Last Updated on August 2, 2024
Surfing holidays are ideal for adrenaline junkies looking to catch their next biggest wave. However, if this is your first time going on one, you may not know what you need. Here is everything you need to pack, from surf socks to gear, as well as a few tips you should remember.
Surfboard
While a surfboard isn’t necessary for a surfing holiday, as surfboard rental stores are very common in beachside towns, you may still want to take your own. Surfboards are also far easier to travel with than you may think.
It is also essential to ensure that it has features that make it easier to use; for instance, a grip pad is great if you use surf boots as it means better overall control.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit is another necessity, and not one you want to end up renting. The fit of a wetsuit is important, not only for comfort, but also for warmth. Therefore, packing a wetsuit that fits you perfectly is a must.
Warm
If you are surfing somewhere warmer with warmer water, any style of wetsuit will work well. While a full-body one is common, you can also get one that has short sleeves and legs, which could also be better for drying and staying cool.
Cold
On the other hand, for cold-water surfing, you need a full-body wetsuit designed for colder conditions. Without something that provides a warm and dry layer between you and the water, you can very easily reach the boundaries of hypothermia.
Rashguard & Boardshorts
If a wetsuit isn’t for you, or something that isn’t necessary, you can wear a rashguard and board shorts. A rashguard is designed to protect your torso against the wear and tear of lying on and sliding on the rough surface of a surfboard.
Boardshorts are fairly self-explanatory; they are designed to protect you against rash, like a rashguard, and are made from quick-drying materials. This also helps prevent you from getting sick, as wearing wet clothing for too long can lower your immune system.
Accessories
A couple of accessories you should remember include surf wax and a leash. There isn’t a “best” surf wax, as it will depend on your needs and preferences. However, if you do have a favourite, you should pack it and not assume you will be able to buy it at your destination.
A leash is another necessary accessory, and while most surfboards have one attached to it already, if not, it is time to get one. They are used to keep your board from being swept away, and to stop it from being swept into other surfers and swimmers.
Reef Booties
There are few things that will ruin your surf holiday faster than stepping into the ocean and immediately tearing your feet up on exposed reefs, rocks, etc. Considering how common these hurdles are, you need to be prepared.
A simple pair of reef booties will protect your feet when you’re out in the water and keep them safe no matter where you go. While you still need to be aware of your surroundings and where you step, this extra layer will give you the best chance of keeping your feet injury-free.
Surf Earplugs
Another small but incredibly useful item is a pair of surf earplugs. Getting water in your ears or ear infections are not only ultra uncomfortable, but can also stop your surf day dead in its tracks.
Surf earplugs stop water from getting in your ears, while still allowing you to hear. They are a small thing that is often overlooked by many surfers, but you will be glad you packed them when your ears remain in perfect condition throughout your trip.
Sunscreen
Finally, you shouldn’t be going anywhere near the beach without a bottle of strong sunscreen. Especially when surfing, you are exposed to the sun, and the immense amount of glare from the water.
Surfing Holiday Tips
Now that you know what you have to pack, here are a few things to remember before heading off on your first surfing holiday.
Travel Insurance
Considering surfing can be dangerous, and borderline life-threatening depending on where you surf, you shouldn’t step foot on the plane or in the ocean until you have travel insurance. No matter how good you are at surfing, you never know what could happen.
It is also necessary to have a couple of emergency contacts in the country you are in. Considering time differences can make it hard to contact friends or family back home, having the contact information for someone at your destination is helpful.
Understand the Weather
Secondly, make the effort to study and learn about the weather patterns of your destination. Areas such as Southeast Asia are incredible surfing spots, but the weather in these areas can be very unpredictable and dangerous.
Therefore, research the weather history for the destination, as well as what you can expect. This is particularly important if you are going somewhere more remote and you aren’t able to speak to locals due to a language barrier.
Research the Surf Spot
You also need to research the surf spots you want to visit. It is important to understand the size of the waves it gets, the skill level, any hazards that may be around, etc. While the more obvious points are easy to find, it is more about knowing the details that only locals may know.
This also expands to factors such as wildlife that call the area home. Is it an area frequented by sharks? Do large groups of jellyfish move through the area regularly? All these details are important to know.
Learn The Local Lingo
Finally, learn a little bit of the local lingo if you are travelling somewhere that doesn’t speak English. Not every beach or surf spot is going to have lifeguards or spotters, and therefore, you need to know if there is any danger around.
For example, knowing the word for “shark,” “storm,” or warnings like “get out” or “emergency” can all be very useful to understand and say yourself in the event you need help or access to emergency services.
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