If you’ve ever hung out at a beach break, you know surfers have a distinct look that goes beyond just board shorts and ridiculous tan lines. Part of that unmistakable surfer vibe? The necklaces they rock. Yeah, dude, surfers love their necklaces almost as much as they love catching waves.
As a lifelong surfer myself, I’ve rocked more necklaces than I can count over the years. From beaded strands to shark teeth and more, surfer necklaces are a crucial part of the aesthetic. They represent the laidback, ocean-loving lifestyle we crave. So let me break down some of the most popular necklace choices for the surf crowd.
Common Surfer Necklace #1: Beaded Necklaces
You can’t talk surfer necklaces without starting with the classic beaded variety. These casual strands are made with all sorts of beads – wood, shell, stone, you name it. They have a totally laidback, beach bum vibe that surfers eat up.
I remember getting my first beaded necklace at this awesome little surf shop in Bali. It was made with these super unique tiger bamboo beads that had an incredible texture. I loved how it looked draped over my bronzed (aka sunburnt) chest while I was riding waves. Gave me that unmistakable surfer aesthetic.
But beaded necklaces aren’t just about looks for surfers. A lot of them have symbolic or spiritual meanings too. Like those woven string friendship bracelets, the colors and bead types can signify different positive vibes – strength, tranquility, good luck, and so on.
These days, brands like Pura Vida are super popular for their beaded surfer necklaces. They work with artisans in places like Costa Rica and El Salvador to create meaningful pieces with a chill, surf-inspired aesthetic.
My Favorite Beaded Necklace Brands for Surfers
| Brand | Details | Example Product |
|---|---|---|
| Pura Vida | Work with artisans globally, meaningful symbolic designs, many surf/beach vibes. | Original Pura Vida Bracelets |
| Tiny Bamba | Handmade beaded jewelry, often incorporating seashells, seeds, wood. | Surf Seeds Choker |
| Bodhi Surf + Yoga | Yoga-inspired beaded malas and jewelry with bohemian, nature aesthetic. | Wavey Mala |
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Common Surfer Necklace #2: Shark Tooth Necklaces
While beaded necklaces give off laid-back vibes, shark tooth necklaces represent something totally different for surfers – the element of danger in the ocean. These gnarly necklaces, featuring an actual shark tooth or replica, signify facing your fears and the power of the sea.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a surfer rocking a legit shark tooth necklace out in the lineup. This burly Australian dude was waiting for a set, and there it was dangling from his neck – an actual three-inch tooth from some terrifying apex predator. I couldn’t decide if I thought it was totally badass or completely crazy!
Over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate the meaning behind these necklaces for surfers. While some use real shark teeth (often sold as “found” objects versus from killings), a lot of guys go for more affordable bone, clay or cedar wood replicas. It’s all about representing that predator/prey relationship surfers have with the ocean.
Shark teeth can be worn solo on a classic strand, or some surfers pair them with complementary beads, shells, and charms. I have one necklace that combines a slick black shark tooth with deep green aventurine beads – it gives me all the fearless ocean warrior energy when I’m paddling out to the break.
Where to Buy Sick Shark Tooth Necklaces
| Seller/Brand | Details | Bestseller Example |
|---|---|---|
| Foxy Shark Tooth | Etsy seller with real fossilized shark teeth and replicas in different materials. | Whiting Shark Tooth Necklace |
| Shovava | Amazon store with affordable replica shark teeth, often carved from bone or ceramic. | Wood Beaded Necklace with Shark Tooth |
| Suntrio | Handmade shark tooth jewelry, real and replicas available. Also has aloha/beach styles. | Ocean Wave Shark Tooth Necklace |
Common Surfer Necklace #3: Aloha/Sunshine Necklaces
For surfers, sun, sand, and warm tropical vibes are life. So it’s no surprise that necklaces capturing this aloha spirit are super popular in the surf scene. I’m talking necklaces with charm pendants like waves, sunshine symbols, hibiscus flowers, palms, and so on.
My most cherished aloha necklace is one I got years ago on a surf trip to the North Shore of Oahu. It’s a simple woven cord with a lead-free pewterwave pendant that has a blazing sun worked into the design. Whenever I put it on, it immediately transports me back to the feeling of those epic Hawaii days – surfing warm turquoise barrels and drinking Longboard Lagers on the beach at sunset.
Beyond just looking killer, these necklaces connect surfers to the tropical places and positive vibes we crave. Whether you’re rocking a gold palm tree charm or vibrant dolphin pendant, it’s about embodying that aloha, ocean-loving spirit 24/7.
You’ll find no shortage of awesome surf brands and local artisans creating these styles of necklaces. Lots of Hawaii-based companies like Pualani and Maui Moisture make them, as do Cali brands with each town vibes like Brine & Bracelets (San Diego) and Daphne + Chris (Venice Beach).
My Go-To Aloha/Sunshine Necklace Picks
| Brand | Style/Vibe | Standout Necklace |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii/Island vibes with tropical charms and shells. | Kauai Life Journey Necklace | |
| Pura Vida | Beachy, surfy charms with seed beads, shells, and wave motifs. | Original Surf Necklace |
| Daphne + Chris | Handmade in Venice Beach, CA with a bohemian, laidback aesthetic. | Sunshine Burst Necklace |
Other Notable Surfer Necklace Styles
While beads, shark teeth, and aloha charms make up some of the biggest necklace categories for surfers, there are plenty of other popular styles too. Let me quickly run through a few more you’re likely to see adorning surfers’ sun-kissed necks:
Shell Necklaces
Keeping with the nautical, beachy theme, shell necklaces are a classic surfer choice. Whether it’s polished puka shells, naturally tumbled cowries, or sculptural conches, these natural gems represent surfers’ connection to the ocean.
Surf Brand Logo Necklaces
Repping gear from their favorite surf brands is huge for many surfers. So necklaces featuring the iconic logos of labels like Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, and RVCA are super common, often on stylized pendants or logo tags.
Handmade Macrame Necklaces
The intricate knotting of macrame creates delicate, boho-chic necklaces that suit the surfer aesthetic perfectly. These unique handmade pieces use cords woven with beads, shells, crystals and more into cool designs surfers love.
As you can see, surfers put a lot of thought and personality into their necklace choices. These accessories aren’t just for show – they help us embody the laidback, ocean-obsessed lifestyle we crave on a deeper level.
So next time you’re hanging out watching surfers chase waves, pay attention to the necklaces they’re rocking. You’ll spot all sorts of meaningful pieces that truly capture the spirit of surf culture. And who knows, you might just get inspired to score some gnarly new necklace swag of your own before you hit the beach again!
Bonus: My Current Everyday Surfer Necklace Stack
To give you one last personal insight, let me break down the surfer necklace combo I’ve been sporting regularly these days:
| Necklace | Details |
|---|---|
| Shark Tooth Pendant | Zebra shark tooth on waxed cotton cord (gifted from Bali trip). |
| Pura Vida Beads | Mixture of surf-tumbled glass beads in bright blues, greens. |
| Aloha Wave Charm | Pewter wave pendant with sun (North Shore souvenir). |
| Hand-Knotted Macramé | Delicate off-white cotton macrame piece with mini shell beads. |
When I’m rocking this little curated stack, it’s like I’ve got the entire ocean-obsessed surfer lifestyle represented around my neck. I feel those chill yet powerful vibes radiating whether I’m out in the lineup or just running errands around town. Guess you could call me a full-fledged surf necklace addict!