Floats if it drops, and the chin cord keeps it with you through a duck-dive.
Hat
Frankie - Bucket Surf Hat + Hard Shell Insert
or 4 payments from $20.75 with Afterpay
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The Frankie surf hat, a retro 70s throwback print, paired with our Hard Shell Insert for crown structure and protection.
Drop the shell insert into the retro Frankie and the crown firms up for crowded peaks and shallow sand bottoms. Same easy 70s look, same wide brim coverage, just extra protection for the days the waves are throwing.
- Includes the Boardsox Hard Shell Insert for impact protection in the crown
- Soft rear brim that stays down while you paddle, no flipping up over your eyes
- Hard front brim that holds shape through duck dives and cuts glare
- Neoprene chin strap and toggle so it stays on through wipeouts
- Adjustable head strap for a secure fit
- UPF 50+ AU/NZ rated sun protection
- Removable neck flap for extra coverage
- Mesh drainage vents so water flows straight out
- Quick drying, salt resistant fabric
Designed and tested in real Australian surf by the Boardsox crew.
- Includes the Boardsox Hard Shell Insert for impact protection in the crown
- Soft rear brim that stays down while you paddle
- Hard front brim that holds shape through duck dives and cuts glare
- Neoprene chin strap and toggle so it stays on through wipeouts
- Adjustable head strap for a secure fit
- UPF 50+ AU/NZ rated sun protection
- Removable neck flap for extra coverage
- Mesh drainage vents so water flows straight out
- Quick drying, salt resistant fabric
Designed and tested in real Australian surf by the Boardsox crew.
Free wax and fin bag on orders over $160. Free shipping over $300. Express international shipping available. Easy 30-day returns and exchanges.
Surf bump hats, explained
What is a surf bump hat?
A surf bump hat looks and surfs like a regular bucket hat. The difference is what's inside: a removable hard-shell insert sits in the crown, adding a layer of impact protection against the everyday hazards of surfing — reef, rocks, loose fins and the odd flying board. It is the middle ground between a standard sun hat and a full helmet.
What's inside
The hard shell, explained.
The shell is a discreet protective layer built to sit seamlessly inside the hat crown. It is thin, flexible, and designed to disappear once it is in — you surf exactly as you always do.
The real insert — impact-dampening EVA over a vented ABS frame.
EVA foam core
Impact-dampening, waterproof EVA foam. Zero water absorption so it never gets heavy.
ABS outer shell
Lightweight ABS bonded over the EVA for structure. Same material used in protective sports gear.
Low profile
Slim silhouette that keeps the hat sleek. The shell sits inside the crown — you cannot see or feel it.
Fully removable
Pops in and out in seconds. Shell in for the surf, shell out for the road. One hat, both jobs.
Built for waterflow
Mesh drainage vents let water pass straight through the crown without drag, lift or turbulence. Smooth duck dives. No helmet feel.
Protection without the helmet
For the days a helmetfeels like too much.
Crowded peaks, loose fins and shallow reef are part of surfing. Most surf hats only block the sun. This one takes a hit too. Drop the hard-shell insert in for protection on reef, rocks and shallow breaks, then pull it out for a soft, packable hat on the road. One hat, both jobs.
Australian designed
Designed in Ocean Grove, Victoria. Independent and family owned since 2017.
Why we made it
It started with a surfboard to the head.
Boardsox makes a bump hat for one reason. Sarah (co-founder) was knocked out cold in a surfing competition from a surfboard to the head and lived with a concussion for nearly nine months.
We are not here to scare anyone out of the water — we love it. But most surf hats only block the sun. We wanted one that takes an everyday knock and that you will actually wear. So we built it.
— Dan & Sarah · Ocean Grove
Which do you need?
Boardsox bump hat vs surf helmet.
Most surf hats only block the sun. A surf bump hat takes a hit too. For high-consequence reef or competition, a certified helmet is still the right call.
For big-wave reef or competition surfing, a certified hard-hat surf helmet is still the right call. The bump hat is for everyday sessions.
In the water
Built for the water.
It floats
Drop it duck-diving and it waits for you on the surface instead of sinking.
It stays on
The chin cord and toggle hold it through wipe-outs, wind and paddle-outs.
Real shade
UPF 50+ fabric and a wide brim. Proper protection for long days out.
Made for the ocean
Why we don't use recycled polyester.
Recycled polyester looks good on a label. But every time it is worn and washed it sheds microplastics — tiny plastic beads — straight into the water. That ends up in the same ocean we are trying to protect.
So we don't use it. We build with durable, longer-lasting fabric made to go the distance and stay out of the sea. Buy one hat that lasts, not three that shed.
Who it's for
Who should wear one?
Made for every surfer, because we are all at risk of flying boards, unexpected fin taps and surprise encounters with reef.
Reef surfers
Shallow reef and rock shelves. One less thing to worry about paddling over dry reef.
Crowded line-ups
More boards means more flying fins. The shell takes everyday dings so your head does not.
Travelling surfers
Shell out, it packs flat. Shell in for unfamiliar breaks. Works either way.
Learners
Lots of board time and a lot of falls. Quiet, lightweight protection for that stage.
Long-session surfers
UPF 50+ on top, protection inside. For serious time in the Australian sun.
Anyone who has taken a knock
You know the feeling. The shell means you never have to worry about it again.
Find your fit
Tell us your head measurement.
Measure around your head just above the ears and pop it in — we'll point you to the right size. The chin cord snugs it down from there.
Reviews
Trusted by surfers worldwide.
Best hat I have ever owned. Stays on through the heaviest duck dives and the shell gives me confidence on shallow reef.
Matt H.
Surf Bump Hat
Verified buyerBought this for a trip to Bali. The removable shell is genius. In the water every session, out for dinner every night.
Jess W.
Surf Bump Hat
Verified buyerFinally a hat that does not fly off. The 360 toggle keeps it locked in and the UPF 50+ is legit.
Dan R.
Surf Bump Hat
Verified buyerLove that it floats. Lost my last hat on a wipe-out. This one was sitting on the surface waiting for me.
Sarah K.
Surf Bump Hat
Verified buyerQuestions
Surf bump hat questions.
No. It is a lightweight middle ground. A removable hard-shell insert helps with everyday knocks and reef, without the bulk of a full surf helmet. For high-consequence reef or competition, a certified helmet is still the right call.
Yes. An adjustable chin cord and 360 toggle let you snug it down so it holds through duck dives.
Yes. If it comes off on a wipe-out it floats on the surface instead of sinking, so you can grab it on the way up.
In seconds. Shell in for the surf, shell out for a soft, packable everyday hat.
It is the highest fabric sun rating, blocking more than 98% of UV. With a wide brim that is real shade for your face, neck and ears.
Measure around your head just above the ears and match the guide on this page. Between sizes, size up.
One hat. Both jobs.
Shell in for the surf, shell out for the road. Australian designed by Boardsox, trusted by 2,000+ surfers worldwide.
Independent, family owned and Australian designed in Ocean Grove, Victoria since 2017.
