Are you planning a surf trip this year? Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, braving the icy waters of a northern coast, or embarking on a road trip to explore new surf potential, being prepared is key.
That’s where we come in. For over two decades, we’ve tried, tested, and curated the world’s best surf products to help upgrade your surfing experience. Travel is perhaps the essence of surfing: it brings you adventure, freedom, novelty, and challenge. Surfing adventures take you to diverse locations, each with unique challenges and opportunities from culture to terrain and climate.
From ensuring you have the right gear to capture those perfect moments to protecting yourself from the elements, being well-prepared can make the difference between fun and failure. We’ve been on the wrong side of surf trips: sunburnt, lacking wax or photography gear, covered in mosquito bites, and with the wrong board for the conditions.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of essentials every surfer needs for their next adventure.
Table of Contents
Backpack
A reliable adventure backpack is a cornerstone of any surf trip. It keeps your gear organized and ensures you can carry everything comfortably. We use this for camera gear on our trips!
Why it’s essential: Keeps your wet and dry gear organized and easy to carry. No more fumbling around for that elusive item at the bottom of your bag.
Key features: Look for waterproof materials, wet/dry compartments, and comfortable, adjustable straps. These features help protect your belongings and make the backpack versatile for various conditions.
Top pick: Orca Explorer Backpack. Known for its durability and ample storage space, it’s perfect for keeping your gear safe and organized.
With spacious compartments, including a dedicated slot for your laptop and a waterproof bag for your wetsuits, you’ll have everything you need neatly packed and easily accessible. Smaller essentials, such as sunglasses or fins, find their perfect place in additional compartments, while built-in toiletry storage keeps your surfboard wax and sunscreen within easy reach. Plus, with handy straps at the bottom, you can effortlessly carry an extra layer, like a cotton poncho towel, for those unpredictable weather changes.
Traveling? No problem! The Explorer Backpack meets the dimensions of carry-on luggage for most airlines, ensuring a hassle-free experience wherever your adventures take you.
Waterproof Camera
Capturing your surf adventures is a must, and a waterproof camera ensures you can document every moment without worrying about water damage.
Why it’s essential: Captures your best surf moments without worrying about water damage. Create lasting memories and share your experiences with friends and family.
Key features: Durability, high-quality video and photo capabilities, ease of use. You want a camera that’s tough enough for the surf and intuitive enough to use on the go.
Top pick: Insta360 Ace Pro. With its excellent image stabilization and high-resolution capabilities, it’s a favorite among surfers for capturing epic waves and beautiful coastal scenery.
Insta360 Ace Pro Review on Surfd.
Surf Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harsh glare is crucial while surfing. A good pair of surf sunglasses will enhance your visibility and protect your eyes.
Why it’s essential: It reduces glare and protects your eyes from UV rays while surfing, which is essential for both comfort and eye health.
Key features: Polarized lenses, secure fit, impact resistance. Ensure they stay on and provide clear vision even in bright sunlight.
Top pick: Ombraz Classic. These sunglasses are not only stylish but also designed to stay put during intense activities, making them perfect for surfing.
Zinc Sunblock
Spending long hours in the sun demands reliable sun protection. Zinc-based sunblock offers robust protection against harmful UV rays.
Why it’s essential: It provides long-lasting protection from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn and skin damage, allowing you to stay out in the sun longer.
Key features: Water resistance, broad-spectrum protection, natural ingredients. Opt for a sunblock that’s safe for both you and the environment.
Top pick: This Way Line Up Surf Block SPF 50. This natural, reef-safe formula is free of harmful chemicals and toxins, providing you with sustainable and safe sun protection for your skin. Formulated with a subtle tint that adapts to your skin, this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. No need to look like a white ghost anymore!
Containing the minerals zinc and titanium dioxide, This Way Line Up Surf Block SPF50 offers broad-spectrum sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
Surf Wax
Good surf wax is essential for maintaining grip on your board, ensuring you can perform at your best on the waves.
Why it’s essential: Ensures grip and traction on your surfboard. Essential for stability and control.
Key features: Suitable for different water temperatures, easy application. Choose the right wax for the conditions you’ll be surfing in.
Top pick: Sex Wax. A classic choice known for its reliable grip and variety for different water temperatures.
Surfboard
Your surfboard is the most critical piece of equipment. It is essential to choose the right one for your skill level and the conditions.
Why it’s essential: The core piece of equipment for any surfer. A good surfboard is tailored to your style and the waves you ride.
Key features: Size and shape suited to your skill level and the type of waves you’re surfing. The right board can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment.
Top pick: Rob Machado x Firewire Surfboards MACHADOCADO. Known for their innovative designs and performance, Firewire boards are a great choice for surfers of all levels.
The latest result of Rob’s journey is the MACHADOCADO, a board inspired by none other than Rob’s favorite breakfast fruit: the avocado. “I’ve been captivated by how perfectly proportioned avocados look,” Rob says. “That inspired me to design the MACHADOCADO—it’s really wide for its length, just like an avocado.”
Crafted with Firewire Surfboards’ HELIUM TECHNOLOGY, the MACHADOCADO boasts an engineered blank that uses wood in the rail from nose to tail to optimize flex and response. It’s built to generate speed even in weak waves, all without sacrificing drive or control.
Poncho Towel
Changing in and out of your wetsuit can be a hassle, especially on crowded beaches. A poncho towel offers convenience, privacy, and comfort.
Why it’s essential: It makes changing in and out of your wetsuit easy and private, providing comfort, convenience, and smoother transitions between water and land.
Key features: Quick-drying, absorbent material, roomy fit. Ensures you stay warm and comfortable after your surf session.
Top pick: Volcom X Matador Packbale Beach Poncho. Combining Volcom’s heritage in the surf community with Matador’s expertise in lightweight travel, this poncho is designed for comfort and functionality. It’s ultralight, absorbs 2.3x its weight in water, quick-drying, and features a hidden zipper pocket for keys/phone that inverts into a storage bag. The hood with drawstring and snap button collar, along with a kangaroo pocket with a hidden passthrough for changing, make it ideal for surf adventures.
Waterproof Mat
A waterproof mat provides a clean surface to change or organize your gear, especially on sandy or rocky beaches. It’s also perfect for enjoying an outdoor picnic near your favorite surf spot.
Why it’s essential: Provides a clean surface for changing or organizing your gear. Keeps your belongings sand-free and organized.
Key features: Durability, water resistance, easy to clean. A practical addition to your surf kit.
Top pick: Rumpl Everywhere Mat. The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is the ultimate solution for staying comfortable and dry, no matter where your adventures take you. Designed with a 5K laminated waterproof underside, this ultra-packable mat is perfect for the beach, pool, or backyard.
Just because you’re packing light doesn’t mean you have to settle for a muddy seat. The Everywhere Mat features a super soft, DWR-treated faux suede top that provides a cozy spot to relax, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your surroundings in comfort.
The paracord edge loops make it easy to stake down the mat, keeping it securely in place. The mat also packs into its attached carrying case, making it incredibly easy to take on the go.
Surf Hat
A surf hat protects your face and neck from the sun, helping you stay comfortable and safe during long sessions.
Why it’s essential: Protects your face and neck from the sun while surfing. Reduces the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Key features: Wide brim, secure fit, quick-drying material. Stays on during surf sessions and dries quickly.
Top pick: Kaiola Surf Hat. This technical surf bucket hat combines style with performance. With a re-enforced brim to ensure full lateral vision, it offers 360º sun protection and withstands extreme surf conditions. Suitable for all water sports, it’s designed for the best fit and comfort so you can focus on catching waves.
Kaiola Surf Hat Review on Surfd.
Boardshorts
Boardshorts are essential for warm-weather surfing, offering comfort and flexibility.
Why it’s essential: Provides comfort and flexibility in warm weather. Essential for comfort and performance.
Key features: Quick-drying, stretchy material. The right gear can make a big difference in your surfing experience.
Top pick: Outerknown APEX Trunks by Kelly Slater. Known for their quality and performance, these boardshorts are a must-have for any surfer.
Outerknown Apex Trunks Review on Surfd.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit is crucial for staying warm in colder water, allowing you to surf longer without discomfort. In New Zealand, summer water temperatures can vary: around 15.6°C in the South Island and 19°C in the North Island. Therefore, a 3/2 wetsuit is essential for your adventure trip.
Why it’s essential: Keeps you warm in cold water. Essential for comfort and safety.
Key features: Suit thickness, flexibility, and durability. Choose a wetsuit that matches the conditions you’ll be surfing in.
Top pick: Xcel Comp X Wetsuit. Renowned for its quality and performance, this wetsuit ensures you stay warm and flexible in the water.
Xcel Comp X Review on Surfd.
Wax & Fin Tool
A fin tool is handy for adjusting or removing fins and brushing wax off your board.
Why it’s essential: This all-in-one tool allows for easy fin adjustments and efficient wax maintenance, keeping your surfboard in top condition and ensuring optimal performance.
Key features: A multi-tool for removing fins and brushing wax. Keeps your board in top condition and allows for quick adjustments. Fin removal & installation tool, compatible with FCS II fin system, wax removal scraper with flat and curved surfaces, integrated wax comb, ergonomic design, lightweight and compact
Top pick: Surflogic Wax & FCS Fin Tool. A versatile and durable tool that every surfer should have.
Surfboard Fins
High-quality fins enhance your board’s performance and stability, allowing for better control and maneuverability.
Why it’s essential: High-quality fins allow for easy adjustments and efficient wax maintenance, keeping your surfboard in top condition and ensuring optimal performance.
Key features: Ideal for hollow waves and critical pockets, or for those who prefer a tight pivot.
Top pick: Slater Designs ENDORFINS KS1. Designed by 11x World Champ Kelly Slater, this upright fin set offers incredible pivot. Single Tab variants are compatible with Futures’ fin system.
Leash
A good leash ensures your board stays attached to you, preventing it from drifting away and keeping you safe.
Why it’s essential: Keeps your surfboard attached to you, preventing it from drifting away. Essential for safety and convenience.
Key features: Strong, durable material, comfortable ankle cuff. Reliable and comfortable for long sessions.
Top pick: FCS Competition Essential Leash. Trusted for its strength and comfort.
Repair Kit
A repair kit allows you to fix dings and minor damages to your board on the go, ensuring you don’t miss out on surf time.
Why it’s essential: Fixes dings and minor damages to your board on the go. Keeps your board in top shape and ready for action.
Key features: Easy to use, portable. A must-have for any surf trip.
Top pick: Dura Resin Phix Doctor Drifter Travel Mini Ding Kit. Compact and easy to use, it’s perfect for quick fixes.
Surfboard Bag
A surfboard bag protects your board during transport and storage, preventing dings and scratches.
Why it’s essential: Protects your surfboard during transport and storage. Keeps your board safe from damage.
Key features: Padded, durable material, fits your board size. Essential for travel and storage.
Top pick: Dakine Recon Double Surfboard Bag. Known for its durability and protective features.
First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit is crucial for treating minor injuries and ailments that can occur during your surf adventures.
Why it’s essential: It allows you to address minor cuts, scrapes, and other injuries quickly, which is essential for safety and peace of mind.
Key features: Compact, waterproof case, includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies. Ensure it’s easy to carry and fully stocked for common surf-related injuries.
Top pick: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7. Known for its comprehensive selection of supplies in a compact, waterproof package, it’s ideal for surfers on the go.
Conclusion
Preparing for a surf trip involves more than just packing your board and hitting the road. With the right gear, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and stoke-inducing surfing experience.