How to Pack for a Tropical Surf Getaway

You could use a break from work. From cold seas and 5mm of neoprene. You booked a trip and you’re going somewhere tropical. Where the beer flows like wine and…just kidding. It’s probably Central America. Or, perhaps an island in the Indian Ocean. Doesn’t really matter. But if you’re wondering what to pack: here’s a useful how-to.

The Essentials

Sunscreen: SPF 50, and some hardcore block like Vertra or another face-stick. Sure, this is a no-brainer, but if you’re coming from somewhere wintry or where a wetsuit is worn, that bright equatorial sun can be jarring and a gnarly sunburn could out you out of the water for a couple days.

Rashguard/Wetsuit Jacket: Again, belly protection AND sun protection. Hooded rashguards are pretty handy, too for ultimate protection between sets or walking out on lowtide reef.

Surfboards: If you’re particular about your gear, then we’d recommend bringing two. Your standard, everyday shortboard/whatever shape, and a backup (or, step-up if you expect larger swell). If you’re not particular about riding your own equipment, most places have boards for rent and in places like Bali or South Africa…you could just buy a great board in a shop there.

Leash: Bring a new one, not some old suspect one, and stretch it out a little beforehand to get the kinks out.

Swimsuit/Boardshorts: A pair or two will do, you’ll mostly be living in them the entire time, and if you could bring a pair or two for a local or guide (size 32), that’s good-form.

Wax: In many countries, especially more remote locales, surf wax isn’t always a guaranteed find. Let alone a surf shop. BYO wax, my friend. A few bars of warm water formula, and if you’ve got the room, a few extra bars to leave with the locals.

Fins: Whether Futures or FCS—bring an extra pair. Also, since fins weigh a little extra, stuff them in your carry-on to relieve weight off your boardbag. Surfing onto reef can chew up your fins too, so an extra pair is always handy. Bring multiple fin-keys just in case!

First Aid Kit: Falling on live reef is no fun. But even less fun is when a cut, or even simple mosquito bite gets infected. You could bring/make your own small kit (most ingredients of which you can find at any pharmacy in your destination), or bring a bottle of BLDG Active Skin Repair spray/gel. Travel-size and works wonders. Keep your cuts covered.

Wet/Dry Bag: Not a huge one. Like, 10-20L. For boats, hiking to waterfalls, or trekking to obscure waves in the rain, a simple roll-top dry bag is key.

Sandals/flip flops: It’s the tropics. Let those piggly wigglies breathe.

What to Avoid

• OVER-packing. The beauty of going on a surf trip to some place warm is not having to pack much. Really, unless you plan to give a bit of stuff away, see how little you can pack.
• Craming everything into your board bag so that your carry-on is light. Keep that board bag under 50lbs. Repacking in the middle of a ticket counter line is NOT fun and just plain tacky.
• Packing more than 3 boards. It’s just not necessary, unless you surf at an expert level. Plus, a bulky, heavy board bag is cumbersome and makes travel rough.
• Bringing home more than you brought. Leave stuff (especially surf stuff) with locals or friends you’ve made there. Those gestures go a long way.