’s rays while enjoying your surf session, this hat is a great choice.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● One of the best surfing hats.
● High-quality surf hats.
● Stylish surf brim hat.
Cons:
● Not machine washable.
3. O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats – Lightweight
If you are looking for a stylish and sun-protective accessory for your summer surf sessions, look no further than O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats. These lightweight, quick-drying hats will keep you both fashionable and shielded from the sun.
The hat has an adjustable quick-release chin strap that keeps it securely in place, even in windy or wavy conditions. It also features a padded neoprene inner headband and straps for added comfort and to prevent chafing. Likewise, the rear mesh vents allow water to escape after duck diving or wiping out. Moreover, it has a shock cord and toggle adjustment, which can be customized to fit perfectly.
Beyond that, the protective mesh over the ear section adds an extra layer of protection against sun damage without compromising your style. So, get ready to dive into summer with your new O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hat.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Lightweight.
● Secure fit.
● Water-release vents.
Cons:
● Non-adjustable size.
4. Dakine Surf Cap – 50+ UPF
The Dakine Surf Trucker Hat offers an excellent combination of style and practicality. It has been specifically designed for use in water and is ideal for all your sunny outings. Its most remarkable feature is its 50+ UPF rating, which provides substantial protection from harmful UV rays while out in the sun, whether catching waves or just enjoying the warmth.
This surf hat has a classic trucker style with a performance mesh back that provides breathability and comfort. This also helps it dry quickly, avoiding any discomfort from water or sweat. It is also machine washable.
It is important to note that this hat has adjustable features. The snap closure allows you to customize the fit according to your preferences. Moreover, the adjustable chin strap keeps the hat firmly in place even during intense activities.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● UPF 50+ protection.
● Breathable mesh back.
● Adjustable snapback.
Cons:
● Limited color choices.
5. O’Neill Sport 2mm Surf Cap – Adjustable Chin Strap
Get ready to hit the waves with the O’Neill Sport 2mm Surf Cap, as this hat is specifically designed to provide extra insulation during water activities. Whether you are surfing, paddling, diving, or swimming, this low-profile cap offers enhanced warmth and comfort.
Its durable flatlock stitching adds to the cap’s sleek design. Also, it increases its longevity, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. However, the interior of the cap features lightweight fluid foam SL Neoprene, giving it a comfortable, cushioned feel.
On the outside, the cap is designed with wind-resistant smooth skin, adding an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. Combining these materials results in a cap that’s as comfortable as it is functional, promising a superior surfing experience.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Extra insulation.
● Durable flatlock stitching.
● Comfortable neoprene material.
Cons:
● Visor might block vision.
6. FCS Essential Surf Bucket Hats – 100% Nylon
Enhance your surfing experience with the FCS Essential Surf Bucket Hat, a unique blend of style, comfort, and durability. Crafted from 100% nylon, this hat ensures exceptional resilience and longevity, perfect for the rigors of intense water activities.
Whether you’re a pro surfer or a beach-going enthusiast, this hat has got you covered, quite literally. FCS’s commitment to excellence is apparent in this hat’s design, resulting from a thoughtful collaboration with the world’s leading surf athletes and surfboard shapers.
The brand’s diversity shines through this range of surfboard accessories, offering something for every board model, wave condition, and surfing style. The FCS Essential Surf Bucket Hat stands as a testament to this commitment, integrating the needs of professional surfers into its design.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● 100% nylon.
● Durable.
● Professional design.
Cons:
● It might feel stiff initially.
7. FCS Essential Surf Hat – Quick Drying
The FCS Essential Surf Hat is the go-to choice for surfers seeking style and functionality. Made in the USA, this hat features a blend of 47% cotton, 28% nylon, and 25% polyester, giving it an ideal balance of comfort, durability, and quick-drying capability. The hat’s unique composition is designed for those who love to spend their days riding waves or just chilling by the beach.
One of the defining features of this surf hat is its microfiber material, specifically designed for quick drying. So, whether you’re fresh from a surfing session or not, you can trust this hat to dry quickly, keeping you comfortable and cool.
Safety and security are also top priorities in the design of the FCS Essential Surf Hat. It has a drawstring closure for a snug fit, a safety cord for added security, and non-corrosive fixing clips.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Quick drying.
● Drawstring closure.
● Secure fixing clips.
Cons:
● May feel tight.
8. Dakine Indo Surf Hat – Ultimate Flexibility
The Dakine Indo Surf Hat stands out as a top choice for surfing in rough conditions. This hat is designed to deliver the ultimate flexibility, accommodating your every move while catching waves. This hat can handle it all, whether you’re facing high winds or extreme temperatures.
Featuring adjustable tabs at the neck and an internal drawcord for extra adjustability, this hat has tons of style. The adjustable chin strap ensures it will stay secure despite the strongest winds. At the same time, the interior mesh lining helps keep your head cool when it matters most.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Handles rough conditions.
● Ultimate flexibility.
● Comfortable fit.
Cons:
● Limited size options.
9. Everyday California Floating Waterproof Surf Hat – Affordable Surf Hat
Everyday California presents the Floating Waterproof Surf Hat, offering an affordable solution for all your sunny adventures. Approved for UPF 50+ protection, this hat protects against harmful UV rays, keeping your head safe and comfortable under the sun.
The hat is made of waterproof material, ensuring that you’ll stay dry and cool no matter how wild the waters get. With its floating capabilities, this snapback hat always ends up back in your hands and on your head, making it ideal for surf trips.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Affordable.
● UPF 50+ protection.
● Waterproof.
Cons:
● No chinstrap.
10. Dakine XX-Large Kahu Surf Hat – Best Overall Surf Hat
The Dakine XX-Large Kahu Surf Hat is among the best surf hats. It’s specifically made for water use, with a foam brim that mixes two styles and a chin strap that can be removed if needed. The hat has a UPF rating of 50+, which will help protect you from damaging UV rays for extended periods.
Additionally, this hat has a sturdy build that withstands wear and tear, giving you the confidence to explore. Its versatile design makes it the perfect companion for both surfing and relaxing on the beach.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
● Brimmed bucket hat.
● Wicking inner lining.
● Hybrid-style foam brim.
Cons:
● Only one size.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Can I wear any hat while surfing?
Technically, you can wear any hat while surfing, but it’s advisable to wear one designed specifically for this activity. Surf hats are made to endure marine environments. They are generally water-resistant, offer UV protection, have secure straps to stay on your head even in rough waves, and have quick-drying properties.
2. Are there specific styles of surf hats?
Yes, surf hats come in different styles, such as bucket hats, ball caps, and brimmed hats. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, Bucket hats and brimmed hats offer more sun protection, especially for the neck, but might be less aerodynamic. Ball caps, though, are more streamlined but offer less neck coverage.
3. Why do some surf hats have neck flaps?
Some surf hats come with neck flaps to provide additional sun protection. The back of the neck is an area that can easily get sunburned when surfing, so having a flap helps reduce this risk.
Buying Guide – Things to Consider Before Choosing a Surf Hat
To find the ideal surf hat, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just appearance. The hat you choose must provide protection and serve practical purposes. So, here are the top three factors to keep in mind:
1. Material Quality
When choosing a surf hat, make sure it is made of durable and quick-drying material. It should also be made of high-quality fabric that provides UV protection to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. So, remember to choose a water-resistant hat to keep your head dry and comfortable.
2. Secure Fit
When selecting a surf hat, ensure it has an adjustable chin strap or a tightening mechanism at the back to prevent it from falling off in rough conditions. Having a hat fly off while surfing will not serve its purpose.
3. Comfort and Style
Select a surf hat that is comfortable enough for you to wear for long periods. It should also match your personal style and have a brim size that provides enough shade without obstructing your side vision. And above all, the hat you choose should balance both comfort and style.
Conclusion – The Bottom Line!
Overall, a surf hat can make or break your surfing experience. That’s why you should invest in one that is comfortable and offers the best protection against sun exposure. It should also provide a secure fit and deliver in rough conditions with ease.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect hat for your next surf adventure. Good luck, and have fun!
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best
surf boots and surfboard bags.
