Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to as your surfing companion.
Those who are well-versed in music will be familiar with the image of so-called “surf rock” as the Ventures’ guitar instrumentals or the Southern California sound led by the early Beach Boys.
In recent years, however, “surf music” tends to evoke songs by singer-songwriters deeply connected to ocean culture—like surfers—built around acoustic sounds, which makes the contrast pretty interesting, doesn’t it? In this article, we take a broad view of “surf music,” presenting a lineup focused on Western music that also looks at contemporary indie pop and surf punk influenced by surf rock.
We’ve compiled a collection of classic tracks that pair perfectly with dazzling sunshine and rolling waves!
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Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to as your surfing companions (11–20)
BloodStainsAgent Orange
Agent Orange pioneered the surf-punk genre.
This energetic classic—synonymous with the band—bursts with raw, early-career urgency.
Its distinctive, “Arabian”-tinged guitar riff leaves an unforgettable impact after just one listen.
In barely two minutes, it seems to distill youthful impatience, rebellious spirit, and the dry air of California.
Released independently as an EP in 1980, the song appeared the following year in a new version on their debut album, Living in Darkness (1981).
It’s also featured in popular video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, earning fans across generations.
Whether you’re surfing, skateboarding, or just need a quick mood lift, this track is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.
Summer funBarracudas
It’s a catchy track with a feel-good sound that evokes fun times with friends on a sun-drenched, glittering beach! The Barracudas poured a deep love for ’60s surf music and garage rock into their work and forged a unique style by adding a dash of punk.
This song is one of the defining numbers from their early period, packed with playfulness—right from the intro, which features audio from a 1960s American car commercial.
Released as a single in July 1980, it reached No.
37 on the UK chart and drew attention with an appearance on the BBC music show Top of the Pops.
It’s also included on the album Drop Out With The Barracudas.
Nostalgic yet energetic, this track is perfect for summer drives or as seaside background music—and it’s sure to resonate with anyone who loves ’60s culture.
YouthBeach Fossils
Somewhat dreamlike yet achingly tight-chested in feeling, this track is distinguished by its striking guitar arpeggios—a song where Beach Fossils’ early impulses truly sparkle.
The reverb-drenched vocals and lo-fi texture shimmer like a heat haze, as if beckoning listeners toward memories of summers past.
You could say the piece crystallizes the emotions frontman Dustin Payseur carried during a period of deep loneliness and nostalgia while he was immersed in making music.
Released in May 2010, it appears as the second track on their debut album, Beach Fossils, and is steeped in the dream-pop/jangle-pop and surf-rock vibes that epitomize the Captured Tracks sound.
Whether soundtracking a drive to the coast beneath a blazing sun or accompanying a slightly sentimental twilight, it just might keep you gentle company.
LauraGirls
This track by Girls, who burst onto the scene from San Francisco like a comet, feels as if ’60s surf pop has been revived in the present day with a brilliant sparkle! Christopher Owens’s slightly nasal, sweetly aching vocals carry pure emotions like longing and regret, and make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.
Released as a single in November 2009, the song is also included on their highly acclaimed debut album, Album, from the same year.
It’s perfect not only under the dazzling sun, but also for those slightly sentimental evenings when you want to remember those pure, bygone days.
Young And AbleCurrent Swell
Current Swell, a band that emerged from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Their music feels like a refreshing West Coast breeze.
The song I’m introducing brims with positivity—youthful energy and the confident spirit of “you can do it!” charging toward the future.
It first appeared on their 2009 album Protect Your Own, and was later included on the 2012 album Long Time Ago.
They even performed it on the big stage at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for a sun-drenched day—strolling by the ocean or relaxing with friends—guaranteed to make an ideal BGM.
Love Love LoveTristan Prettyman
This song is packed with the charm of a singer-songwriter deeply connected to surfing.
With a heartwarming melody and lyrics, its affirmation of the power of love leaves a strong impression.
It’s included on the album “Twentythree,” released in August 2005, a work from when Prettyman was 23.
Her distinctive voice and guitar playing create a soothing sound.
Known as the “female Jack Johnson” for her surf-loving lifestyle, Prettyman delivers a track perfect for coastal drives or summer days at the beach.
It’s sure to lift your spirits when you’re feeling worn out.
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to while surfing (21–30)
My WayDef Tech
When it comes to surf music in Japanese music, this group can also be considered an important band.
They seem especially popular in summer, and their live shows are thriving.
Their distinctive groove has a vibe that doesn’t feel like typical Japanese music, which is probably why it resonates with surfers.