20 Songs About Surfing

Surfing is an incredible sport that can give you a feeling of freedom like no other. It’s a great way to connect with nature and feel the power of the ocean. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

There are even some great songs about surfing, which can help to get you in the mood for a day out on the waves. Here are 20 of the best songs about surfing:

1. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys

Tropical vibes are not in short supply on this classic Beach Boys track. The song is about preparing for surfing in different surfing locations in the US. You’d expected blond beach boys in their swimming shorts hanging ten and just waxing their surfboards. 

The song is based on Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” which they also credited in the song. The track is perfect for a day at the beach as you paddle out into the waves.

2. “Riptide” by Vance Joy

While this song is entitled to a term for rapid current, the song is actually about reminiscing his childhood experiences and how the singer was infatuated with a woman.

The track became a hit and went on to achieve mainstream commercial success. The guitar riff and tune are catchy and will definitely get stuck in your head.

3. “Surf City” by Jan and Dean

Visiting the beach and dancing to this song is perfect with its classic 60s vibe!  The song is about going to locations where boys can ogle at girls and imagine them being theirs. 

This track describes the ultimate surf city where there are always waves and lovely ladies. The boys in this song truly believe that “two girls for every boy” is possible in Surf City.

4. “The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti and Spearhead

If you’re feeling a little gloomy, turn to this track for an instant pick-me-up. The lyrics are all about the good vibes that come with being at the beach with the sunshine on our faces.

It’s impossible to listen to this song and not feel happy. The track is perfect for a summer road trip or just hanging out by the sea.

5. “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums

Just leave everything behind and go surfing with this song as your soundtrack. The Drums perfectly capture the feeling of longing for the beach when you’re stuck in the city.

The track is perfect for getting psyched up before hitting the waves or just dreaming about being at the beach.

6. “Save Your Sundays for Surfin’” by The Fantastic Baggys

Surfing with someone you love becomes a hobby you look forward to every week when you listen to this track. The Fantastic Baggys write about how Sundays are the best day for surfing and how it’s the perfect way to spend time with your significant other. 

This song will definitely make you want to head to the beach and relax with your special someone.

7. “Rumble At Waikiki” by Jon and The Nightriders

The intense electric guitar riffs and drums come together to create a perfect surf song. The track is instrumental which makes it perfect for those who want to focus on riding the waves. It’s the perfect song to get you pumped up and ready to tackle some big waves.

8. “Surfer Dan” by The Turtles

The famous surfer in town, Surfer Dan, is the subject of this song. The track is about how everyone wants to be like Dan and how he’s the coolest surfer around.

The Turtles perfectly capture the feeling of admiration that comes with seeing someone good so talented and good-looking. This song will definitely make you want to head to the beach, freshen up, and try your hand at surfing.

9. “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen

This energetic rock track is perfect for those who want to get up, dance, or surf. The song is about knowing the surfin bird.

You won’t be able to help but sing along with the addictive chorus. This is the perfect song for your summer road trip playlist or just when you’re getting ready to go out.

10. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris

Drum solos as an intro, followed by the iconic guitar riffs on a summer song, “Wipe Out” is a song that surfers would totally enjoy while catching the waves.

It’s an instrumental song that is usually associated with surfing because of its distinct melody. It’s the perfect track for those who want to get pumped up before hitting the waves.

11. “Surfin’ And Spyin’” by The Ventures

Another instrumental tune to accompany you while you’re out surfing, “Surfin’ and Spyin'” is a great track to get you pumped up. The melody is catchy and will definitely stay in your head long after you’ve left the beach.

12. “Pipeline” by The Chantays

Surf music wouldn’t be complete without this classic track. “Pipeline” is one of the most famous surf songs and for good reason. The melody is catchy and the guitar riffs are iconic. This song is perfect for those who want to reminisce about summer days spent at the beach.

13. “Charlie Don’t Surf” by The Clash

Surfing isn’t for everyone and we can’t force it. “Charlie Don’t Surf” is a song for those who don’t enjoy surfing. In a deeper sense, it’s about the imperialism of America which invaded Vietnam and forced cultures on them.

The lyrics “Charlie don’t surf and we think he should / Charlie don’t surf and you know that it ain’t no good” implies that Westerners, specifically Americans, are known to force Westernization in third-world countries and The Clash is taking a stand against it. This is no ordinary surf song and one that will make you think.

14. “Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones

Instrumental surfing music that will give you the ocean vibes, “Surf Rider” is a track that you can’t help but nod your head along to. This is a track that features a saxophone which gives it a smooth feel. It’s perfect for those who want to relax and catch some waves.

15. “My Beach” by Surf Punks

Surf Punks are really rocking in this song and it’s perfect for those who want to get up and tackle the waves. It’s a self-explanatory but hype song that is about the beach, the waves, and the girls.

This song is perfect for those who are looking to have a good time and is perfect for your summer road trip playlist or just when you’re getting ready to go out.

16. “Surfin’ Tragedy” by The Sentinals

A surfing tune with a tragic story behind the lyrics, “Surfin’ Tragedy” is a song about a surfer who died while catching waves.

The lyrics tell the story of how a professional surfer was caught in the undertow and drowned. This is a sad track but it’s also one that will make you appreciate the sport of surfing.

17. “Surfer Joe” by The Surfaris

Another type of surfer music with its guitar riffs and solos, “Surfer Joe” is a great track to listen to when you’re getting ready to go surfing. It’s an upbeat song that is about a certain ‘Surfer Joe’ who is good at surfing. This song is a refreshing song that will encourage you to hit the waves.

18. “Gypsy Surfer” by The Phantom Surfers

Get that surfing  feeling with this fun track, “Gypsy Surfer.” The instrumental surfing song features an upbeat guitar solo that will get you pumped up to tackle the waves. This is a great song to listen to when you’re feeling adventurous and wants to go surfing.

19. “The Lonely Surfer” by Jack Nitzsche

If you’re feeling a little bit down, put on “The Lonely Surfer.” The song is an orchestral masterpiece that has surf music elements to it. This is a great track for those who need a little bit of inspiration to get out there and tackle the sorrows through the waves.

20. “Bustin’ Surfboards” by The Tornadoes

This soundtrack with repetitive guitar riffs will get you in the mood to go to the beach and begin surfing.

“Bustin’ Surfboards” is an upbeat instrumental track that gives you the feeling of the waves crashing against your surfboard. This is a great song to listen to while heading out to the beach.

Conclusion

There you have it, 20 songs about surfing that will get you in the mood to hit the waves. If you want to listen to music that will lift your mood, provide inspiration or simply be enjoyable, these tracks are perfect for you. So, grab your surfboard and head to the nearest beach!