Even if you’ve never caught a wave, you probably have some connection to surf culture. Whether you throw a shaka on the regs, can quote North Shore on demand, sported a Quiksilver sweatshirt, or even listened to the Beach Boys, the sunshine-y, laid-back vibes of the pastime are pervasive. Yet despite the big business of surf culture’s mainstream appropriation, the heart of the community is a self-sufficient, indie affair.
“Surf culture has always prided itself on its DIY ethos,” wrote Surfer Magazine editor Todd Prodanovich. “Fixing a board yourself is better than sending it to the ding repair shop. Checking the waves in person is better than looking at the cams. Exploring the coastline is better than sticking to well-trodden surf spots. This self-reliance is heavily engrained in our culture.” So it’s no surprise that surf DIYers have found a home at Etsy. From handmade boards and bags to surf-inspired art, jewelry, and even cookies, the site is full of surf-loving makers whose enthusiasm for the activity inspires their business.
“There’s definitely a connection between [surf culture and DIY],” says the Atlantic Ocean’s Natasha. “For me, surfing and being out in the ocean puts my brain in the right place for creativity. There are no worries or stress out there, so I just naturally go to what I love, which is designing and making things.” In her case, those “things” are utilitarian beach totes and surfboard bags, which she began making because “none of the mass-produced ones fit my style.”
Dana, who hand-shapes pieces of California redwood and African hardwoods into stunning, mostly decorative surfboards, experiences a similar feeling. “The clarity that comes from surfing allows me to think clearly and come up with new ideas,” he says. “I am constantly inspired by what I see and feel at the beach while surfing.” He sees a very distinct link between the act of learning how to surf and the tenets of the DIY community. “Surfing is very independent,” he says. “Most people learn to surf on their own, just like most do-it-yourselfers figure things out by watching, asking, and trial and error. No one taught me how to shape surfboards, I figured it out.”
For a pastime that feels so personal, many surfers prefer the intangible connection of handmade goods to the detachment of mass-manufactured ones. “A surfer will always prefer a custom-made surfboard,” says Sina of Ola Para Siempre. “A surfboard that has a history, a board that has been created by the hands of someone you know, someone who knows what you want.”
This belief also informs Dana’s work. “Every surfboard has a story to tell about the waves ridden, miles traveled, and its owners. I like to think that down the road my surfboards will have similar stories to tell.” But when it comes to running a surf-specific Etsy shop, perhaps Natasha sums it up best: “The times spent surfing are definitely some of the best times in a person’s life,” says Natasha. “By making gear for surfers, it’s like I get to be a small part of that.”
2 Featured Comments
Megan Bailey from SwellLove said 7 years ago Featured
I heart surfing! Surfing has definitely influenced my creative process. Every time I am in the ocean I am able to relax. I love being able to express my self thru my surfing and my jewelry.
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 7 years ago Featured
I've never been surfing- windsurfing once, and I promptly ended up in a great big tangle of seaweed, so I don't thing that counts- but it sure looks like fun. Surfing always seems like such an apt metaphor for so much of life- riding a wave, being in the moment, never giving up. Love it!
94 comments
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 7 years ago
Very appealing!
Rich and Dona from TheCottageMouse said 7 years ago
Wonderful story. Rich was a surfer way back in the 70's. Some of his fondest memories.
Valerie from valeriestitchery said 7 years ago
Lovely. This really makes me miss the ocean.
Jeni Sandberg from BarkingSandsVintage said 7 years ago
I've never been on a board, but I am weirdly obsessed with surfing and its history!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 7 years ago
Great article and finds!
Ginger and Tim from PiccadillyPastimes said 7 years ago
Very enjoyable article : )
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 7 years ago
Beautiful photos-lots of happy energy!
Megan Bailey from SwellLove said 7 years ago Featured
I heart surfing! Surfing has definitely influenced my creative process. Every time I am in the ocean I am able to relax. I love being able to express my self thru my surfing and my jewelry.
Bozena Wojtaszek from BozenaWojtaszek said 7 years ago
That's exactly the story I hear from my partner. But he was there, well, over 20 years ago :) His fondest memories too :))
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 7 years ago
Surfing is so relaxing! We go quite a bit as I live so close to the ocean. Love every aspect of it.
Teresa from TimeAndTideSeaGlass said 7 years ago
Nothing clears your head like time in the ocean! It's the place I feel most at home and connected! Great article!
JoDene Moneuse from JoDeneMoneuseJewelry said 7 years ago
Live in the sun, swim in the sea..............how much better can life be? Great article, thanks so much!
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 7 years ago
It's an odd thing that all of us surf each and every day... surf the web, that is. This story serves as a sort of reminder that we should all of us take time out to surf the real and the tangible. Surfing a wave instead of a TV channel. Writing a letter in leu of an email~
Billy Bubbles from FireIslandSoap said 7 years ago
gnarlyyy - loved this!
MerCurios from MerCurios said 7 years ago
Love, love, love the article! Just being in or near the water in general is so soothing. I can't say that I've ever surfed - wish I could - BUT paddle boarding & kayaking is awesome. There is a lovely little park I take my son to down by the harbor in Port Jefferson (Long Island, NY) as we live a stones throw away. I enjoy watching the paddle boarders pass by while my little guy frolics in the sprinklers - the best of both worlds!
Elke Fontillo from oceangirlcollection said 7 years ago
Super cool article- Its true surfers are like minimalist at heart- so we make sure that what we do have is what we need- and hand made is always top choice-thanks so much.
Andrea Krejci from pepparonline said 7 years ago
Interesting topic and article. Thanks!
Kristina from apostrophie said 7 years ago
I can definitely attest to the creativity porthole that is opened when one surfs. Not to mention my rainbow moonstone ring that I made myself became this mystic purple color when I surfed! The ocean is extremely therapeutic and I'm grateful for my 7 years living by it...
Aga from AgasJourney said 7 years ago
Beautiful oceanic selection.
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 7 years ago Featured
I've never been surfing- windsurfing once, and I promptly ended up in a great big tangle of seaweed, so I don't thing that counts- but it sure looks like fun. Surfing always seems like such an apt metaphor for so much of life- riding a wave, being in the moment, never giving up. Love it!
Pearlie from Splendere said 7 years ago
Bet we are all geared up for some surfing, other than the internet?!
Susan from PlanetSusan said 7 years ago
I had a fabulous time this past December at the Triple Crown of Surfing competition on the North Shore of Oahu (very Hawaii Five-0). It happens in November and December and I was lucky to see the surfers braving the famous Banzai Pipeline with a huge rainbow across the sky. Awesome!
FluffyFlowers from FluffyFlowers said 7 years ago
Hang ten, dude! :)
Bee Case from CatCheeseCase said 7 years ago
Great article !
Katerina Lebedeva from DenaliGold said 7 years ago
Beautiful...
Manju G from JaipurHandloom said 7 years ago
Ultimate article. Beautiful!
Susan from OceanPatch said 7 years ago
I love the vintage dreamy feel of all these photos! There's nothing like the ocean to keep your mind in the moment! What a beautiful post!
Deb Vasbinder from BabyCuteBaby said 7 years ago
I only surf the internet but this was a great Read! Thanks for sharing.
H88255 from HillarysSuperfoods said 7 years ago
Great post! I really want to learn how to surf!!!
CC Castro from CCAttic said 7 years ago
Love the story My oldest son has been surfing for 19 years he is 28 and 9 when he started.
VintageMarketPlace from VintageMarketPlace said 7 years ago
I love how they all said how clear and calm it makes their mind to surf. I follow Izzy Paskowitz and Surfers Healing what he has done for Autistic children...healing thru surfing. Its amazing what the waves can do for your mind. Peace
Mona Lisa from beachartz said 7 years ago
Wonderful way to capture the culture... Kowabunga Dude! (and Dudettes)
Ashley Lauren from SunandStoneJewelry said 7 years ago
As a fellow surfer, I absolutely love this article! Great read and true connection between surfers and DIY!
Lowe Jewelry from lowelowejewelry said 7 years ago
Great finds :)
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 7 years ago
This makes me want to learn to surf even more!
Jane Priser from JanePriserArts said 7 years ago
Wow! Who knew? This is great
joan kelly from cosmiksouls said 7 years ago
Surf's Up !!! Great share ... thanks :)
Donnie from DonniesDiscounts said 7 years ago
i wanna learn how to surf but i dont know how to swim
Migrations from Migrations said 7 years ago
OK, now I want to start collecting surf boards. Great article, Thanks.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 7 years ago
Makes me want to hit the waves right now!
Pat Parker from PatsPottery said 7 years ago
I didn't know that!! Live on the ocean, but have never surfed. Am very DIY, does that count? LOL
Megan Braswell from inspiringanchors said 7 years ago
Going to the ocean tomorrow! Maybe I can renew my mind and come up with some fresh ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Awesome article though, makes me wish I already knew how to surf!
Dickson Lee from Favormaking said 7 years ago
Great finds.
Mokuzai Furniture from MokuzaiFurniture said 7 years ago
love the sunshine but not a fan of the ocean. Well not swimming in it anyways... i think seeing the movie Jaws too early ruined me haha! but love the appreciation for handmade things among the surf culture. Surfing is an art just like making the custom surf board so it makes sense these things would come together! great post!
dmollison from dmollison said 7 years ago
Great article! I wish I could stay on a board longer than 30 seconds. My kids put me to shame. Ah well.
dmollison from dmollison said 7 years ago
Great article! I wish I could stay on a board longer than 30 seconds. My kids put me to shame.
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 7 years ago
Love going to the ocean and go there once a week! Love watching the surfers! Great post!
Ombretta from IndieLab said 7 years ago
interesting words! Ocean is far away, but we can dream to be surfing it on a board! :)
Gino Escate from Gygante said 7 years ago
Great story. As a triathlete, I love the sea and summer
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 7 years ago
Fantastic blog!
Susan Jizba from TheWeaverOfWords said 7 years ago
gorgeous pics and a wonderful article. i've always found the sound of rythmic ocean waves to be calming and peaceful, i can see why surfers love it. my boyfriend who is an avid sailor loves looking out across the great expanse of the sea, nothing but the waves and birds and sky. i think that's his place of peace.
Pine from GoodOldVintageOnline said 7 years ago
Always admired the surfers at the beach. Wish I was more coordinated and less afraid of sharks! Luv watching the old footage from the 50's n 60's of the crazy dudes out there surfin in deadly huge waves.
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 7 years ago
I love the handmade surfboard!
michelle wotruba from Shellmelove said 7 years ago
I easily get swept away by the dreaminess of everything about surfing, I'm more a beach girl than a water girl but I have no problem being "dragged" to the beach to watch/video my husband :)
Motleycouture from Motleycouture said 7 years ago
Great feature! The ocean is so cleansing!
Theme Fragrance from themefragrance said 7 years ago
some eat, pray, love - i would rather surf, swim, beach.
Molly Riefler from MulberryStreetPaper said 7 years ago
beautiful story!
IKA PARIS from ikabags said 7 years ago
Great article and finds!
Lynsey from lmouer said 7 years ago
Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!
awarris from Pangieshand said 7 years ago
I love the article!
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious said 7 years ago
How cool to link surfing with DIY, makes a lot of sense. Free spirits, being one with the environment... great article!
Nerrissa W from RecycledWares said 7 years ago
Would love to try surfing just one time. Looks like fun, and I love the ocean.
VINTAGE NOW from ESTATENOW said 7 years ago
Beautiful Pics...SUF'S UP!!!
Clara Joy from ShopClaraJoy said 7 years ago
I love these photographs!
seasidecloth from seasidecloth said 7 years ago
Such great photos,,, who doesn't dream of the surfing lifestyle ? ... :)
Vince from RiscottsJewellers said 7 years ago
Awesome workmanship!!! Continue your SEARCH!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 7 years ago
Love all things surfing ~ Growing up in southern California in the 1970's we used take our short boards on the RTD bus in packs tracking sand through the aisles all summer. There's nothing like the ocean and its vast beauty. Great feature ~
Mary Frawley (Calligraphette Ltd) from Calligraphette said 7 years ago
I've just moved closer to the beach - wheee!!!! I've used these photos in my surfing Treasury list - love love love them. xx
SunshineDaydreamz from SunshineDaydreamz said 7 years ago
Great post - I'm always at the beach. Watching the surfers :)
emberair from EmberandAir said 7 years ago
Great post!
Aud Kerchner from AudreyKerchnerstudio said 7 years ago
YUP! Im a beach boys fan. Im a summer baby and they used to always be in concert on my birthday.
Nicola and Jessica Belton from CelticKnittingCo said 7 years ago
Such a great article! I wold love to learn how to surf but alas not many waves on the east coast of Ireland!
Aloha Pamela from DesignsnBoutiqueBB said 7 years ago
WOW " I surely LOVED this Article , photographs, beaches and surfers n those sweet waves , the hand crafted boards n curves and beautiful waves" n statuesque beauties"" " HOW SERENE and surfers enjoying the Oceans , waters waves "ahhh America's Freedom and what it all means" Thank you guys for each contributing to this special section " You made my day to Peace already:") Our Family comes from a long line of "ocean lovers" and some surfers along the way and for me :")body surfing is a must have " n watching the surfers play all day "The sunshine and crispened waves 'A Soulful Sea" GREAT ETSY as Usual "thanks for the early Inspirational read!!!!! Everyone Have a GREAT DAY!!
Anna from Cloudtree said 7 years ago
Makes me want to smell the sea air! I hadn't even thought about looking for a surfboard on etsy, there is so much variety on here, great to see a slice of surf action.
Claudia Violette from ForTheLoveOfFrance said 7 years ago
This is a great article ..my son is a professional longboard surfer. He has competed all over the world in the last 10 years. He shapes his own boards and has a line of wet suits. The ocean or 'getting in the water' has been a call to his soul, a necessity since he was 7 years old. Lucky for him he's a natural. I have the utmost respect for the art of surfing and it's artists.. and amazed and so happy to see the acknowledgement on Etsy.
Lisa from NirvanaRoad said 7 years ago
1966- The Endless summer. I will always love that movie!
Heidi from AlpineGypsy said 7 years ago
Thanks for the article - just being on the salt water makes me feel part of the giant Wheel of Life, and refreshes my Soul. I am not a surfer, but there is something so elemental about the ocean and our human connection to it. It can make you a better person. My husband is a passionate surfer, and I think when I met him I was attracted to this part of him, because it is about so much more than just surfing. It is an outlook on life.
Joy from MaxiJoy said 7 years ago
Wonderfull photos
ishkabibblesdesigns from ishkabibblesdesigns said 7 years ago
Lisa, Thank you sooooooooo much for this article. It was like a breath of fresh air and it is exactly how I feel about surfing , beach etc... I design surf/beach lifestyle clothing and feel sometimes my designs may not be as significant as the high fashion trends. Your article and the comments proved my insecurities wrong and I thank you for that!
Natalia from Nikifashion said 7 years ago
Awesome article!
candlesbynature from candlesbynature said 7 years ago
Great article! Wish I knew how to surf, but clumsiness has always gotten in the way hehe
Amber from BambuEarth said 7 years ago
♥♥♥
Catherine Maria Charalambous from BouncyTree said 7 years ago
So well expressed.
FreakyPeas from FreakyPeas said 7 years ago
ahhh, I miss the ocean!
Manju G from JaipurHandloom said 7 years ago
Lovely. Awesome article.
Rene' COMER from SensingMajesty said 7 years ago
Great article! I never thought of my crafting being along the same lines as surfing. Now I feel even more adventurous. ;)
Doris C. from SewBeautifulbyDC said 7 years ago
Nice article, thanks for sharing it with us. I love the custom surf boards !
Jess Yeo from v1ntagetreashar said 7 years ago
Sounds so awesome! Will someone please teach me how to surf! :-)
Olga Adujeva from AduevaArt said 7 years ago
Read this article and almost felt the smell of the sea! Thank you for sharing!
Kieran Walker from BowsbyKiero said 7 years ago
What a good article. I can definitely relate to all of this. The beach in general is very inspiring to me, let alone the incredible feeling of surfing. Thank you for sharing and re-inspiring me. btw awesome shop!!
Marina Palovaara from LaPetiteNina said 7 years ago
Beautiful story with amazing photos..
Peter Wong from yaamstore said 7 years ago
True story about surfers!
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 6 years ago
lovely article and great finds!
Aitziber from KillasArt said 1 year ago
I love you blog! It's wonderful 🌺😍🌴