Wondering what to pack for a surf trip? Whether you're flying to Portugal, Morocco, Indonesia or Tenerife, getting ready properly lets you avoid the stress and focus on what matters most - surfing.
Before every trip we face plenty of tough decisions: what should I take? What should I leave? Will I make the budget airline's weight limit? Or maybe I can get away with just hand luggage? Is it worth bringing my own gear, or is it better to rent it there?
These questions and others like them race around our heads like Usain Bolt in the 100 metres. They can cause quite a bit of stress, especially if we're packing at the last minute or don't have much experience organising surf trips yet.
If you're wondering what to pack for a surf trip, you've come to the right place.
Imagine picking up your phone, opening the LASTOUT blog and finding the answers to all your questions.
As the LASTOUT team, we've spent the last few years exploring a good chunk of the world, living like nomads chasing waves - from Portugal and Morocco, through Costa Rica, all the way to Indonesia. We spend an average of one to two months in each of these places.
Some places take several flights to reach, then we switch to a car or a van, and at the very end we jump on a boat that takes us to our dream surf spot.
In short - the number of surf trips we've done is almost impossible to count. And what does that mean? We've got packing for surf trips down to a fine art.
The best feeling is when someone asks:
- Hey mate, you wouldn't happen to have a spare...?
And we get to answer:
- Of course! I brought one, happy to share.
And then we all head out for a surf together.
What clothes should you take on a surf trip?
Let's start with something that - we hope - is obvious for most people: clothes. We won't give much advice here, because everyone has their favourite outfit and the clothes they never go anywhere without.
What we can do is pass on the sacred words that the gods of surf travel probably whisper to everyone heading off on a surf trip:
"Less is more!"
The shame is that we only realise how true those words are after many surf trips. We drag a bag weighing over 30 kilos through the Indonesian jungle, plus a carry-on backpack, a camera with a tripod, a suitcase full of clothes and "essential" stuff, a pouch for documents and a friend's backpack, because:
- Sorry, I think I packed too much.
Remember - in the end we spend half the day in the water and the other half eating and napping, because your body and mind give up after hours of paddling and catching waves. That's why clothes are usually the least important part of packing for a surf trip.
The most important thing is to check the temperatures at your destination and remember that where there's surf, it's often windy and it rains more often than you'd think.
What to pack for a surf trip to Portugal and Brittany?
If you're heading to a surf camp in Portugal or a surf trip to Brittany, we recommend being ready for both warm and cooler days. The weather there can be even more changeable than in the UK - or, as the Polish title of a famous Bollywood film (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) puts it: "Sometimes sun, sometimes rain".
So it's worth taking:
a warm hoodie,
t-shirts,
a windproof and waterproof jacket,
a beanie and a cap,
closed shoes and flip-flops,
long trousers and shorts.
What to take on a surf trip to Indonesia, Costa Rica or Tenerife?
If your destination is Tenerife, Indonesia or Costa Rica - don't take anything at all!
Seriously though, the list is much shorter than for Europe. Whether you're heading to a surf camp in Tenerife, a surf camp in Costa Rica or a surf trip to Indonesia, in most cases all you need is:
boardshorts or a bikini,
flip-flops,
sunglasses,
a few t-shirts,
one hoodie for cooler evenings.
Despite the tropical climate, remember that evenings can be windy and the weather can surprise you even in the sunniest places. So it's always worth checking the conditions at your destination before you go.
What surf gear should you take on a trip?
Now let's get down to the serious stuff! What surf gear do you need to survive any surf camp or surf trip? Of course, if you don't have your own board and the accessories that go with it yet, or you're going on your first surf trip, skip those items on the checklist when packing. But don't forget the rest of the essentials!
What to pack for a surf trip? The complete checklist
Beginner surfer
Wetsuit/rash guard: choose depending on the water temperature (optional)
Boardshorts/bikini: if the water is warm and you don't need a wetsuit
Reef booties: protect your feet from sharp reef and rocks (optional)
Earplugs: help prevent ear infections
Surf poncho: incredibly handy anywhere you surf in a wetsuit
Light towel: doesn't take up much space and dries faster
Ocean-friendly sunscreen: high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen with zinc
Reusable water bottle: avoid single-use plastic bottles
First aid kit: plasters, painkillers, disinfectant and something for reef cuts
Medication: bring any medication you take regularly and check which vaccinations you need
Waterproof bag: really handy for carrying your wet wetsuit after a session
Travel documents: passport, visa and any other required documents
Travel insurance: essential in case of the unexpected (it may already be included in the camp price)
Optional extras: surfskate, camera, a deck of cards and a book, charger adapter.
Advanced surfer
If you're travelling with your own gear and plan to surf regularly, add these to the list above:
Surfboards: take 1-3 boards depending on the spots and types of waves you'll be surfing. Remember to check the airline's rules on carrying sports equipment!
Surfboard bag: invest in a good-quality board bag to protect your gear.
Fins and leashes: pack spare fins, fin keys, screws and leashes.
Surf wax: match the wax to the water temperature where you'll be surfing.
Roof straps for your board bag: make it easier to carry boards on cars or tuk-tuks.
Surfboard repair kit: fix dings on the road with Solarez or aluminium tape.
This list is the essential kit for any surfer getting ready for a trip where they'll be sharpening their surfing skills. With it you'll be self-sufficient even in the most remote corners of the world, where the words "surf shop" only exist in your web browser or on Instagram.
Luckily, in Poland, even though surf culture is still developing, we can boast a really well-stocked surf shop - FCS Polska. You'll find all the essentials there: from boards, wetsuits and fins to ponchos, sunscreen and even surf photo books.
I hope this list helps you get ready for your next surf trip. If you have your own tried-and-tested surf trip "must-haves", or you're wondering whether you've forgotten something, drop us a message. We're happy to help and share our experience.
Written by: Filip, LASTOUT Team
