Surf trips: what should we pack for the ultimate surfing adventure of our lives? | Photo: Shutterstock

Surf trips are fun, especially when you're consistently scoring perfect waves. But before we go, our brain is confronted with the classic traveler's dilemma: what should we pack for a surf trip?

When you're packing for the surf trip of your life - and it doesn't matter if you're traveling by car, bike, plane, or motorcycle - you often feel the need to balance your options.

Should I carry this, or should I leave that?

That is why a traveling surfer needs to find the optimal gear-to-weight ratio.

When we're about to embark on the ultimate surfing adventure, we make difficult choices involving the right amount of clothes, surfboards, board shorts, wetsuits, and everyday objects.

When you're packing, ask yourself a few essential questions: where are you going? How long will you be away from home?

What are the average temperatures at your surf destinations? Where will you be staying?

Traveling Essentials

Planning a surf trip is almost as important as living because if you don't carry vital tools, you won't be able to complete your mission.

Even if you don't have plans for the surf trip and prefer to make decisions while you're exploring the field, you should carry a few survival items.

No worries - we've got you covered. Pick your favorite travel essentials, and enjoy your surf trip.

  1. Surfboards: You won't surf without a board, so grab an all-around stick and a Malibu/longboard for the small waves;
  2. Surf Wax: there is nothing more frustrating than watching perfect head-high waves break and not having a bar of wax in the bag;
  3. Surf Leash: Surfing without the urethane cord is dangerous to you and other surfers;
  4. Travel Bag: When you're on the move, your board is always hitting something - a surfboard travel bag will prevent cracks and ding repairs;
  5. Ding Repair Kit: Protect your board and save your session;
  6. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays, especially in tropical countries;
  7. Earplugs: Don't let exostosis ruin your ears;
  8. Beach Towel: It is always useful if you plan to lie on the sand for hours;
  9. Boardshorts: A surfer can't live without beachwear, in or out of the water;
  10. T-Shirts and Sweaters: Basic upper torso protection is all you need;
  11. Shoes and Sandals: Protect your feet from the hot tarmac and sand;
  12. Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Because it is just impossible to live without them;
  13. Passport and Credit Card: They are your only return ticket in case anything goes wrong;
  14. Smartphone and Plug Adapter: Check the wave and wind forecast and keep in touch with friends and family;
  15. Portable First Aid Kit: Reef cuts, dehydration, headaches, and indigestion pain can be cured with simple medication;

Extra Gear

If you're traveling with extra-large suitcases, you can include additional items:

Surf Gear: spare fins, booties, fin keys, gloves, inflatable SUP, hand plane, rash guard, swim fins;

Travel Equipment: backpack, travel pillow, tent, hammock, mat, binoculars, maps, duct tape;

Clothes and Protection: sunglasses, mosquito net, hat, trousers;

Electronics and Communications: tablet, laptop, waterproof camera, headphones, surf watch;

Plan your surf trip and learn how to pack a surfboard for travel.

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