SURF HATS: THE NEW WAVE NZ GUIDE
Whether you're enjoying a mellow longboard session at Makorori or chasing steep overhead waves at
Stockroute, New Zealand's strong sun can make a great surf session uncomfortable. A good surf hat can protect your head and eyes while helping you stay focused on the waves—not your gear. At New Wave Surfboards here in Gisborne we've put together this guide to help you find a surf hat that suits your needs and actually stays on your head.
Picking the right surf hat for New Zealand Surf conditions & your surf session can be a mission. While most surfers focus on their boards and wetsuits, an important accessory that often gets overlooked is a good surf hat. A good hat for surfing not only protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays but also keeps your head cool, eyes protected from the strong New Zealand sun’s glare, and gives you added visibility in the water. When it comes to hats for surfers, there are lots of different styles and features to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore the technical features of what you want to look for in a surf hat, and how to get a perfect fit. We want to keep you protected from the sun so you can focus on having your best surf session yet.
Why Wear a Surf Hat?
1. Protect yourself from UV. Sun exposure is a big part of life in the water. A surf hat adds another layer of
protection for your face, scalp and ears alongside sunscreen.
2. Reduce glare. Reflections off the water can make it harder to see clearly. A good brim helps shade your eyes so you can spot incoming waves without constantly squinting.
3. Keep wind and spray out. A secure surf hat can help keep wind, spray and sand away from your eyes—especially on windy beach days.
4. Add extra coverage. Sunscreen is essential, but a hat gives you another barrier against the sun, particularly around your scalp, ears and face.
Choosing the Right Surf Hat
The best surf hat is one that suits your conditions and stays securely in place. Look at the material, fit, brim, ventilation and attachment system before choosing the style that works for your surfing.
Material Matters
Look for lightweight, quick-drying materials such as nylon or polyester. These fabrics are comfortable in the water, dry quickly and are less likely to become heavy or uncomfortable during a long session.
Secure Fit
A secure fit is one of the most important features of a surf hat. Adjustable chin straps, neoprene straps or rear adjustment systems help keep your hat in place through duck dives and wipeouts. A drawstring can work for mellower conditions, but if you're constantly readjusting it, it's going to become a distraction. Think of the fit like a wetsuit: snug and secure, but never so tight that it becomes uncomfortable. Hat sizing is usually based on head circumference, so don't assume your normal clothing or wetsuit size will be the right hat size.
How to Measure Your Head
Use a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears.
1. Position the tape: Start in the middle of your forehead, just above your eyebrows.
2. Wrap it around: Keep the tape level as it passes above both ears.
3. Find the widest point: Bring the tape around the widest part at the back of your head.
4. Keep it comfortable: The tape should be snug, not pulled tight.
5. Record the measurement: Note the measurement in centimetres or inches. Centimetres are commonly used for surf-hat sizing.
Securing Your Surf Hat
A sturdy brim is ideal for surfing. A stiff brim is less likely to flop into your eyes when you're underwater and helps provide shade without being so wide that it blocks your peripheral vision while paddling. For regular surfing, we prefer a brim that balances sun protection with clear visibility.
Adjustable chin straps
A soft neoprene strap can be tightened under the chin to keep the hat secure during heavy wipeouts and duck dives. Keep it snug enough to stop the hat flipping backwards, without making it uncomfortable.
Tension adjustment cords
Some surf hats use an elastic or shock-cord adjustment at the back. This allows you to fine-tune the fit and add extra security when conditions get more challenging. A rear adjustment system is useful when you want a little extra control over the fit. It can also make it easier to share sizing between sessions or adjust the hat.
Wetsuit connector clips
Some surf hats include a small leash or clip that can be attached to your wetsuit zipper. It works with both back-zip and chest-zip wetsuits and provides a useful backup if the hat comes loose.
Extra Features Worth Looking For
Legionnaire protection flap
These offer extra sun protection to the back of your neck on those really blazing hot days. Most legionnaires flaps are detachable so you can opt for how you want to wear it.
Mesh vents
Choose a hat with ventilation features such as mesh panels or eyelets. These will allow air to circulate, keeping your head cool and preventing excessive sweating.
Mesh ear covering
Ear panels can help reduce exposure to cold water and wind while also providing extra sun protection. Mesh construction allows water to drain and sound to pass through.
UPF 50 Protection
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) can pass through a material to reach your skin.
Surf Hats for Kids & Women
Kids and ladies generally need a smaller size hat, these ranges also come in some great colours & style options.
O & E Kids Bingin Lightweight Soft Peak Surf Hat - Chestnut flower
Surf Caps
Surf caps are generally more streamlined, with a baseball-style peak and a secure chin strap or clip. Some also have an optional neck flap for additional coverage.
Best for: Shortboarding, duck-diving heavier sets and surfing hollow waves.
Pros: Low drag in the water, secure during wipeouts and less likely to catch the wind.
Cons: Less overall sun coverage than a bucket-style hat, particularly around the ears and neck unless a flap is fitted
FCS Trucker Wet cap - Eucalyptus
Ready to Find Your Surf Hat?
A good surf hat should protect you from the sun, feel comfortable and—most importantly—stay on your head when you're actually surfing. Whether you prefer a bucket hat for maximum coverage or a streamlined surf cap for bigger, more active sessions, choose a style that matches the way you surf.
Check out the full range of surf hats instore New Wave NZ Surfboards in Gisborne, or shop online here
Posted: Tuesday 15 September 2026