A surf trip is one of the best adventures you can have — new waves, new friends, salty hair and sunsets every evening. It is also easy to overpack the wrong things and forget the essentials. After many trips, this is the checklist we actually use. Adapt it to your destination, and save it for next time.

Before you pack: research

  • Water temperature — decides which wetsuit you need. Our Wetsuit Finder helps.
  • Reef or sand bottom — reef means reef boots and a first aid kit for cuts.
  • Board rental options — can you rent a good board locally?
  • Airline sports equipment policy — size limits, weight limits and fees.
  • Local culture — some destinations expect modest clothing away from the beach.

Boards and hardware

  • Surfboard(s) in a padded travel bag
  • Fins and a fin key (pack them in your hand luggage or a separate pouch)
  • Spare leash — leashes snap at the worst possible moment
  • Wax for the local water temperature and a wax comb — see our Softboard Wax Duo
  • Ding repair kit (solar-cure resin is travel friendly)
  • Soft racks or tie-down straps for rental cars
Packing a board to fly: remove the fins, wrap the nose and tail with foam pipe insulation, add a layer of bubble wrap on the rails, and use your towels and wetsuit as extra padding inside the bag. Write your phone number and email on a tag inside the bag.

Wetsuits and swimwear

Warm water

  • 2–3 surf bikinis or one-pieces that stay put (rotate them so they dry)
  • Long-sleeve rash guard and swim leggings for sun protection
  • Long-sleeve shorty for windy mornings — like the ION Amaze Shorty 2.0
  • Reef boots if you surf over rock or coral
  • Surf cap with chin strap

Cold water

  • Full suit in the right thickness (4/3 or 5/4 mm), ideally two if you surf twice a day
  • Boots, gloves and hood — see the Prolimit gloves for mild conditions
  • Changing poncho or robe
  • Thermal base layer and warm hat for after the session
  • Wetsuit hanger and a large waterproof bag
Classic surf van with surfboards on the roof
The dream: a van, a few boards and a coastline to explore.

Clothes

  • Light, quick-drying shorts, skirts and dresses
  • 2–3 tops and a long-sleeve linen or UV shirt
  • One warm fleece or hoodie — evenings on the coast get cool
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • One "nice" outfit for a dinner out
  • Comfortable underwear and a sports bra for travel days
  • Flip-flops plus trainers or sandals for walking
  • Sunglasses with a strap and a wide-brim hat

Toiletries and skin care

  • Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50 and a zinc face stick
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • After-sun or aloe vera gel
  • Sulphate-free shampoo, rich conditioner and a leave-in spray
  • Wide-tooth comb, hair ties and a silk scrunchie
  • Gentle cleanser and moisturiser
  • Menstrual cup, period swimwear or your preferred products — they can be hard to find in remote surf towns
  • Insect repellent
  • Ear drops for swimmer's ear and earplugs (for surfing and for noisy hostels)

More details in our surf skincare guide.

First aid kit

  • Waterproof plasters and blister pads
  • Antiseptic spray or wipes (especially for reef cuts)
  • Sterile gauze and tape
  • Tweezers for urchin spines and splinters
  • Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
  • Rehydration sachets
  • Any personal medication, with a copy of the prescription

Tech and documents

  • Passport, visas, driving licence and travel insurance that covers surfing
  • Copies of documents stored offline on your phone
  • Waterproof phone pouch and a small dry bag
  • Power bank, universal adapter and chargers
  • Headlamp for dawn patrols
  • Offline maps and a surf forecast app
  • Small padlock for hostel lockers

Your daily beach bag

  • Quick-dry towel — our microfiber surf towel packs down tiny and does not hold sand
  • Refillable water bottle and snacks
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Wax and a fin key
  • Waterproof key pouch
  • Light cover-up or dress

Packing hacks we love

  1. Roll, don't fold. Rolled clothes take less space and double as board padding.
  2. Packing cubes by category. One for swimwear, one for clothes, one for toiletries — makes living out of a bag much easier.
  3. Carry-on essentials. Keep one swimsuit, sunscreen and a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case your bag arrives late.
  4. Solid toiletries. Shampoo and conditioner bars avoid leaks and liquid limits.
  5. A mesh bag for wet gear lets things dry while you travel.

Safety for solo female surf travellers

Travelling alone as a woman is empowering and, in most surf destinations, very safe with a few precautions. Share your itinerary with someone at home, choose well-reviewed accommodation, arrive in a new place during daylight, and ask local surf schools or shops about which spots are appropriate for your level. Never surf alone at an unfamiliar break — surf with others or where lifeguards are present. And trust your instincts, in and out of the water.

What to leave at home

Heavy cotton towels, too many shoes, expensive jewellery and more than one "just in case" outfit. You will live in a swimsuit, shorts and a hoodie — and that is exactly the point.

Frequently asked questions

For trips of a week or more to a spot with good waves, your own board is usually worth the airline fee. For short trips, beginner holidays or destinations with good rental shops, renting is easier.

Use a padded travel bag, remove the fins, wrap the nose, tail and rails with pipe insulation or clothes, and check your airline's sports equipment policy and fee before booking.

Enough hair care and a spare swimsuit. Salt water, sun and constant wear mean a second suit and a good conditioner make a huge difference on a long trip.

Yes. Make sure your policy explicitly covers surfing and other water sports, medical evacuation and sports equipment.

ES
Written by the equipsurfsale Surf Journal team

We are a small team of women surfers, coaches and gear nerds. We test what we sell and write the guides we wish we had when we started. Questions? Write to us.