Surf Essentials: The Ultimate Surf Trip Packing List for Beginners
Gearing up for a surf adventure and not sure what you need to pack?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this complete surfing packing list for beginners informed by my own surf adventures around the world.
Note: This list assumes that you’ll be renting your board and accompanying gear at your surf destination.
1. Rashguard (“Rashie”): Even if you’re surfing in warmer water (over 70° F / 21° C), you’ll need a “rashie” – a quick-drying, long-sleeved, and fitted shirt that offers protection from the sun and board rash. Surf camps often provide them, but I like to bring my own with at least UVP 50+ protection like this one from Roxy. I wear my bathing suit underneath it.
2. Wetsuit (if applicable): For surfing in colder water, you’ll need a wetsuit. You can buy one, but I recommend renting one at your surf camp or wherever you take lessons. These are bulky and can take up a lot of space in your luggage, and when surfing in cold water, a wetsuit is often included with board rental since the water is too chilly to surf without it.
3. Zinc Sunscreen: As someone prone to painful sunburns and tans that fade too fast, the discovery of zinc sunscreen for surfers was a game changer for me. My favorite brand is Suntribe, which lasts forever in the water and is reef safe. (Read my full article on skin protection while surfing here).
4. Reef booties: I bought these for my first surf camp in the Dominican Republic to protect my feet from spiky sea urchins and never stopped wearing them for surf sessions. I love that they protect my feet from rocky reefs, sea creatures, and the sun. I use this pair from O’Neill – I like the split toe for improved balance and they aren’t too thick. These are made for warm water, but I’ve occasionally used them in the chilly Atlantic waves in the summer time.
5. Surf leggings: These are fast drying athletic tights that women (and men) can wear while surfing. These not only offer excellent sun protection, but also protect from chafing and board rash. They no longer make my favorite pair from Roxy, but you can find lots of options with a quick Google search. If you don’t want to wear leggings, longer board shorts are a great option as well.
6. Surf hat: I’m obsessed with my surf hat from Dakine. It offers excellent sun protection for my face and neck, clips on securely under my chin, and even has a little storage area at the top that I’ve never actually used. I’ve seen other people lose their hats in the surf, but this Dakine hat is a keeper.
7. Swimsuit: Perhaps goes without saying, but this is critical not only for wearing underneath your rashie while surfing but also for beach time and pool time post surf. For the ladies, I recommend bringing a one piece bathing suit for surfing.
8. Quick dry towel or surf poncho: I always pack this quick dry towel from Amazon, but discovered surf ponchos (like these ones from Slowtide) on my last trip to Bali (sort of like the towel version of a Snuggie, the blanket with sleeves – and these are also great for changing out of your wetsuit). I haven’t purchased one yet, but I’m strongly considering it for my next surf trip!
9. Small dry bag or backpack: For beach outings, it’s helpful to have a small pack where you can store your towel, a little money, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, your change of clothes, and anything else you may need when you venture out to your surf session.
10. Other items to consider:
- Travel insurance that covers surfing: Always get travel insurance and make sure the policy includes surfing. My favorite is Safety Wing, which I use for my everyday travel. They cover surfing if you’re adequately supervised and wear appropriate safety equipment at all times. World Nomads’ insurance is pricier, but their Explorer Plan ensures you’re fully covered when it comes to more extreme sports like surfing and it doesn’t have as many coverage restrictions.
- Go Pro: Have a Go Pro? Get your instructors to take some shots of you on the water!
- Soft padded surf helmet: I know some surfers who wear soft padded helmets for safety purposes. I bought one from Gamebreaker a couple years ago and have never worn mine, but they’re great if you’re worried about safety and want some added protection.
Want to learn more about surf destinations for beginners around the world? Check out my posts here.
