The Surfer’s Guide to Packing for a Surf Trip

1 November 2025

So, you’ve finally booked that surf trip you’ve been daydreaming about for weeks—maybe even months. Paradise awaits. Crystal-clear waves, warm sun on your back, salt in your hair... but before you paddle out into the surf of your dreams, there’s one thing every surfer needs to nail down first: packing.

Let’s be honest, packing can be a bit of a nightmare. Forget a fin key or your favorite pair of waxed-up board shorts, and suddenly your dream trip turns into a logistical mess. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Whether you're jet-setting to Bali, road-tripping to Baja, or hopping an overnight to Hawaii, this surfer’s guide to packing for a surf trip will make sure you're prepped, stoked, and ready to drop in.

Why Packing for a Surf Trip Is Different

Packing for a surf trip isn't like packing for your average vacation. It takes precision, planning, and just a little bit of obsession. You're not just packing clothes—you're taking tools of the trade. Your boards, your gear, your surf essentials—they can make or break your time in the water.

And let’s be real: surf gear isn’t the kind of stuff you can easily replace if you forget it, especially in remote surf destinations. So the goal? Pack smart and surf more.

Your Ultimate Surf Trip Packing List

Let’s dive into the ultimate surf trip packing checklist, broken down into categories so you don’t miss a thing. Bookmark this baby—you’ll want to come back to it before every trip you take.

1. Surfboards and Accessories

Ok, let’s start with the obvious.

🏄 Surfboards (1-3 Boards)

How many boards should you bring? Depends on your destination and skills. A solid quiver might include:

- A shortboard for performance waves
- A step-up or gun for bigger surf
- A fish or funboard for mushy, smaller waves

If you're headed somewhere unpredictable, variety is your best bet. Just remember: boards = baggage fees.

🧳 Board Bag

Protect your stick! A good travel board bag with padding is crucial. Pro tip: wrap your board in bubble wrap, towels, or even wetsuits for extra cushion.

🧩 Fins, Leashes & Fin Keys

Bring extra fins and at least two leashes. You’ll thank me when your leash snaps mid-session on day two. And don’t forget the fin key... that tiny piece of metal holds more power than you’d think.

🕶️ Deck Grip & Wax

Your favorite wax might not be available where you're going. Bring a few bars suited to the water temperature of your destination. And if you're into traction pads, pack an extra just in case.

2. Wetsuits and Rash Protection

Depending on where you’re surfing, your wetsuit choice will change. But you always need something between your skin and the board.

🌡️ Wetsuits (Depending on Water Temp)

- Tropical temps? Go for a spring suit or just boardshorts.
- Cooler climates? A full suit (3/2 or 4/3) is essential.

Neoprene takes up space, so plan wisely. Only take what you’ll need.

👕 Rashguards & Surf Shirts

Sunburn sucks. Several long-sleeve rashguards or surf tees are a must. Quick-drying and UPF-rated ones are lifesavers—literally.

🧤 Booties, Hoods & Gloves (If Necessary)

Going somewhere cold? Don’t underestimate how fast you can lose feeling in your feet or hands. Booties make a massive difference on reef breaks or chilly mornings.

3. Surf Apparel

Let’s keep it simple. You’re not entering a fashion show—but you DO want to be comfy.

👖 Boardshorts & Bikinis

Pack multiple. Wet gear takes time to dry, and nothing’s worse than sliding into soggy trunks first thing in the morning.

👕 T-Shirts & Tank Tops

Light, breathable, and made for beach life. Bonus points if they hide that post-surf sunburn.

🩳 Casual Shorts and Pants

Evenings can get chilly, and you’ll probably want to stroll around town. Toss in a pair of light pants and a hoodie.

🥿 Sandals or Flip-flops

No need for fancy kicks. A pair of slaps will do 90% of the work.

🧢 Hats & Sunglasses

Protect your face and eyes. Salt, sun, glare—it’s brutal out there. A trucker hat and polarized sunglasses go a long way.

4. Travel Essentials for Surf Trips

Here’s what a seasoned surf traveler NEVER leaves behind.

🧼 Toiletries (With a Few Extras)

- Reef-safe sunscreen (and lots of it!)
- Aloe vera or after-sun gel
- Lip balm with SPF (trust me)
- Basic first aid (Band-aids, anti-bacterial ointment, and painkillers)

📲 Phone, Chargers & Waterproof Case

Get a waterproof pouch for your phone—especially if you're heading out on a boat or doing beach-to-reef paddles.

💼 Dry Bag

Perfect for keeping stuff dry on humid beach days or boat transfers. Also great for protecting your camera and electronics.

🔋 Power Bank

Some surf spots have spotty power. Stay juiced up with a solid portable charger.

5. Health & Safety Gear

Nothing ruins a surf trip faster than a preventable injury or illness.

💊 Basic Meds

Anti-diarrheals (looking at you, Mexico), Ibuprofen, motion sickness tablets, and any prescription stuff.

🧴 Mosquito Repellent

In tropical surf zones, mosquitoes are often the most persistent locals. Don’t let them feast on you.

🦶 Reef Booties or Water Shoes

Coral cuts suck. If you’re surfing sharp reef breaks or shallow spots, bring some protection.

6. Tech & Toys

You want to capture the memory and kill the downtime too.

📷 GoPro or Action Cam

Mount it to your board or helmet and come home with clips worth bragging about.

🎧 Headphones

Beats in between sessions, podcasts during layovers—surf trips always have travel time to fill.

📘 A Book or Kindle

Because you can’t surf 24/7... well, unless you’re in Mentawais. Even then, a beach read doesn’t hurt.

Pro Tips for Packing Like a Surf Nomad

Now that you’ve got your checklist, let’s talk strategy. It’s not just what you pack, it’s HOW you pack.

🧳 1. Pack Light but Smart

Overpacking is a rookie mistake. Big bags equal big baggage fees. Keep it lean and prioritize multipurpose gear.

🥽 2. Stuff Your Wetsuit in Your Board Bag

Kill two birds with one stone: protect your boards and save space in your other luggage.

✈️ 3. Wear Bulky Stuff on the Plane

Flying with boots, a hoodie, or jacket? Wear them onboard. Save that precious suitcase space for wax and fins.

📦 4. Use Compression Bags

They’re a game-changer. Stuff in your clothes and squeeze the air out. More space = more surf gear.

🆘 5. Always Pack a “Surf First Aid Kit”

Include gauze, surgical tape, disinfectant, and Vaseline or pawpaw ointment. Coral cuts or fin gashes are no joke.

What NOT to Pack

Ok, leave this stuff at home:

- Expensive clothes or jewelry (you won’t wear them)
- Hair dryers (unless drying your wetsuit?)
- A zillion pairs of shoes (1 pair of sandals, 1 comfy sneaker tops)
- Anything you can easily buy locally

Be Prepared, Not Paranoid

Surf travel can throw all kinds of curveballs—missed flights, flat spells, damaged boards. But when you’re prepped and packed like a pro, you can roll with whatever the trip throws your way.

At the end of the day, that’s what surf travel is about, right? Flexibility, adventure, and chasing waves in wild new places. Packing right just gives you more time in the water and less time stressing on land.

So, zip up your board bag, toss your gear in your backpack, and head to the airport with sand in your shoes and surf on your mind.

Final Word: Pack with Passion

Every surf trip is different. Packing for a Mentawai boat trip is a lot different than packing for a Costa Rican road trip. But no matter where the swell’s taking you, preparing well is part of the journey.

Packing isn’t just about gear—it’s about peace of mind. It’s knowing that when you see that perfect set rolling in, you’re ready to paddle out with no hesitation.

So go ahead—make that checklist, double-check your fins, and get ready to chase waves across the globe.

Your next epic session is just a plane ride away.