Once you get your board, paddle and leash packed in the car, you might think that you're ready to hit the water. Not so fast! You don't want to end up getting your head sunburned while you're out there!
You don't have to be bald to be concerned about the suns rays beating down on your head. So, do yourself a favor and get a good sun hat before you paddle out. We suggest a surf hat for the job since they are designed to stay on your head no matter what you encounter. Of course, you could also opt for something like a Buff UV headband. So, let us share some of our favorites to help you make a good decision.
Make & Model | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | BUFF UV Headband | |
 | Dakine Surf Cap | |
 | Dakine Surf Trucker Cap | |
 | FCS Wet Bucket Surf Hat | |
 | airSUP Bucket Hat | |
 | Dakine Indo Surf Hat | |
 | FCS Wet Cap | |
 | Quicksilver Bushmaster Surf Bucket Hat |
What To Look For
As you shop for these, you'll notice that there are lot of beach hats on the market, but very few of these are a good option for wearing when paddle boarding. So, assuming that you're not going out when it's super cold (cause then you'd need a dive hood to stay warm), you can choose from a bucket hat style or baseball cap style.
That being said, we do think that there are some features more important than others. Like:
- Full coverage - you need something that covers your entire head. And if you're worried about your face, something with a bill to protect it.
- UV protection - some hats are made of fabric with a UV protection coating built right into. This is good for ensuring that none of those harmful UV rays make it through the fibers of the fabric to sunburn your head.
- Quick dry - Since there's chance the hat will end up wet, you should look for one that is made of quick drying material. The last thing you want is to be paddling around with a soggy hat dripping sea water onto your face!
- Secure fit - It can be windy out there, so look for a hat that either has a chin strap or a special interior that keeps it secure on your head.
That covers pretty much everything you need to consider as you shop around. And we suggest that you go for one of these specialty surf hats instead of just a regular baseball call or bucket hat. You truly will benefit from one that is designed with the water sports enthusiast in mind.
Surf Hat Reviews
After comparing all the best surf hats on the market, we've narrowed down the options to our favorite models that you see listed up above. If you want a bit more info, then keep reading for our thoughts on some of these caps.
Patagonia Surf Duckbill Hat Review
- -Low Profile (LoPro) Crown for a snugger fit
- -A six-panel, mesh-back, trucker-hat design
- -Organic cotton canvas headband
Without a doubt, this right here is our favorite option on the market for both men and women. This unisex sun hat is awesome for surfing and stand up paddle boarding.
It comes in three different color options, so you're not limited to just the beige color you see in the photo.
There's a lot to like about this one. First, it has a CoolMax headband on the inside to wick away the moisture as your out there paddling to your hearts desire and working up a sweat.
The fabric has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, which is good for the odd splash you might get on it when paddling out. But the real star here is the UV protection. It boasts a whopping 50+ UPF sun protection for your head!
You'll experience a lot less glare from the water when you wear this cap, thanks to the dark under bill, which was designed specifically for that purpose.
The fabric soft, yet still keeps its shape even when wet. And it dries very quickly if you do end up in the water while wearing it.
That neoprene headband means that you have a snug, secure fit without it being uncomfortable. And just in case you have a major wipeout, the chin strap will make sure you don't lose your hat. And that strap is adjustable, which means that it will fit pretty much anyone.
Of course, another great thing about this one is that it's made by Patagonia, one of the top outdoor brands in the industry.
SUP surfer image courtesy of DepositPhotos
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