Surf Trip Packing Suggestions
Surf trips demand a different packing mindset. This guide covers the essentials that matter, and hot tips based on real experience.
Important Documentation
File your documents digitally, and make sure they’re accessible with or without Wi-Fi. If you’re old school, print and store everything together in a waterproof folder or dry bag.
- Passport (with 6+ months validity)
- Airline tickets
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance policy (with emergency contact numbers)
- Foreign currency and a credit card that can be used to withdraw cash
- Health records (allergies, medical conditions, vaccination certificates – if applicable)
- Doctor’s letter for prescription medications (recommended if carrying a lot of medication)
- International or local drivers license (if applicable)
Clothing, Footwear & Accessories
Whether you’re living on a boat or land-based accommodation, it is essential to pack compact, lightweight and quick-drying gear.
- 3+ pairs of boardshorts or swimwear
- Sun-protective rash vest (ideally long-sleeved)
- Lightweight, breathable t-shirts, singlets, shorts and/or dresses
- Long pants and sleeved shirts and/or tees (for mosquito protection and village visits)
- Underwear and socks
- Light spray jacket or windbreaker (water resistant for extra protection during tropical downpours)
- A light hoodie for cooler evenings or mornings
- Functional travel clothing (pack extra for the return journey or in case of delays)
- Lightweight closed shoes for walking and travel
- Waterproof thongs and/or sandals
- Fishing shirt (if applicable)
- A hat or cap, ideally waterproof
- Quick-dry towel
- Polarised sunglasses
- Plastic bags (for packing wet gear at the end of the trip)
- Compact day backpack or tote bag (for travel days and village visits)
- Small dry bag or waterproof pouch
- Donations for local crew and villagers (optional)
Toiletries & First-Aid
Surf charter, camp and resort operators represented by World Surfaris will all have first-aid kits and first-aid trained crew. To be on the safe side, it doesn’t hurt to have your own backup gear.
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Personal cosmetics
- Reef-safe sunscreen and/or zinc (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm (ideally with SPF)
- Aloe vera gel (for sunburn relief)
- Deodorant
- Rehydration sachets or electrolytes
- Tropical insect repellent
- Travel-sized soap
- Earplugs
- Bandages, Band-Aids and wound tape (various sizes, ideally waterproof)
- Antiseptic cream or solution (Dettol, Bactroban – prescription only)
- Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medication
- Tweezers and/or probes (in case of sea urchins or coral)
- Pain relief (paracetamol and/or ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines (Benadryl or similar)
- Any personal prescription medication
Surfing & Other Gear
Don’t forget to bring backups of the essentials.
- 2 -3 surfboards
- 2+ leg ropes
- Wax (tropical)
- Wax comb
- Ding repair kit
- Fins, fin screws and key
- Helmet (optional)
- Reef booties (optional)
- Snorkel, mask and fins (optional – if you prefer your own)
- Fishing rod, lures, hooks and tackle (optional – if you prefer your own)
Technology & General Travel Essentials
A few smart tech essentials will keep you organised, charged, and stress-free.
- Smartphone (with essential documents screenshotted or saved offline)
- Smartphone charger (bring a spare cable)
- E-SIM (often easier than buying a local SIM on arrival; just make sure your phone supports it)
- Power bank
- International power adaptor
- Headphones and/or earphones
- Camera, GoPro and relevant accessories (chargers, memory cards, batteries)
- USB sticks or external hard drive (for photo and video sharing)
- Laptop or tablet (optional)
- Pen and a small notebook
- Luggage tags
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict are airline baggage limits for surf trips?
Policies vary by airline and route. Board bag allowances, excess fees, and weight limits can change, so it’s important to check your specific airline before flying.
Should I pack everything into my boad bag?
Splitting luggage (boards in a board bag + soft duffel for clothing and other gear) is often easier for transfers and storage, especially on boats with limited space.
Is laundry available on surf trips?
Laundry is often limited or unavailable on surf charters. Surf camps and resorts usually offer laundry services, either included or at an extra cost.
Will I have mobile reception or Wi-Fi?
Connectivity varies by destination and vessel. Surf charters may have limited or no Wi-Fi, while camps and resorts are generally more reliable.
Can I hire or borrow equipment if something breaks?
Availability varies widely by destination. Remote charters often have limited spares, while resorts may offer rentals or access to local shops.
Are there items that aren’t allowed?
Some destinations restrict alcohol, drones, medications and pornography publications. It’s important to check destination-specific regulations before you travel.
Surfboard Packing Tips
Assume the worst when it comes to airline baggage handling – pack accordingly.
Use a quality, well-padded board bag and avoid oversized bags – excess space allows boards to shift, which is one of the biggest causes of travel damage. Remove fins where possible, wrap each board individually using bubble wrap or foam, and double-wrap the rails for extra protection. Pay special attention to the nose and tail, adding extra padding where impact is most likely (towels work well and won’t add much weight).
Support fin boxes with foam fin blocks or improvised fin protection, and avoid packing heavy or sharp-angled items inside the board bag. Before flying, photograph your packed boards – it’s a simple step that can make insurance claims far easier if anything goes wrong in transit.
Hot Tips: Surf Charters
- Opt for soft duffel bags or collapsible, squashable luggage over hard suitcases (far easier to store onboard)
- Quick-dry clothing and gear are essential when living on a boat
- Power outlets can be limited (pack a power bank or multi-adapter as backup)
- Personal storage space is minimal, especially on boats with shared or dorm-style cabins, so packing light is crucial
- Bring anti-nausea medication, even if you “never get seasick”
- Engine noise can travel, especially if sailing overnight or in the early hours of the morning – earplugs or headphones are well worth packing!
Hot Tips: Resorts & Camps
- Hard suitcases are generally fine, with more storage space in rooms or villas and less need for ultra-compact packing
- Bring one or two nicer outfits for evening meals, resort bars, or local excursions
- If your surf camp or resort has a gym, yoga deck, or sports facilities, pack activewear to make the most of them
