Best Surf Gifts for Groms

A "grom" is surfer slang for a young, passionate surfer in the making. Just like seasoned adults, these young ocean lovers need the right gear both in and out of the water. At Cleanline Surf, nothing excites us more than seeing the next generation suited up with the best tools to fuel their stoke. That’s why we’ve created a list of top gift ideas for grom surfers to fit any budget. Whether the young surfer in your life is just catching their first waves or already mastering aerials, you’re sure to find the perfect fit in our curated selection below.

Wax Box / Comb - $6.50

Nothing is worse than melted wax smeared around the back of the car. Help keep your grom organized and the car clean with a wax box and comb. This simple and affordable gift is a great idea for that last-minute stocking stuffer.

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Towel - $15.95+

The must-have with any water activity: the beach towel. Wave pool, river surfer, landlocked wake surfer; you name it, I’ll bet your grom will need a towel. From ageless Rip Curl prints to Jamie O’Brien’s staple team print, Cleanline has your little ripper covered in the latest and greatest towels.

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Cleanline Surf Apparel - $15.95+

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Surfboard Leash - $27.50+

Groms like leashes because it’s another way they can personalize their setup. Parents and grandparents, it’s also a great gift option without breaking the bank. From shortboard to longboard, we’ve got leashes in every thickness, color, and size. Even if your grom already has a leash, every smart surfer carries a backup in the car for emergencies.

Surf Packs and Bags - $27.00+

Whether your grom is heading to school or getting prepped for a big surf mission, a backpack is essential for keeping everything in one place. We’ve got everything from dry bags that keep water in to travel bags that have pockets for everything from a fin key to a wetsuit. Take a look at our in-depth review of our favorite 7 Best Surf Backpacks.

Wetsuit Accessories - $29.95+

When the temperature drops, you’ll thank yourself for getting your grom a pair of booties, gloves, and a hood. You can’t go wrong with outfitting the little dude head to toe to ward off that ice cream headache. We recommend the O’Neill Psycho Tech gloves since it’s one of the few options offered in smaller sizes. Rip Curl’s Dawn Patrol booties are brilliant for kids with the zippered entry along the inside of the ankle. The snug fit of a hood can be a fight to get on and off. If you dare to venture down that road, we suggest the O’Neill Psycho hood since, similar to the gloves, it’s offered in smaller sizes.

Alphabet of Waves Book - $29.99

Need something for the groms who are still in diapers? Want to be their favorite aunt or uncle? Get your hands on the adorable children's surf book authored and illustrated by Scott Proctor and Rick Albano. Full of colorful surf illustrations, your little grom will be stoked to learn about A-Frame waves and the J-Bay surf break.

Surfboard Traction - $35.00+

Not every grom will use a traction pad since they are typically only used on shortboards. But if you’re in the market for a simple gift that will make their day, check out our wide selection of brands and colors. We stock everything from eco-friendly algae-infused foam to head-turning colorways. Let your grom add style to his or her stick with the gift of a traction pad.

Changing Poncho - $49.95+

Surf ponchos have exploded in popularity over the past few years. There’s a reason for that! They are super practical, affordable, and downright comfortable. Plus, they’re great for privacy when changing in and out of your wetsuit in a highly-populated area. Your grom is sure to be stoked while wrapped in a cozy hooded poncho after another epic surf session.

Bodyboard - $64.00+

Bodyboards are popular for groms both young and old. Whether your little guy or gal is just learning to ride the whitewash into the beach or an experienced teenager looking to tuck into a barrel, we’ve got an assortment of bodyboards for every ability level. In general, we recommend that the bodyboard height land at your belly button when standing upright. If your groom is ready to take it to the next level, throw in a pair of swim fins for more thrust into the wave.

Surfboard Fins - $65.00+

Who says you can have too many fins? For the serious grom who absolutely rips, a new set of fins is a win-win. Futures or FCS II, we’ve got your little surfer covered with Grom Johns to the tried and true FCS II Performers.

Surfboard Bag - $66.00+

From surfboard socks to 10mm thick travel surfboard bags, we’ve got your grom covered. Surfboard bags are highly recommended for many reasons. First, they protect your newest stick from getting dinged when traveling to and from your grom’s favorite break. In addition, many of the bags have a hand and/or shoulder strap, which is a game-changer when you’ve got a long walk out to that secret surf spot.

Wetsuit - $94.95+

As the market for youth wetsuits continues to grow, there are now more options than ever before for quality rubber. We’ve got everything from the 2mm O’Neill Toddler Reactor to the 6/5/4 Buell Youth RB2 Hooded Chest Zip wetsuit. Because of the warmth that wetsuits offer, they are also a great idea for kids who like to play in cold lakes and rivers. For groms who surf in colder water ranging from 45-55 degrees F, Cleanline Surf is proud to offer a wide selection of 4mm and 5mm options. The grom in your life will feel like a superhero when they put on a fresh new wetsuit.

Gath Surf Helmet - $128.95

With all sports, surfing comes with risks. It’s more common now than ever to even see professional surfers such as Owen Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons sporting surf helmets to protect their noggin. Gath is known for making quality and durable helmets that are worth every penny when it comes to head protection. We recommend the Gath Surf Helmet for surfing purposes. The helmets are not available in specific youth sizing, but fit strips can be purchased separately to lock in the ideal custom fit.

Skimboard - $129.95+

During the summer months, our skimboard rentals are sold out almost every day. This sport rips! Skimboarding is a great post-surf activity for groms young and old. Don’t forget to grab some wax for your grom if you snag the Woody skimboard. Wax helps with maintaining grip on the board. Along with the beginner-friendly Woody, we stock a few other options in both our shop and online website. Grab one for your grom today.

Final Thoughts

In the world of surfing, supporting the next generation of "groms" is about more than just great gear—it's about nurturing their love for the ocean and the surf community. At Cleanline Surf, we’re excited to help families find the perfect items to fuel that passion, from essential wetsuits to thoughtful accessories. Whatever your budget or the skill level of your young surfer, our selection ensures you'll find something to make their surf adventures even more memorable. So, go ahead—give the gift of stoke and get your grom ready for endless waves.

Still haven’t found the perfect gift for that surfer girl or surfer boy in your life? Take a look through our Women's Surf Gift Guide or our popular Surfers Gift Guide. Not only are we stoked about the products we sell, but we also use them on a daily basis!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below, email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, or call us at 1-888-546-6176.