Tested Gear
Gear Reviews for Surfers
Blenders, electrolytes, and kitchen gear tested by surfers. Every recommendation is based on actual use, not paid placements.
Best Blenders for Surfer Smoothies
A quality blender is the single most useful piece of kitchen equipment for a surfer focused on performance nutrition. Smoothies, smoothie bowls, protein shakes, and even soups can be made in under two minutes. Here are our top picks after testing five popular options.
| Blender | Price | Power | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamix Explorian E310 | $350 | 1,400W | Best overall | ★★★★★ |
| Ninja Professional Plus | $120 | 1,400W | Best value | ★★★★☆ |
| Blendtec Total Classic | $280 | 1,560W | Frozen fruit | ★★★★☆ |
| NutriBullet Pro 900 | $80 | 900W | Budget/travel | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer | $500 | 150W | Cold-press juice | ★★★★★ |
Vitamix Explorian E310
The Vitamix is the blender that every serious smoothie maker eventually buys. The 1,400-watt motor handles frozen fruit, ice, and thick bowls without stalling. The 48-oz container is the right size for one to two servings without wasting ingredients. Build quality is exceptional: this blender will last a decade with basic care. The variable speed dial gives you control over texture, which matters when you are making thick smoothie bowls versus liquid smoothies.
The only downside is price. At $350, this is an investment. But the per-smoothie cost over its lifespan is pennies, and the performance is unmatched. If you make smoothies more than three times per week, this is the blender to buy.
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Ninja Professional Plus BN701
The best blender under $150. The Ninja Professional Plus matches the Vitamix on raw power (1,400 watts) at one-third the price. It handles frozen fruit and protein powder smoothies with no issues. The 72-oz pitcher is large enough for batch smoothies, and the Auto-iQ programs take the guesswork out of blending times.
Where it falls short: the blade system does not produce as silky a texture as the Vitamix, and the plastic pitcher is not as durable long-term. For surfers on a budget or those new to smoothie making, this is the right starting point.
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Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer
If you are into cold-press juicing (green juice, celery juice, ginger shots), the Nama J2 is the best home juicer we have tested. The slow masticating mechanism preserves more nutrients than centrifugal juicers and produces almost no foam. The wide feed chute accepts whole fruits, which cuts prep time significantly. Juice yield is excellent: you get noticeably more liquid from the same amount of produce compared to cheaper juicers.
This is a specialty tool. If you only make smoothies, buy a blender instead. But for surfers who want fresh green juice as part of their daily nutrition routine, the Nama J2 pays for itself in quality and convenience.
Check PriceBest Electrolyte Powders for Surfers
Electrolyte replacement is essential for sessions over 60 minutes. Here are five options we have tested, ranked by effectiveness, taste, and ingredient quality.
| Product | Price | Sodium | Sugar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMNT | $45/30 pk | 1,000mg | 0g | High-sodium needs |
| Liquid IV | $25/16 pk | 500mg | 11g | All-around |
| Nuun Sport | $7/10 tabs | 300mg | 1g | Budget option |
| Drip Drop ORS | $24/32 pk | 330mg | 7g | Medical-grade |
| Skratch Labs | $20/20 srv | 380mg | 4g | Endurance |
Our top pick: LMNT. The 1,000mg sodium content is the highest on the market, and for surfers who sweat heavily in thick wetsuits, adequate sodium replacement is the most critical electrolyte factor. Zero sugar means no stomach issues, and the flavor options (Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt) are genuinely good. The single-serve packets are convenient for tossing in your board bag.
Best value: Nuun Sport. At roughly $0.70 per serving, Nuun tablets are the most affordable option that still delivers meaningful electrolyte content. Drop a tablet in your water bottle, wait two minutes, and you are set. The effervescent format dissolves completely with no residue.
For a deeper dive into hydration science for surfers, read our pre-surf nutrition guide and recovery nutrition guide.