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 (41–50)
Diamond HeadThe Ventures
The Ventures’ “Diamond Head,” which has influenced many modern artists, refers to the Diamond Head volcano in Hawaii.
This spot is known as a popular landmark, and listening to the song evokes images of Hawaii’s beautiful ocean and the majestic Diamond Head.
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to while surfing (51–60)
MisirlouDick Dale & The Del Tones
An instrumental number with that unforgettable, hard-hitting guitar riff that sticks in your head after a single listen.
Dick Dale, known as the “King of the Surf Guitar,” fuses Middle Eastern melodies—his musical roots—with blisteringly fast, pounding picking for a truly jaw-dropping sound.
As he said, he wanted to express the feeling of riding a wave through music, and when you listen to this track, you can almost feel the rush of a surfer taking on a big wave.
This energetic masterpiece was included on Dick Dale & The Del-Tones’ debut album, Surfers’ Choice, released in November 1962, and famously re-entered the global spotlight as the opening theme of the 1994 film Pulp Fiction.
Perfect under the dazzling sun for a day of surfing, it’s also an ideal track to crank up when you want an adrenaline-boosting drive.
Surf CreatureThe Trashwomen
Emerging from the San Francisco Bay Area, The Trashwomen are an exhilarating female trio that unleashed a wild garage spirit and a passion for ’60s surf instrumentals.
This track, included on their 1992 EP “Lust,” leaves a powerful impression of who they are.
The cheap, raw-textured guitar riff surges forward drenched in reverb, a perfect example of the blissful meeting of garage punk and surf music.
There’s even an anecdote that UK radio DJ John Peel played it on his show in July 1993, which speaks to just how cool it is.
Perfect for a surfing soundtrack—and highly recommended for anyone looking to add some spark to everyday life!
Bitter HeartZee Avi
The acoustic sound crafted by the Malaysian talent Zee Avi is truly soothing, isn’t it? This work weaves in elements of jazz and folk, all the while carrying a hint of a tropical breeze that makes it so captivating.
The gentle tone of the ukulele and her calm, tender vocals quietly seep into the listener’s heart, leaving you with a warm feeling tinged with a touch of melancholy.
This classic is included on her debut album, “Zee Avi,” released in May 2009, which was selected by the Associated Press as one of the Top 10 Albums of the year.
Furthermore, in June 2009, she performed it on the American TV show “Last Call with Carson Daly,” drawing considerable attention.
It’s the perfect song for those moments when you want to spend a relaxed time listening to the sound of the waves on a beach at sunset.
Every MorningSugar Ray
They’re a quintessential joke band, but they’re steadily gaining popularity.
In the U.S., bands like this reliably get support from a certain segment of listeners, which might be where it differs from Japan.
Their songs have a great groove, which is probably another reason they’re catching on.
Ride The Wild SurfThe Astronauts
Known for scoring a minor hit in 1963 with “Surfing No.
1,” the Astronauts were a rock band that gained popularity not in their home country of the United States but particularly in Japan.
They have also been described as a 1960s surf group representative of the American Midwest.
Surfin UsaThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American surf rock band that was active in the 1960s.
Their music is characterized by lively songs themed around West Coast youth culture—especially the blue ocean, bikini-clad girls, surfing, and cars.
Their first hit song was “Surfin’ U.S.A.”