Why? The first great surf watch was a bright yellow Citizen. You could see it glowing on a young Nicky Wood’s wrist as he floated to victory in the 1987 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Now, Rip Curl have delivered a modern day version that surpasses current expectations on any time piece. The Trestles Oceansearch has one touch access to 200 preset tide locations world wide, full digital features and is waterproof to 200m. It also come in eight colours. Float on!

How much? $199.95

Where? All good surf shops or Rip Curl.com or 1300 989 014

Why? This double CD captures the band - organist RAY MANZAREK, guitarist ROBBY KRIEGER, drummer JOHN DENSMORE and late singer JIM MORRISON at their best. It also features a never-before-heard song, “She Smells So Nice,” and a bunch of never before heard out-takes discovered by Producer Bruce Botnick.

How much? $24.95

Why? Why, not? The Short John (known as the Tube-Suit in Australia) is the most comfortable wetsuit ever created. Your arms are free for paddling, and your junk is tight and tidy. But what to do when that pesky summer currents hit? Bust out this 100% Hyper Stretch retro suit from Quiky we reckon.

[Despite this reviewers love of the LJ he does not condone nor promote the use of beaver tail wetsuits.]

How much? $199.99

Where? All good surf stores or Quiksilver.com or call 1800 805 506

Why? Following the success of his first novel ‘Lost Boys’ writer Sam De Brito decided his leading man, fictional journalist Ned Jelli, needed a second chance. Set among the newsrooms of Sydney, 'Hello Darkness' is an insider’s look at the belly of Australia's media and Ned's navigation of it. Real as hell and superbly written 'Hello Darkness' is a must read book from an Australian author really finding his stride.

How much? $36.99

Where? All good book stores

Why? Give your loved one a little Mexican vibe and help keep their wheels and brakes covered at the beach. This piece of terry towelling is the perfect gift for any and all chronic water hounds.

[Bonus: Patron is without a doubt the best Tequila money can by – why not make it a Mexican double.]

How much? RRP $29.95 [Patron $85 plus]

Where? All good surf shops info surffcs.com [Patron]

What? Insight / Haring Red Shirt

Why? Back in the eighties most Aussie surfer’s had one dress shirt; and it was known exclusively as their, “Going out shirt.” We now live in an age of more more more, and wardrobes reflect that. But if you were to knuckle down with one button up bad boy for the summer this shirt being modelled by one Kai Otton would do the trick nicely.

How much? $79.95

Where? All good surf shops and General Pants Stores.

Info: Insight51.com

What? Sunny and Coco's A-Z of Surfing By Kelly Smith

Why? Kids love to read, and they love the ocean. Put the two together and you have yourself a sweet little gift. Sunny and Coco is written in a way that educates and exhilarates the tin-lids.  

How much? $20

Where? Sunnyandcoco.com

Why? Sporting these ‘Yarn Dye Check Chinos’ is one sure way to deal with the heat in style. Passing a pair of these super comfy walkshorts onto another a killer way to impress the fat man in the red suit... Be good, give.

How much? $69.99 (Riley Youth $59.99)

Where? All good surf shops

Info: Oneill.com

Why? Got a sweet thing on your arm? Planning to hit the road and leave all your cares (and neurotic friends) in the rear view for a few days? Then this little melody laden pop record is for you. Give the electro beats a break for a bit, crack open a bottle of plonk and sing-along with the boys from Bristol. They maybe Kooks – but damn they know how to craft catchy tune.

How much? $19.99

Where? All good record stores records at

Info: EMIMUSIC.com

Why? Nothing inspires a surfer to get out of the house and hit the waves like sitting down and watching a surf flick. Is that an oxymoron? Garage Entertainment have some of the worlds best DVDs for sale. Kai Neville's Lost Atlas, Travis Rice's bio-snow-epic The Art Of Flight and the Creative Destruction Anthology are just three worthy of note. And don't forget the summer smash documentary Fighting Fear, starring Mark Mathews and Richie Vaculik.

How much? Various

Why? This new addition to Billabong's Platinum X Recycler Series of boardies offers a good simple go-to style. Sure, they're Taj Burrow approved and all, but it's the Greg Noll like horizontal lines and old school side stripe that won us over. Can't work out how they get shorts from bottles? But damn they're comfortable. B Comfort and stretch capBlue, black, mariner, multi

Why? The crew at Electric described Tonette's style as, "...strictly post-modern, while still drawing inspiration from iconic frames of the recent past. With a vibrant color palette, Tonette’s metropolitan appeal keeps it clearly on the cutting edge." Wow! Know this, if limited edition sexy frames is what you want your girl wearing this summer then look no further.

What? Bruce Brown Signature Collection

Why? Bruce Brown is known the world over for his legendary surf epic The Endless Summer. The Signature Collection is an extensive film library that includes TES but also lesser known classics Slippery When Wet, Surf Crazy, Barefoot Adventure, Surfing Hollow Days and more. This hardcover collection includes biography and filmography with truly beautiful photography throughout. A must have for any grey-haired grommet the world over.

Where? All good book and record stores or JBHI-FI online

How much? $124.95

What? WOWee ONE portable speaker

Why? WOWee ONE portable speakers use a patented Gel Audio technology that can turn surfaces into sound. No bigger than an iPhone, the speakers can turn even empty boxes into massive speakers, allowing you to take your music anywhere this summer. So take your head phones of and share the love with WOWee.

How much? The Classic is $99.95, with the SLIM $139.95.

Where? JB-Hi Fi or the WoWee website