Surf trip packing list: what to bring and what to leave

The practical things that make a surf trip easier, in and out of the water, from wetsuits and sun protection to first aid and board travel.

Start with what you can rent

Before you pack, find out what your surf school, camp or accommodation provides. Most surf schools include boards and wetsuits in their lessons, and most surf towns have rental shops with soft-tops, longboards, shortboards and wetsuits in different thicknesses. If you are a beginner or travelling light, renting is usually easier and cheaper than bringing your own equipment.

If you already surf and have a board that you love, bringing it can be worth the airline fee, especially for longer trips. Check your airline's rules and fees for sports equipment before booking, as they vary widely, and check whether your destination has the board sizes you need for rental.

In the water: warm-water trips

For tropical destinations such as Bali, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and the Philippines, you need very little in the water. Pack boardshorts or a secure swimsuit, and at least one rash vest or long-sleeved surf top for sun protection and to prevent board rash. A surf hat or cap with a chin strap can help on long sessions.

Reef booties are useful for reef breaks with sharp coral or rocky entries, such as Uluwatu, Siargao and parts of Sri Lanka. They also protect your feet from sea urchins. If you are unsure, you can usually buy or rent them locally.

In the water: cool and cold-water trips

For cooler destinations, the wetsuit is your most important item. Check our wetsuit thickness guide for the right suit for your destination and season. In Portugal, Spain and France, a 3/2 or 4/3 is common for much of the year; in Ireland and the UK, a 4/3 or thicker with boots is standard, and gloves and a hood are added in winter.

If you rent locally, you can leave the wetsuit at home. If you bring your own, pack it dry and rolled, not folded sharply. A changing robe or poncho makes changing on a cold, windy beach much more pleasant, and a flask for a hot drink after the session is a small luxury that makes a big difference.

Sun protection

Surfers spend hours in strong sun, with reflection from the water increasing exposure. Pack a high-protection, water-resistant sunscreen, ideally a reef-safe formula without ingredients that harm coral. Zinc-based sticks or creams are popular for the face, nose and lips because they stay on well. A lip balm with sun protection, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for out of the water complete the kit.

The sun can be strong even in winter destinations such as Morocco and the Canary Islands, and on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen between sessions, and cover up during the middle of the day.

First aid and health

A small first-aid kit is essential, especially for reef destinations. Include antiseptic wipes or solution, sterile dressings, waterproof plasters, tape, tweezers, pain relief and any personal medication. Reef cuts and scrapes can become infected quickly in tropical climates, so clean them carefully with fresh water and antiseptic and keep them covered.

Other useful items include ear drops to help dry the ears after surfing, earplugs if you are prone to ear problems in cold water, rehydration salts, insect repellent for tropical destinations and motion-sickness tablets if you are taking boat trips to surf breaks.

Board travel essentials

If you are bringing your own board, a padded travel board bag is essential. Wrap the nose, tail and rails with extra padding, such as clothing or pipe insulation, remove fins and pack them separately. Bring a fin key, spare fin screws, a leash, wax or a traction pad and a small ding repair kit for minor damage.

Label your board bag with your name and contact details. Take photos of your board before travel in case of damage. Allow extra time at check-in, as oversized baggage often needs to be dropped at a separate desk.

Out of the water

Pack light, quick-drying clothes for warm destinations and warm layers for cool mornings and evenings in places such as Portugal and Morocco. Include a lightweight rain jacket for unpredictable weather. Modest clothing is useful for visiting towns, villages and religious sites in many destinations, including Morocco, Sri Lanka, Bali and Indonesia.

A dry bag protects your phone, keys and wallet on the beach and on boat trips. A reusable water bottle reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated. Sandals or flip-flops, a quick-drying towel or changing robe, a power adapter and a waterproof phone case are all useful.

Documents, money and tech

Check passport validity and visa or electronic travel authorisation requirements for your destination well before travel, as rules change. Carry copies of your travel insurance details, including the emergency contact number, and make sure the policy covers surfing and, if you are bringing one, your board.

Many surf towns rely on cash, especially in Morocco, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and rural Indonesia, and ATMs can be limited or unreliable. Carry some local currency and a backup card. A waterproof phone pouch, a power bank and a universal adapter are useful. If you want to film your sessions, a small action camera with a mount or a friend on the beach with a phone can be a great learning tool, as watching yourself surf often reveals what an instructor has been telling you.

What to leave at home

Leave behind anything you can easily rent or buy at your destination, especially if you are travelling with a board bag and need to keep weight down. Most surf towns sell sunscreen, wax, leashes and basic surf accessories. Avoid packing valuables you do not need, as beaches and rental cars can be targets for petty theft.

Finally, leave room for flexibility. The best surf trips adapt to the swell and wind, and a lighter bag makes it easier to change plans and explore.

Questions

Should I bring my own surfboard on a surf trip?

Beginners usually do best renting boards locally or using their surf school's boards. Experienced surfers may prefer to bring their own board, but should check airline fees and rules first.

What sunscreen is best for surfing?

Choose a high-protection, water-resistant sunscreen, ideally reef-safe. Zinc-based products for the face and lips stay on well in the water.

Do I need reef booties?

They are useful at reef breaks with sharp coral or rocky entries, such as many breaks in Bali, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, and they protect against sea urchins. They are not necessary at sandy beaches.

What should be in a surf first-aid kit?

Antiseptic, sterile dressings, waterproof plasters, tape, tweezers, pain relief, ear drops and any personal medication. In tropical destinations, add insect repellent and rehydration salts.

Do I need travel insurance for a surf trip?

Yes. Check that your policy covers surfing as an activity, medical treatment and evacuation in remote areas, and equipment if you are bringing your own board.

Can I buy surf gear at my destination?

Most surf towns sell wax, leashes, sunscreen, rash vests and basic accessories, and many rent or sell boards and wetsuits. Prices and choice vary, so bring specialist items you rely on.

Plan the trip

Sources

These are editorial planning suggestions, not a substitute for local instruction or current conditions. How we write our guides.