ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE FOR SURFERS

by Corky Carroll

It’s that happy time of year again when we are starting to prepare for the upcoming holidays.  First off we have Thanksgiving, our yearly license to pig out and visit with family we might not see all the time.  Then Christmas, yay.  And to help us get ready for that somewhere along the line they came up with “Black Friday.”  A huge sale day for early bird holiday gift buyers.
 
This is for all of you non surfers who want to buy something special for that surfer in your life and don’t have a clue on what to get ‘em.  I happily do this community service piece each year to help out.  So grab a pen or pencil and let’s get to it.  Note: some of this stuff I mention each year, but this is for newbies so bear with it
On the low end of the price scale, stocking stuffers and the like, here are a couple of perfect ideas.  Surf Wax.  A couple bars is a great idea, just pay attention to the “temperature” of the wax you are buying.  It’s mid-winter, so a good choice is “Cold Water” wax.  If they are taking a trip to the tropics then get “Tropical Water” wax.  Other low-cost items would include t-shirts.  Everybody wears them and everybody loves them.  Make sure you have the correct size.  It’s a drag to get one you love but can’t wear it because it’s too small.  Think big.  (I’m a 3xl, just sayin’).  

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There is a company that is making great surf related puzzles that I really like.  Madhouseartco.com, located in San Clemente.  They have “San Onofre,” “Lower Trestles,” “Doho,” and “Tsunami” versions.  Fun for the whole family kinda deal.
 
This would lead into more formal shirts, and we all dig Hawaiian.  If you really want to get something ultra-cool go visit “Dirt Cheap Hawaiian Shirts and Plants” in Costa Mesa.  The owner’s name is Nik and he has the vintage goods that you just can’t find everywhere these days.  I get mine there.  
 
Next up would be books.  There are always a lot of them out there.  This year I wanna point out one that I think is fabulous.  A photo book documenting the surfing community on the North Shore with gorgeous portraits, lush landscapes, and jaw-dropping action shots. “NORTH,” by Brown W. Cannon III.  It’s available from Damiani Books.
 
This is my favorite part.  I get to shamelessly plug my own stuff.  Go to www.bluemangosurf.com for all kinds of cool surf stuff.  From CorkyART t shirts and hoodies, my latest book “Not Done Yet,” to custom made surfboards and SUP’s.  And for that super special someone you might want to invest in one of my original paintings.  Art is a great gift, it lasts forever.  You can see a gallery of my stuff on the Blue Mango site and contact me direct to purchase or order one special.  [email protected]   Awhooooo.  End of shameless plug.
 
Now getting into the more expensive gift ideas.  There is always the new surfboard thing.  Warning here though, this is a fantastic gift, but you must know exactly what they want before you buy it.  A surfboard is a very personal thing.  Size and shape are critical.  So, best to know, down to what kind of glass job, what to get.  Or get a gift certificate.  Most any surf shop has those.  Or you can deal with a custom board manufacturer, nothing quite like having your own custom board made special for you.  
 
If you really want to go over the top, I can’t think of a much better idea than a surf trip.  Surfers love to go on surf trips.  The more exotic the better.  This can range from a weekend in Cabo to an adventure to a private island in the South Pacific, and anything and everything in between.  Just depends on your budget and how much you really dig this person.  If you might want an all-inclusive adventure to Mainland, Mexico, which includes hangin out with me a little bit, or a visit to the jungles of Costa Rica and the CC Surfcamp, shoot me an email and I can hook ya up.  The only thing to make that surf trip better is that you go along to keep them company.  Awhooo.
 
That’s all the space I’ve got for this one.  I hope this helps you out.  Have a super cool and groovy Holiday season.  And, by the way, I like getting’ stuff.  So if you feel the urge, go ahead and send something over.  Fa la la la, laaaa!!!