Read On For More Information about Surf and Skate Branded Headwear
Whether you're skating down the main street of Gizzy, checking the surf at Wainui Beach, or heading out to a summer BBQ, the right hat isn't just about sun protection—it can add to your whole individual steez. At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock a carefully selected range of surf and skate headwear for every mission, from wide brim fedoras to Maori Caps and Bucket hats, flexfit caps, surf hats, and beanies for those chilly east coast mornings.
This guide will take you through:
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The types of headwear we stock
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Popular surf and skate brands we carry
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Interesting history and evolution of surf/skate hats
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What to look for in a quality cap or surf hat
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NZ-specific headwear trends and style tips
Let’s dive in.
🧢 Street to Surf: Popular Styles of Headwear at Blitz
🔹 Snapbacks
A skate classic. Snapbacks feature an adjustable plastic strap at the back and usually a flat brim. Popularised in the 90s by hip-hop and skaters, they’ve stuck around because they’re bold, durable, and iconic.
🔹 Flexfit Caps
Flexfit caps are structured, fitted caps made with elastic for a snug but comfortable fit. Great for active wearers and surf crew wanting something secure and stylish.
🔹 Curved Peak Caps
The ultimate low-key everyday hat. A pre-curved brim and adjustable strap at the back (often velcro or buckle) or fixed band make them versatile and comfy. Roxy, Quiksilver, and Billabong offer timeless takes on this style.
🔹 Flat Peak Caps
Flat brims = full attitude. Ideal for those repping brands like Santa Cruz or RVCA, and perfect for skaters and streetwear fans alike.
🔹 Bucket Hats
Buckets have come full circle from 90s surf groms to full fashion comeback. Brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, and Wai-Tai Aotearoa offer a great range of quality bucket hats
🔹 Wide Brim & Fedoras
If you're chasing sun protection with style, check out Rusty, Billabong, and Quiksilver fedoras and fashion wide brims. Whether you’re hitting Rhythm & Vines or a summer road trip, they’re the elevated option.
🔹 Straw Hats
For true sunshield surf style, straw hats are the classic call. Perfect for beach days, boat trips, and festivals. We stock both traditional straw styles and newer takes from brands like Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Billabong.
🔹 Surf Hats
Surf hats are often bucket-style or legionnaire-cut with chin straps and floatable brims, surf hats are a must for longer surf sessions under the NZ sun. Look for lightweight, quick-dry materials and solid coverage. Rip Curl, FCS, Ocean and Earth, BIllabong and Creatures of Leisure do them well.
🔹 Beanies
For cold mornings, camping missions or winter surf checks—beanies from Santa Cruz, Rusty, Billabong, RVCA, Quiksilver and Wai-Tai offer both warmth and style. From loose-fit skate vibes to tight fisherman beanies, we’ve got the lot.
🧠 A Bit of Headwear History (with Surf & Skate Roots)
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Snapbacks and flat brims have deep roots in US sports and hip-hop, adopted by skaters in the 80s and 90s for their easy adjustability and attitude.
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Bucket hats originated as functional rain hats for fishermen in Ireland, before becoming a counterculture staple in the 1960s. The surf world picked them up in the 90s for their practicality and protection.
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Straw hats trace their roots back centuries—used by farmers and workers for sun protection. Today, they’re a surf essential.
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Fedoras became high fashion in the early 1900s, but brands like Brixton have brought them back for a more casual, surf-meets-style vibe.
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Beanies (or tuques) have been worn in cold climates for centuries, but became a modern staple through skate and snowboard culture.
🔥 NZ Brands & Icons: Local & Global Brands We Stock
At Blitz Surf Shop, we hand-pick a mix of global surf and skate leaders and unique local legends, including:
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Santa Cruz – skate icon with bold cap graphics
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Rusty – clean, surf-inspired hats & beanies
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Goorin Bros – statement truckers in their The Farm series
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Quiksilver & Roxy – classic surf cap designs & sun protection buckets
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Billabong & Rip Curl – caps, wide-brimmed, straw & surf-ready hats
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Florence Marine X – high-performance caps for ocean athletes
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RVCA – crossover streetwear x skate aesthetics
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Wai-Tai Aotearoa – Blitz Surf Shop is the home of Wai-Tai, Māori bucket hats, beanies and Maori caps featuring indigenous designs, kaupapa-based branding, and Aotearoa pride
🎯 What to Look For in a Quality Hat
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Sun Protection – Wide brims or UPF-rated fabric
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Fit – Adjustable (snapback/strap) or flexfit for secure feel
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Material – Quick-dry for surf, cotton for comfort, wool for warmth
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Style – Let it rep your vibe: chill, loud, clean, or full-send
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Function – If you surf, opt for straps or floatable materials
💻 Where to Buy Surf & Skate Headwear Online in NZ
Looking to buy caps, surf hats, beanies, or straw hats online in New Zealand? Blitz Surf Shop is your go-to.
🧢 From statement Goorin Bros caps to technical Florence Marine X caps
🌊 From local Māori Wai-Tai bucket hats to beanies that’ll get you through winter
🛹 From street staple snapbacks to skate-ready Santa Cruz and Rusty flat brims
🚀 Final Word: Top Your Look with Blitz
Whether you're a surfer chasing sun coverage or a skater looking to complete your kit, we’ve got headwear that works, lasts, and looks good. Shop online 24/7 or visit us in Gisborne, NZ.
👉 Check out our full range of surf and skate hats now:
www.blitzsurf.co.nz
