Surf Health Essentials
Ear Protection
Cold water and wind exposure can lead to surfer’s ear and increase the risk of infections over time. Using ear protection helps reduce long-term damage while still allowing you to hear your surroundings in the water. For those who don’t like ear bugs, I would highly recommend a product remove water from your ears post-surf.
Best Overall: SurfEars
Designed specifically for surfers to keep water out without blocking sound.
Alternative Options: Debrox Swimmers Ear Drops
For surfers who don’t tolerate ear plugs well, ear drops can help reduce discomfort from trapped water after sessions. These are useful for drying the ear canal and may help lower risk of irriation and or infection. Designed to reduce discomfort from water clogged ears, safe and effective.
Sinus Care
Saltwater, bacteria, and debris can irritate the sinuses after surfing. Regular sinus rinsing can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of sinus infections.
Recommended: NeilMed
A simple saline rinse that flush out irritants
Sunscreen
Surfers are exposed to prolonged sun and reflective UV from the water, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Consistent use of sunscreen is essential for protection during extended sessions in the water.
Best Overall: Sun Bum
A Widely used, broad-spectrum sunscreen designed for active, water-based environments and long surf sessions.
Zinc Protection for the Face
The face, especially the nose and lips, is highly exposed while surfing. Zinc provides a thicker physical barrier that stays on longer during extended sessions.
Best Overall: Surf Mud
Tinted long-lasting Zinc protection for your face, perfect for those 2-3 hour sessions.
Alternative option: Zinka
A thicker, more traditional zinc option for surfers who prefer maximum coverage in high exposure areas like nose and cheeks.
Alternative option: Raw Elements (Face & Body)
Organic, non-toxic, reef safe protection for your body and face with Non Nano Zinc Oxide 23%.
Lip Care
The lips are especially vulnerable to sun exposure while surfing and can burn quickly due to constant UV reflection off the water. Using a high-SPF lip balm helps protect against sun damage, dryness, and cracking during long sessions.
Recommended: Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Lip Sunscreen
A durable, water-resistant option that provides strong protection for extended time in the sun.
Supplements & Recovery
Consistent training, long surf sessions, and environmental exposure can place additional stress on the body. Certain supplements may support recovery, muscle function, and overall performance when used appropriately.
Creatine
Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements for supporting muscle performance, strength, and recovery. It may help improve short bursts of paddling power and overall training output.
Recommended:Creatine Monohydrate
A simple and effective form of creatine that supports muscle performance and recovery.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular health and helps manage oxidative stress. It may be beneficial for recovery and overall wellness, especially with frequent sun and environmental exposure.
Recommended: Liposomal Glutathione
A more bioavailable form designed for better absorption and cellular support.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in muscle relaxation, recovery, and sleep quality. It may help reduce muscle tightness and support recovery after long sessions in the water.
Recommended:Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate
Well-absorbed forms that support muscle function and recovery.
Protein Support
Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle repair and recovery, especially for surfers combining water time with strength or mobility training.
Recommended: Orgain Organic Protein Powder
A plant-based protein option that supports recovery and is easy to incorporate into daily nutrition.
Hair Care for Surfers
Saltwater, sun exposure, and environmental factors can lead to dryness, breakage, buildup, and color damage over time. A consistent routine before and after surfing — including protective oils, conditioning, and regular cleansing — is important to maintain healthy hair, especially with frequent surf sessions or travel to areas with harsh water conditions.
Hydration-Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential for performance, recovery, and preventing fatigue during long surf sessions. Spending extended time in the sun and saltwater can increase fluid loss, making consistent hydration even more important.
Recommended: Hydro Flask 32 oz Bottle
A durable, insulated bottle designed to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation. The wide mouth design makes it easy to add ice and clean, while the stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability without flavor transfer
A durable, insulated bottle designed to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The wide-mouth design makes it easy to refill and clean, while the stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability without flavor transfer.
DEET Insect Repellent
Mosquito Protection
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever are among the most common health risks for surf travelers in tropical destinations. A DEET-based repellent (30–35%) helps reduce mosquito bites and should be reapplied after long surf sessions.
Recommended: Sawyer 30% DEET
Trusted protection for surfers traveling to Indonesia, Fiji, Tahiti, Central America, and other tropical destinations.
Global Rescue
Medical Evacuation Membership
Many remote surf destinations are hours or even days from advanced medical care. Global Rescue provides medical evacuation, field rescue coordination, and transportation to higher-level medical facilities when needed.
Recommended: Global Rescue Membership
Ideal for surfers traveling to remote destinations such as the Mentawais, Nias, Sumbawa, Fiji, and Tahiti.
AIG Travel Guard
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect against trip cancellations, medical expenses, travel delays, and lost baggage. Coverage varies by plan and destination.
Recommended: AIG Travel Guard
A comprehensive travel insurance option for surfers looking for medical and trip protection while traveling internationally.

