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 companion (31–40)
Stay (I Missed You)Lisa Loeb
With its gentle melody line and soothing acoustic guitar, this song has an organic vibe that’s perfect for listening by the seaside.
It also seems like something that would warm your heart during relaxation time.
Recommended for when you want to take it easy.
MiserlouDick Dale
The American guitarist Dick Dale, renowned as a pioneering figure of surf rock, suddenly came into the limelight in the 1990s when his song Misirlou was used in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and became a revival hit.
Better TogetherJack Johnson
Before he came on the scene, rock and punk dominated surf music, but Jack Johnson brought a fresh breeze to it.
His performances are characterized by a relaxed sound centered on acoustic guitar, and he is now recognized as a leading figure in the surf scene.
Washing DishesJack Johnson
A song where the relaxed tones of an acoustic guitar and gentle vocals pleasantly resonate in your ears.
While depicting the everyday scene of washing dishes, it conveys the feelings of a protagonist walking toward their dreams.
Included on the 2013 album “From Here to Now to You,” this piece features Jack Johnson’s memorable soft voice and melody.
It carries the easygoing atmosphere characteristic of the Hawaii-born artist.
Perfect for a leisurely day by the seaside or as background music while doing housework.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a bit of healing in their daily life.
Feelin’ The FeelingsKelly Slater
Kelly Slater—known as the king and a legend of the surfing world, to the point that every surfer is said to know his name—shows his talent not only in surfing but also as a singer.
In fact, back in the day, he reportedly had acoustic guitar jam sessions with Jack Johnson.
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to while surfing (41–50)
On the ShoreDef Tech
This commemorative track was released to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Dropped in May 2025, the song serves as the lead single from the album “4ELEMENTS.” It carries a message of finding the courage to look inward in nature and move forward again when faced with disagreements or difficulties in understanding.
The sound of waves and the rhythms of nature blend with the melody to offer a soothing sense of calm.
Accompanying this release, a nationwide tour is scheduled to begin in August 2025, kicking off at Osaka-jo Outdoor Music Hall and stopping in cities across Japan.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone grappling with life’s uncertainties or seeking the healing power of nature through surf music.
Dreamin’G. Love & Special Sauce
G.
Love & Special Sauce may well be considered one of the leading figures of surf music, alongside their old friend Jack Johnson.
While grounded in roots music such as jazz and soul and incorporating elements like hip-hop into a hybrid sound, their songs are characterized by a cheerful, organic vibe.