7 Things to Pack for a Surf Trip

Traveling to go surfing and hang out at the beach is the ultimate vacation. Maybe you’re  heading to Hawaii to ride some of the world’s biggest waves, traveling to Costa Rica for  some tropical scenery as you surf, or flying all the way to Indonesia for a more private  surfing experience. No matter what beautiful destination you’re traveling to or how  experienced you are, you can’t leave without all of your essentials. Follow these 7 packing tips to make sure your surfing trip is as smooth as the waves you’ll be riding!

 

Surfboards

Of course, you need your surfboards for your trip! It’s important to research  the types of waves at the beach you’re heading to so you can decide if a  shortboard, longboard, fish, or other style of board is best. Even better, bring  a couple different boards with you depending on the types of waves you’ll be  riding and the ever changing weather conditions of your destination. Just  remember to check with the airline you’re flying for the most cost effective  way to travel with your surfboards.

Tip: Depending on how many boards you will need and the location you're going, it might actually be cheaper to rent boards while you're there. Be sure to do some extra research ahead of time to figure out the most cost-effective way to catch waves.

 

Surfboard accessories and protection

Pack a couple of pairs of surfboard fins with you to enhance your surfing  experience. Bringing extra fins is helpful for a destination surfing trip just in  case anything happens to a pair while traveling or on the beach. Make sure to  research how crowded the beach you’re visiting typically is and choose an  appropriate type depending on the crowd size. If your destination is normally busy, sand down any sharp edges on your fins so you don’t run the risk of  hurting anyone you may surf next to. 

Like with your fins, bring a few leashes with you in case one breaks. Even if  you’re a confident surfer and can easily read a wave, it’s a good idea to bring  a leash because the water will be different from what you’re used to at home.  Bring a thicker leash if your destination is known for having bigger waves that  may cause you to wipe out. 

Board bags are a must, especially if you’re flying to your surf destination.  Investing in a surfboard travel bag is key because it comes with extra padding  and will keep your boards safe and damage-free in transit. The last thing you  want is to touchdown at a gorgeous beach and realize your surfboards have  been broken, so don’t skimp on protecting your surf gear! 

Finally, bring a soft rack with you for traveling between the airport, hotel, and  anywhere else you’re headed. A soft rack will allow you to easily strap your  board on top of a taxi or the vehicle you choose to use on your trip.

Wetsuits, spring suits and rash guards

When the temperature drops, a wetsuit or springsuit is perfect for a little extra warmth. Wetsuits keep you insulated, helping you stay warm if you’re in cold water. Spring suits are perfect for when the temperature starts dropping, but not so cold that your hands and feet are uncomfortable in the water. Spring suits keep your core warm, but leave your arms and legs exposed, allowing you more flexibility.

Although wetsuits seem to have gotten a bad rap for being uncomfortable, over the years the technology has continued to advance and they’re more comfortable now than ever before. Wetsuits should fit like a second skin, and should be snug all around without restricting your breathing or movement. 

If you’re new to wetsuits, or are just interested in a comprehensive list of the  best wetsuits around, check out this article from Lush Palm. Here you’ll find a breakdown of what wetsuits to use throughout the year as temperatures change, and the overall best wetsuits of 2021 so you know where you should be putting your money. 

Remember the point of a wetsuit is to allow you to surf for longer and in places that would normally be too cold, so make sure the wetsuit does that for you.

If you know you’ll spend many long days surfing, a rash guard is helpful to bring too. A rash guard will not only give you some extra protection from the sun, but also minimize the potential of getting a rash during long days of surfing. It’s best to research the  waters you’ll be surfing in to determine what kind of swimwear is optimal for  the beach you’re traveling to.

Wax

No matter your level of surfing experience, bring a wax with you that will  keep you balanced and performing your best. Travel with a soft wax for cooler  waters or a hard wax for tropical, warmer beaches. Again, it all depends on  your destination, surfboards, and preferences!

 

Fuel for your body

Surfing takes a lot of physical energy, and the sun can make you extra tired  too. Ensure that you stay strong throughout your trip by bringing plenty of  water and healthy, beach-friendly snacks.  

Staying hydrated is a priority every day, but especially while surfing out in the  sun, so don’t skimp on water! While your other favorite beverages are tempting to bring in its place, water is the way to go to keep yourself feeling  your best. If you want to switch it up to supplement your water intake, coconut water is packed with minerals and nutrients. It’s well-known for  being great for surfers to recover after getting a lot of sun, so pack some with  you to enjoy and replenish yourself. 

For snacks, bring foods that will keep you fueled all day and won’t melt in the  heat. We suggest a trail mix without chocolate, apples with peanut butter,  carrots and pita chips with hummus, and granola bars. Don’t forget napkins  for clean up too! 

Change of clothes and towels

When your beach day is winding down, you’ll thank yourself for bringing  extra clothes and towels. Whether you plan to hit your favorite beachside  restaurant, do some shopping, or head back to your lodging, bringing extra  clothes will keep you comfortable after you pack up your surf gear for the  day. Bring lightweight towels and clothes to make packing easier.

Sun protection, including your trusty WoodRoze sunglasses

You can’t head out for a day in the sun without packing plenty of items to  protect your skin. Sunscreen is an absolute must, so bring one with a high SPF  and don’t forget to apply multiple layers throughout the day. For an option  that’s natural and sustainable, use a zinc oxide cream. Zinc repels harmful UV  rays but is more comfortable on the skin than a regular sunscreen. It’s known  to be perfect for surfers because it lasts longer and doesn’t require reapplying as often. Bring a floppy hat or a sunhat too for downtime in between waves. It’s always better to be safe than sorry so don’t be shy with  your sun protection! 

WoodRoze shades are an absolute essential for your surfing trip! Protective  eyewear while you’re out in the sun is key and so is being in style. Our sustainably sourced materials, #SafeSpecs technology, and range of trendy  frames and styles will keep you feeling comfortable and confident throughout  your trip. Bring multiple pairs so you can switch up your sunnies each day.  Plus, they’re perfect for your destination beach photo-op!

Time to get packing!

It’s tempting to wait until the last minute to pack for a big vacation, but you’ll want to  prepare in advance for your surfing trip. Once you’ve crossed all of these items off your checklist, you’re ready to hit the beach! Safe travels and enjoy your surfing vacay, all while staying healthy and looking stylish with WoodRoze's New Arrivals.