Surfing has always been a beloved pastime, with its rich culture and unique lifestyle inspiring countless musicians over the years. From the classic surf rock of the 60s to modern indie surf pop, the sport has been the subject of numerous hit songs. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a fan of the laid-back beach vibe, these top 20 songs about surfing are sure to transport you to the sunny shores of California, Hawaii, and beyond. From upbeat anthems like “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys to reflective ballads like “The Lonely Surfer” by Jack Nitzsche, these tracks capture the essence of what makes surfing so special. So grab your board, hit the waves, and let the rhythm of these classic songs carry you away.
1. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys
“Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys is a classic surf rock song that was released in 1963. It is a playful, upbeat tune that is driven by its catchy melody and driving beat. With its classic surf rock guitar riff and upbeat lyrics, “Surfin’ USA” is the perfect anthem for those looking to soak up some sun and hit the waves. The song is a tribute to the fun and freedom of surfing culture, and its infectious energy is sure to get you up and dancing.
2. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
“Riptide” by Vance Joy is a folk-pop song that was released in 2013. It is a feel-good tune that is driven by its acoustic guitar riff and catchy chorus. With its simple yet poignant lyrics, “Riptide” tells the story of a person who is trying to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and optimism. The song is a reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges you may face. Its upbeat energy and catchy melody make it the perfect anthem for those looking to find their way in life.
3. “Surf City” by Jan and Dean
“Surf City” by Jan and Dean is a classic surf rock song that was released in 1963. It is a upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics. With its classic surf rock guitar riff and joyful lyrics, “Surf City” paints a picture of a place where the sun is always shining and the waves are always perfect for surfing. This song is the ultimate anthem for beach lovers and surfers alike, and its catchy energy is sure to get you up and dancing.
4. “The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti and Spearhead
“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti and Spearhead is a reggae-infused pop song that was released in 2010. It is a feel-good tune that is driven by its upbeat rhythm and positive lyrics. With its uplifting message and upbeat energy, “The Sound of Sunshine” is the perfect anthem for those looking to find a little bit of sunshine in their lives. The song is a reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges you may face. Its upbeat energy and catchy melody make it the perfect pick-me-up on a cloudy day.
5. “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums
“Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums is an indie pop song that was released in 2009. It is a catchy and upbeat tune that is driven by its bouncy rhythm and joyful lyrics. With its classic surf rock inspired guitar riff and fun-loving lyrics, “Let’s Go Surfing” is the perfect anthem for those who are looking to hit the beach and catch some waves. The song’s infectious energy is sure to get you up and dancing, and its feel-good message is the perfect reminder to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
6. “Save Your Sundays for Surfin’” by The Fantastic Baggys
“Save Your Sundays for Surfin'” by The Fantastic Baggys is a classic surf rock song that was released in the 1960s. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its catchy melody and joyful lyrics. With its classic surf rock guitar riff and celebratory lyrics, “Save Your Sundays for Surfin'” is the perfect anthem for those who are looking to make the most of their weekends. The song is a tribute to the joys of surfing culture and its infectious energy is sure to get you up and dancing.
7. “Rumble At Waikiki” by Jon and The Nightriders
“Rumble At Waikiki” by Jon and The Nightriders is a surf rock instrumental that was released in the 1980s. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its driving beat and surf rock guitar riffs. With its classic surf rock style and upbeat energy, “Rumble At Waikiki” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the waves and catch some waves. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos.
8. “Surfer Dan” by The Turtles
“Surfer Dan” by The Turtles is a classic surf rock song that was released in 1965. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its catchy melody and playful lyrics. With its classic surf rock guitar riff and joyful lyrics, “Surfer Dan” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the beach and soak up some sun. The song’s upbeat energy and catchy melody make it the perfect pick-me-up on a cloudy day, and its fun-loving message is the perfect reminder to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
9. “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen
“Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen is a classic surf rock song that was released in 1963. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its catchy melody and playful lyrics. With its classic surf rock guitar riff and upbeat lyrics, “Surfin’ Bird” is the perfect anthem for those who are looking to hit the beach and soak up some sun. The song’s infectious energy and upbeat rhythm are sure to get you up and dancing.
10. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris
“Wipe Out” by The Surfaris is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in 1963. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its driving beat and surf rock guitar riffs. With its classic surf rock style and upbeat energy, “Wipe Out” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the waves and catch some waves. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos.
11. “Surfin’ And Spyin’” by The Ventures
“Surfin’ and Spyin'” by The Ventures is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in 1965. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its driving beat and surf rock guitar riffs. With its classic surf rock style and upbeat energy, “Surfin’ and Spyin'” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the waves and catch some waves. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos, while its spy-inspired theme gives it a touch of mystery and excitement.
12. “Pipeline” by The Chantays
“Pipeline” by The Chantays is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in 1963. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its driving beat and surf rock guitar riffs. With its classic surf rock style and upbeat energy, “Pipeline” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the waves and catch some waves. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos, while its catchy melody and upbeat energy make it a timeless classic in the surf rock genre.
13. “Charlie Don’t Surf” by The Clash
“Charlie Don’t Surf” by The Clash is a politically charged punk rock song that was released in 1979. The song critiques the US military’s presence in Vietnam, with lyrics that paint a picture of a military that is out of touch with the reality of the conflict. With its driving beat, punk rock energy, and socially conscious lyrics, “Charlie Don’t Surf” is a powerful statement from one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.
14. “Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones
“Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in 1963. It is an upbeat and energetic tune that is driven by its driving beat and surf rock guitar riffs. With its classic surf rock style and upbeat energy, “Surf Rider” is the perfect anthem for those looking to hit the waves and catch some waves. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos, while its catchy melody and upbeat energy make it a timeless classic in the surf rock genre.
15. “My Beach” by Surf Punks
“My Beach” by Surf Punks is a fun and energetic surf rock song that celebrates the laid-back lifestyle of beach culture. With its upbeat guitar riffs, driving beat, and catchy lyrics, “My Beach” is the perfect anthem for those who love spending their days soaking up the sun and riding the waves. The song’s upbeat energy and carefree vibe make it a fun and infectious addition to any surf rock playlist.
16. “Surfin’ Tragedy” by The Sentinals
“Surfin’ Tragedy” by The Sentinals is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in the 1960s. It features a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm and driving surf guitar riffs that are sure to get your toes tapping. With its high-energy vibe and infectious melody, “Surfin’ Tragedy” is the perfect anthem for surfers and beachgoers alike. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos, making it a timeless classic in the surf rock genre.
17. “Surfer Joe” by The Surfaris
“Surfer Joe” by The Surfaris is a classic surf rock instrumental that was released in 1963. It features a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm and driving surf guitar riffs that are sure to get your toes tapping. With its high-energy vibe and infectious melody, “Surfer Joe” is the perfect anthem for surfers and beachgoers alike. The song’s instrumental nature allows the listener to get lost in its upbeat rhythm and surf-inspired guitar solos, making it a timeless classic in the surf rock genre.
18. “Gypsy Surfer” by The Phantom Surfers
“Gypsy Surfer” by The Phantom Surfers is a classic surf rock song that evokes the carefree spirit of 1960s beach culture. The song features fast-paced, driving guitar riffs, backed by a steady beat that creates an energetic, upbeat vibe. The lyrics celebrate the thrill of surfing and the freedom that comes with it, painting a picture of a wild, adventurous lifestyle on the waves.
19. “The Lonely Surfer” by Jack Nitzsche
“The Lonely Surfer” by Jack Nitzsche is a melancholy instrumental piece that captures the feeling of solitude and introspection that often comes with being in the ocean. The song features a haunting, ethereal guitar melody, accompanied by gentle waves of organ and percussion that build to a dramatic climax. The overall effect is a haunting, evocative soundtrack to a lone surfer’s thoughts and emotions as they ride the waves.
20. “Bustin’ Surfboards” by The Tornadoes
“Bustin’ Surfboards” by The Tornadoes is an upbeat surf rock classic that perfectly captures the excitement and energy of 1960s beach culture. The song features fast-paced guitar riffs and driving drums, accompanied by playful, surf-inspired lyrics that paint a picture of a wild, carefree lifestyle on the waves. This song is sure to get listeners on their feet, dancing and singing along to the fun-filled lyrics and upbeat beat.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
