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 while surfing (21–30)
La MarThe Beautiful Girls
Hailing from their native Australia and breaking through after supporting Jack Johnson on tour, The Beautiful Girls made their name.
Despite the band name, they’re an all-male alternative rock group, and the early members were all surfers.
This song has a soothing, laid-back vibe, and its simplicity—centered on acoustic guitar—is wonderful.
The A TeamEd Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is a singer from the UK, and his voice—nurtured since childhood in a church choir—is incredibly gentle and soothing.
While it may differ a bit from the typical image of so-called surf music, the combination of acoustic guitar and his tender vocals makes it perfect for relaxing by the seaside.
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to as your surfing companion (31–40)
SunshineMatt Costa
The opening act for Jack Johnson’s 2005 U.S.
tour was Matt Costa.
His music features an acoustic, natural, and simple sound, over which his light, sweet, wistful, high, and gentle voice floats, creating an organic and very easy-to-listen-to style.
Roll UpWiz Khalifa
It has a light, reggae-tinged hip-hop vibe.
Among today’s youth, lighter, stylish hip-hop is more popular than heavier hip-hop.
The breezy sound is pleasant to listen to and never gets old.
Of course, it’s also perfect as summer music.
ShadowsDonavon Frankenreiter
Donavon Frankenreiter is a California-born artist who is also active as a surfer.
The music video for this song mainly features footage of Donavon himself surfing, which might make it easier to catch the vibe.
Personally, his voice really hits the spot for me!
azucarTommy Guerrero
For those who want to listen to instrumental surf music, I recommend Tommy Guerrero.
He has many laid-back instrumental tracks at low to mid tempos that pair well with the ocean.
This song, too, has a comfortable tempo that would suit the hot summer beach.
One DayDef Tech with Jake Shimabukuro
When it comes to surf music, the collaboration track by Def Tech and Jake Shimabukuro is a perfect fit.
Released in June 2015, the song blends exhilarating sounds with the ukulele’s tone to great effect.
Its Jawaiian vibe and peaceful melody are particularly striking.
The lyrics center on themes of bonds with a loved one and the enduring nature of love that transcends time and distance.
Featured on the album “Howzit!?”, the music video was filmed against the beautiful natural scenery of Hawaii.
It’s ideal as background music for a carefree day at an open beach or a drive while watching the sunset.
With its soothing sound, it’s sure to put you in a calm, relaxed mood.