22 Jul A guide to packing for your surf trip
If you’re reading this it probably means you’re planning a surf trip, wahoo!
If it’s your first trip, first hot surf holiday or you always forget things, keep reading for some of our recommendations to make packing easier.
Before you even start arranging your clothes and toiletries, the first thing you need to do is check how much luggage you can take on the plane! There’s nothing worse than spending hours packing and having to throw half of it back in your wardrobe.
Top tip: Don’t leave it to the last minute! Start with a list (read to the bottom for our printable packing list!), tick off what you have and what you need to order. Then check it off as you put it in your suitcase.
First, your surfboard…
Debatably the most important thing for your surf trip (if you’re taking one). If you’re opting to hire a board out there, you can skip this next bit – easy peasy!
As well as your board, make sure you have spares of all the accessories you need, you don’t want to get caught short on a pumping day of your holiday with no leash!
- Leashes
- Leash strings
- Fins
- Fin key
- Wax (make sure this is the right block for the temperature you’re heading to!)
When packing your board, always remove the leash and fins first. It’s then best to put it in a board sock and cover the edges with bubble wrap (or pool noodles work well). You can also use your clothes as extra padding. Always go for a well-padded bag, if it has wheels that’s a bonus, and make sure to write ‘FRAGILE’ on it! We recommend taking some Solarez or ding repair though, just in case!
Now for your holiday wardrobe…
We’ve put some of our favourites, but of course, add more or take items out depending on how you dress.
- A sarong – a versatile item and in our opinion, the best addition to your packing list. You can use it for changing, for sitting on, as a towel and to cover from the sun.
- Wetsuit, springsuit or rash vest – make sure to look at the sea temperature of your destination for the time of year you’re there. If you’re joining us in Morocco in June or September, you’ll need a 3/2 wetsuit or a shortie. If you’re coming to El Salvador, no wetsuit is needed! We recommend a long-arm swimsuit, spring suit or rash vest though, it’ll be a lifesaver in the midday sun!
- Swimwear – for surfing, swimming and sunbathing
- A hat is a must-have – preferably one to wear in the water and on land. You’re even more susceptible to burning in the sea! Check out our collection here! (ADD LINK)
- Clothes – this will depend on the temperature but in a hot climate, less is more! We go by the rule of 3; 3 T-shirts, 3 dresses, 3 shorts. But don’t forget something a little warmer when the evenings have a chill
- Underwear – for as many nights as your holiday + a few pairs of socks
- Yogawear – yoga at sunrise is a MUST. Leggings/shorts and a baggy T will do
- Sunglasses – it’s definitely worth bringing 2 pairs in case you drop them, sit on them or leave them somewhere (or all 3 – guilty!)
- Shoes – flipflops + trainers for walking
Other essentials
- A small bag (waterproof is best) to keep your essentials in for days out so you don’t get caught short on the beach
- Medical kit
- Ear plugs
- Small dry bag – perfect for your wet stuff after a surf
- Suncream, zinc + after sun (yes, all 3!)
- Mosquito repellent (if necessary)
- Multiple hair bands (because you’ll keep losing them and lending them to your surf friends)
- A beach towel (so you don’t get your hotel towel sandy)
Wash bag
- A small bottle of moisturiser + after sun
- Toothpaste
- Ibuprofen
- Hydrolites
- Sudocrem
- Vaseline
- Antiseptic
- Shampoo + conditioner (bars are best!)
- A bar of soap
What to put in your hand luggage
- A good book or kindle – for the plane journey, in case of delays, chilling on the beach and switching off at nighttime. A good book goes a long way! Check out our favourite surf books here for inspiration (link to surf reads blog)
- A reusable water bottle
- A ziplock bag containing: your passport, currency, tickets, visa and travel documents
- A copy of your passport (just in case!)
- Phone charger
- Plug adapter (make sure it’s for the right country!)
- An eye mask – if you’ve got a long flight this will make all the difference when you’re trying to get some shut-eye
- Ear plugs are a treat
- Headphones
- Spare clothes (extra T-shirt + shorts/dress, underwear, jumper – just in case your bag goes missing)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – brushing your teeth after a long flight makes you feel so much better!
- Snacks!!
Extra tip: download any apps that may be useful including the NHS app for your COVID-19 vaccine passport and the airline app for tickets, flight updates and check-in
So there you have it, a guide to holiday packing – now all you need to do is have an epic trip!
If you’re reading this but haven’t yet planned your next vaycay, check out our International trips to Morocco and El Salvador for sun, sea and a whole lot of surfing!
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