The Gift That Actually Means Something
Every surfer I know has a drawer full of wax combs, boardshorts they never wear and stubby holders with someone else's branding on them. We love giving gifts, we're just not always great at it. So if you're shopping for a surfer this Christmas, birthday or just because, here's my honest take: get them something that'll actually end up on their wall.
I'm Sam, the photographer behind Local Breaks. I shoot Australian coastlines, surf breaks and beaches that surfers genuinely love. Not stock images. Not generic ocean scenes. Real places with real meaning. And if your surfer has a favourite break, there's a good chance I've already shot it.
Why Wall Art Works as a Gift for Surfers
Think about what surfers actually care about. It's not gear, not another rashie. It's the feeling of being in the water at their favourite break on a good morning. The light on the water. The shape of the headland. That one session they still talk about years later.
A print of that place brings that feeling home. I've had customers tell me they look at their print every single day and it brings them happiness throughout the day. One buyer, who was living in Canada at the time, bought a Point Addis Art Print I because it was his favourite beach back home. He just wanted it on his wall. That's the kind of gift that actually means something.
Match the Print to Their Favourite Break
The easiest way to pick the right print is to think about where they surf. Here are some of the most popular spots I've covered:
- Bells Beach: Every surfer knows it. The Bells Beach Art Print I is a strong seller for good reason.
- Snapper Rocks: One of the Gold Coast's most iconic breaks. The Snapper Rocks Art Print I looks incredible in a home or a surf shack.
- Point Addis: My top selling print overall. Shot from above with my drone on a still morning, it gives you a perspective of the beach most people have never seen.
- Rainbow Bay: A Gold Coast favourite. The Rainbow Bay Art Print I has become a real go-to gift for surfers connected to that stretch of coast.
- Torquay: The home of surf culture in Victoria. I've got multiple prints from Torquay including the Torquay Art Print I, which is consistently one of my strongest sellers.
If you're not sure which one to go with, check out my post on Best Gifts for Beach Lovers: Australian Coastal Wall Art They'll Actually Want to Keep for more ideas.
Which Frame Should You Choose?
This is the question I get asked most. Here's the short version:
- Classic Frame: Solid FSC certified timber frame, 2mm clear glass, available in black, white or oak. Comes ready to hang. Great all-rounder.
- Floating Frame Canvas: Printed on 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre museum quality canvas with no glass at all. Great for rooms with lots of natural light because there's zero reflection. Looks incredibly modern.
- Premium Shadow Box: If you want to go all out, this one uses 308gsm Hahnemuhle Rag Mount Smooth fine art paper, 11-colour giclee archival inks and Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and virtually no glare. It's the best framed product I offer and the finish is something else.
All frames are made from sustainably sourced plantation timber and come with a 10-year warranty. They're all ready to hang straight out of the box. For a deeper breakdown, have a read of Framed Beach Prints Australia: How to Choose the Perfect Size and Frame.
Sizes, Prices and Shipping
Prints start from $89 and go up to the EPIC size at 100x150cm, which is 1.5 metres wide. It's a seriously impressive piece of wall art and a gift nobody forgets.
Every print is made to order and shipped free anywhere in Australia. I print and ship from Victoria, so there's no waiting on international stock or dodgy delivery windows. No pickup, no international shipping, just free Australian delivery straight to their door.
If you're unsure about sizing, my size guide walks you through it clearly.
Take the Coast Home
If your surfer has a break they love, chances are I've shot it. Head to the Point Addis Art Print I, browse by location, or get in touch if you need help choosing the right print and frame for your budget. I answer every message personally and I'm happy to help you get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for a surfer who already has everything?
A framed coastal print of their favourite surf break is a genuinely meaningful gift that most surfers wouldn't buy for themselves. It connects them to a place they love and looks great on a wall, which makes it far more memorable than another piece of gear or clothing.
What size coastal wall art should I buy as a gift?
A Medium (42x59.4cm) or Large (59.4x84.1cm) framed print is the most popular gift size because it's big enough to make an impact without being overwhelming in most rooms. If you know they have a large wall space and want to go all out, the XL or EPIC sizes are genuinely show-stopping.
Do Local Breaks prints come ready to hang?
Yes. All framed prints come with a metal hanger and steel wire or D rings and braided polymer hanging cable depending on the frame type, so they're ready to hang straight out of the box. There's nothing extra to buy.
Is there free shipping on coastal wall art in Australia?
Yes, all Local Breaks prints include free shipping anywhere in Australia. Prints are made to order and shipped from Victoria. There is no international shipping available at this time.
