Surf Trip Packing Guide

Over the years, we’ve been through it all on our surf trips. We’ve made bad packing choices, broken our boards, gotten in trouble with customs, had things stolen, and everything in between. But we’ve also had a lot of trips that were smooth sailing – and that’s because we learned, grew, and gathered the experience. Essentially it comes down to a couple of tips and tricks and having a well-thought-out checklist, instead of winging it like we used to do. So here’s your ultimate guide to packing for an epic surf trip. 


Where are you going? 
First things first, you can’t pack without knowing as much about your destination as possible. Do some research, ask some credible sources, and get the inside scoop from locals. The questions you’ll want to consider are: 

- What is your level of surfing? 
- What’s the weather like? Are you heading to a winter wonderland? The tropics? Or somewhere where the air temperature is warm, but the water is cold? 
- What is the water temperature like the time of year you’ll be planning to go there? 
- What kind of waves and breaks will you be surfing & how does this match or not match what’s in your quiver? 
- Are you flying & is it a long or short haul flight? Or is it a road trip with plenty of extra space in your car? 

The Gear to Pack 
We’re going to cover the gear in this post, just to be clear. Not what clothes you bring. But for the record, we also have some pretty cool apparel to add to your surf-inspired wardrobe. 

Surfboards
Needless to say, ask yourself first what kind of boards you normally ride. This will probably depend on what level you are and it also depends on location. Are you heading to a break notorious for longboarders? Or are the waves steep and barreling? Can the spot handle a board that’s a bit more versatile, like a fish? Pick the board that's right for your destination.

Boardbags 
When choosing which boards to bring, having the right boardbag is crucial. This can determine what kind and how many boards you can bring. Ideally, we’d all love to pack a board for each kind of condition, but that isn’t realistic. A boardbag like the Saga fits up to two boards and has compression zippers. For long haul destinations, we usually bring at least two boards with us, to have options that cover multiple conditions. Road trips would allow for more boards to be packed in the car. 

An important note on boardbags is that you need to invest in one with proper protection and padding. Otherwise, your boards will end up dinged and needing repair on the other side of your flight. Mystic boardbags offer comprehensive protection with a ton of nifty features that make traveling with them a breeze. They’re also not too bulky, boasting a unique technology that offers max protection at minimal weight, like the inflatable Helium boardbag. 

Wetsuits & Performance Swimwear
Are you heading to cold or warm waters? For colder waters, bring your full wetsuit. For slightly warmer waters, a shorty or spring suit works well. Adhere to the water temperature key below to choose the right thickness of neoprene. For tropical waters, a rashguard should be enough – they protect from wind, sun, surf rash, and sometimes even jellyfish. If you’re not feeling a rashguard or want a little more extra warmth, you can also go for 1mm or 2mm neoprene tops like the Majestic as an extra layer of warmth. Here’s your key to packing the perfect waterwear:

- <2mm: 20+ degrees Celsius 

- 3/2mm: 13-15+ degrees Celsius 
- 4/3mm: 11-15 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood optional 
- 5/3mm: 12-8 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood recommended 
- >5/4mm: <8 degrees Celsius; boots, gloves and hood highly recommended 

Boots & Gloves 
If you're heading to a destination with waters colder than about 12 degrees Celsius, bringing boots, gloves and possibly even a hood is a must. Lightweight 3mm boots like the Roam can even be worn to protect from sharp shells, rocks, or shallow reef breaks – but don’t wear these if your destination is tropical. 

Leashes & Fins
When packing your boards, remove the leash and fins to ensure they’re stored safely, minimizing any risk of damage. Ideally, these should be placed in a separate compartment or pocket of your boardbag. Bringing extra leashes and fins is optional if you want to play it safe, but if you’re heading to a well-known surf destination, chances are high you’ll be able to get spares there. Always pack a fin key so you can screw those back on once you’ve arrived. 

Traction Pads & Wax 
Ensure your traction pad setup is properly stuck before you pack your surfboard up. As for grip, bring the right wax suited to the water temperature you’ll be surfing in. It's likely that you’ll be able to get your hands on wax at your destination but choose whether you’ll be the person with the wax that everyone borrows from, or the one who bums wax off others (there’s a right choice here). 

Repair Kit 
Be prepared for your board to take a hit during your travels, especially if you're away for a while. Board repair kits are crucial if you’re going to a place where repair services aren’t easily available. Bring a repair kit or make your own with extra resin, sandpaper, tape, and fiberglass cloth.

Surf Roofrack 
Renting a car can unlock a number of surf spots in a region, giving you more flexibility than public transport. But be ready for rentals that don’t have hard roof racks available. We always bring the Inflatable Roofrack, which is compact for travel. If you have more travel space, you might consider the classic Roofrack System. Both come in double or single options. 

Poncho
Ponchos are handy to bring for quick changes, especially on road trips. Plus, they double as an extra protective layer when stored in your boardbag. The only exception could be hot and dry climates where you dry up in seconds without a poncho, but you may still want to bring a quickdry towel. 

Personal Care Items

First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and accidents that can happen while surfing or during your travels. 

Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen and zinc are a must to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays. Look for reef-friendly and water-resistant options that can withstand prolonged exposure to water. 

Lotion 
Keeping your skin moisturized is important, especially after long hours in the saltwater and sun. A good quality lotion will help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. 

Surfears (Surf Ear Plugs) 
Protect your ears from cold water, bacteria, and other elements with surfears. These help prevent surfer's ear and ear infections, ensuring you can enjoy your trip without discomfort. 

Packing Tips 
- Prioritize Your Gear – Focus on packing the essentials first. Extra space can be used for non-essential or spare items. 
- Protect Your Boards – Use bubble wrap, foam pipe insulation, towels, wetsuits, waterwear, and clothes around the nose, tail, and rails of your board for extra protection. 
- Use Soft Bags – They are lighter and more flexible than hard cases. 
- Pack Smart – Roll your clothing to save space and prevent wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization. 

Extra Tips 

- Research Your Destination – Know the local surf etiquette, ideal conditions, tides and hazards. 
- Know Customs Regulations – Just in case, research and prepare customs regulations. Have necessary documentation, declare accurately, and follow airline transport guidelines. 
- Ensure Your Gear's Safety – Keep your gear in secure locations, such as hotel rooms or locked vehicles, and avoid leaving it unattended in public areas. Use tracking devices like Tile or Apple AirTags in your bags for added security. 
- Local Surf Shops – Check if there are shops nearby where you can rent or buy gear if needed. 
- Stay Flexible – Weather and surf conditions can change, so be prepared to adapt your plans.