Surf Culture
aka Surf Style, Beach Core, Wave Rider
"Living for the next wave"
Laid-back aesthetic rooted in surfing lifestyle, featuring board shorts, sun-bleached hair, and ocean-inspired casual wear.
Atmosphere
The sensory world of Surf Culture
Dawn patrol, salty hair, wax smell, beach bonfires, van life, endless summer
Philosophy
The ocean provides. Live simply. Respect nature. Follow the swell.
Who Lives Here
The character archetypes that embody Surf Culture
The Soul Surfer
The Beach Nomad
The Wave Chaser
The Lifeguard
What It Rejects
Surf Culture exists in opposition to:
Corporate life
Landlocked living
Materialism
Rigid schedules
Daily Rituals
The practices and behaviors that define this way of living
Dawn surf sessions
Board waxing
Beach cleanups
Van conversions
Checking the surf report
Origin
Emerged from California and Hawaii surf communities in the 1960s, becoming a global lifestyle aesthetic through brands like Billabong and Quiksilver.
Era
1960s-Present
Regions
California, Hawaii, Australia, Bali, Coastal areas worldwide
Trend Score
Key Elements
Key Garments
- •Board shorts
- •Rash guards
- •Flip flops
- •Hoodies
- •Graphic tees
- •Trucker hats
- •Wetsuit tops
- •Bucket hats
Silhouettes
- •Relaxed
- •Athletic
- •Casual
Color Palette
Ocean-inspired blues and sun-bleached neutrals
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Accent Colors
Key Brands
Materials
Cultural Context
Connection to ocean, environmental consciousness, nomadic lifestyle, and the pursuit of the perfect wave as a life philosophy.