A surf hat is… a hat you wear in the surf. No prizes for that nugget. However, only some hats are specifically designed to be worn, and stay on your noggin, in the surf.
Surf hats come in a variety of designs and shapes, but real surf hats share a few things in common. A proper surf hat:
- Has a chin strap that keeps it on
- Is made from quick drying fabric
- Sometimes has a legionnaire flap
- Is usually worn by a freakin’ legend
These features keep your surf hat comfy to wear for hours at a time, day-in-day-out, and crucially help you to dodge that nasty sunburn. Did you know that surfers are 120 times more at risk from melanoma as a result of sun exposure? That’s why we started making surf hats (and not the boring black lids you’re imagining), and why we’re so stoked you’re here to learn what a proper surf hat is.
One thing to know, though, is that surf hats aren’t usually tied to the sport of surfing like their name suggests. They are all terrain hats, and can be used while undertaking all sorts of activities in and out of the water. We’ve found that they’re particularly popular with kayakers and paddle boarders too. Good surf hats (like ours!) will withstand total wipeouts in the ocean, staying on and comfortable all session, every session.
What should I look for in a surf hat?
A comfortable chin strap
A good surf hat will have a comfortable chin strap. Some have just a classic drawstring, but ours, and all of the other top brands, have a snug neoprene chin strap. These neoprene chin straps allow a secure but gentle fit that hugs your chin - it won’t feel like you’re being choked or having your skin pulled. When getting smashed in the waves, the brim often gets dragged by the water - having the straps on your surf hat will give you the best chance of keeping it on, and without rope burns around your neck like a regular draw string might give you.
We want you to wear your hat day-in-day out, whenever you hit the water, so it needs to be comfortable enough to reach for it time and time again!
Strong, quick-drying material
Most “normal” hats aren’t made to be worn in the water, and particularly not in the ocean. A natural fibre fabric simply won’t cut it - it will wear away quickly and take forever to dry (trust us, we’ve tried).
A good surf hat is usually made from a synthetic fibre, which means it’ll be light weight and dry quickly. It also won’t mind being soaked in the salty wet stuff on a regular basis!
An even better surf hat will be made out of recycled materials where possible, just like our Plow Surf Hats which have a recycled nylon outer made from post consumer waste. We’re super proud of creating sustainable surf hats and are always working to source better materials.
A removable legionnaire flap
To legionnaire or not to legionnaire is a personal choice. We recommend it for sun safety, protecting your neck and giving that bit extra coverage. However, we know that some people aren’t fans which is why all of our legionnaires are removable so you can see what works for you.
Is a surf hat the right choice for me?
If you want to surf safely, keeping your skin protected, then a surf hat should be on your Christmas list. We have designs and sizes for the littlest groms, the coolest teens, the most suave of silver surfers, and everything in between!
It’s fair to say that real Surf Hats are the ultimate hat to wear while surfing, and even the pros are rocking them these days. Check out Soleil Errico and Blakey Johnston (left) being #plowdnproud & staying protected from the sun.
Discover Plow Surf Hats and join the crew today.