Everyone who has surfed for a long time knows that any surf session is much more enjoyable with some vibes leading up to the paddle out. Quite simply, there are songs for surfing. Personally, music has always been a huge part of my life no matter what I’m doing. Whether I’m running, hanging out with friends, doing work or even doing nothing most of the time I always have something in the background – even if it’s instrumental. Especially when I’m on my way to the beach though, I usually try to get in the mood for surfing and set the tone through the tunes I choose to play. And it makes sense – surfing has worked its way into music from the moment it began making its way into pop culture. Take The Beach Boys, for instance (if you’re reading this and consider yourself a surfer, but don’t know who The Beach Boys are, you NEED to do your research here). With the close relationship between music and surfing in general, I’m going to list 3 of my personal picks below that are sure to get you going right before you hit the water.
1). Let’s Go Surfing -The Drums
I’m a big fan of The Drums as a band, but this song in particular is a must play before any surf session – for obvious reasons. the music is simple, but well done with a catchy, clean guitar lick in the beginning. The lyrics and harmonies are extremely catchy, and you can’t help but want to get in the water when you hear it.
2). Time Zones – Surfaces
All someone has to do is look at Surfaces’ album cover, and they’ll be able to pick up on the vibe immediately. You simply can’t help but instantly transition into a good mood when you hear this one. The lyrics are upbeat, and the music is definitely produced thoroughly, but not to a point where it sounds overdone. Reminiscent of warm weather and a beautiful sunset, this one brings some chill vibes to the table and helps me hone in on my pre-surf vibes well.
3). Waves (Tame Impala Remix) – Miguel
Tame Impala and Miguel are two other amazing artists that I listen to pretty frequently, but the crunchy guitar and subject matter in this song make it an easy pick to play before going surfing. Like most Tame Impala songs, this one is heavy with phasing and different distorted guitar parts that are reminiscent of the late 60s and early 70s. Miguel skillfully skates over the airy, dreamy music in a way that will put any surfer in a beachy mindset.