Sun protection in the surf is one of those things that's easy to overlook until you've had one too many burnt necks and ears after a long session. A good surf hat solves that problem without getting in the way of your surfing — and the range here covers everything from performance water hats built to stay on through wipeouts to casual bucket hats and caps for the beach, the car park, and everywhere in between.

Creatures of Leisure make some of the most purpose-built surf hats available. The Surf Bucket Hat features SPF quick-dry fabric, mesh ventilation, a contoured chin strap, and a removable connector that clips to your rash shirt or wetsuit so it doesn't float away when you go under. The Reliance range extends that further with detachable legionnaire neck flaps, adjustable neoprene chin straps, and rear tension adjusters for a dialled fit in the water. If you want full coverage without compromising on comfort, the Reliance Legionnaire Surf Bucket Hat is hard to beat.

Dakine's Indo Surf Hat and No Zone Sun Protection Hat are both designed to float, with UPF 50+ brims that flip up when you're paddling and adjustable chin straps that keep them in place when a set catches you off guard. Ocean and Earth cover similar ground with the Indo Stiff Peak Surf Hat — a stiff brim that flips up for paddling, a detachable legionnaire flap for extra neck coverage, and lightweight construction that doesn't feel like you're wearing a bucket on your head. Their G-Land Legionnaire Surf Cap takes a different approach with a 6-panel cap construction, padded neoprene straps, and mesh ear panels for ventilation on hot days.

For something more lifestyle-oriented, Channel Islands offers the Traveler Bucket Hat in canvas and the Gaviota Cap in 100% cotton, both clean and unfussy. Quiksilver's Oasis Trucker Hat is a solid everyday option, and we also stock our own Welcome Boardstore Wide Brim Bucket Hat made from 100% recycled nylon. Plow Surf Co round out the range with hats and caps built for all ages, genders, and head sizes — all coming standard with legionnaires for proper sun coverage.

We ship across Australia and know the conditions our customers are surfing in. Melbourne surfers dealing with the UV on a clear summer day at Torquay, Jan Juc, or Bells Beach know how quickly you can get burnt, even when the water's cold. Sydney surfers at Manly, Bondi, Cronulla, and Maroubra are out in some of the most exposed conditions in the country. A surf hat is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of gear you can add to your kit.