5 Things You Need To Pack for Every Surf Trip

Planning a surf trip? Stoked! But before you zip up that board bag and chase the next swell, there are a few essentials you should always pack—no matter where I’m headed. I’m talking about the underrated MVPs that keep your sessions smooth, your gear safe, and your vibe high.

Because let’s be honest—forgetting wax is one thing… but forgetting reef-safe sunscreen in the tropics? Brutal.

So here’s my go-to surf trip checklist, tried and tested!

1. Mini Surf First Aid Kit

Let’s be real—reef cuts, fin gashes, and mystery bites are all part of the surf travel experience. I’ve learned (the hard way) that having a mini first aid kit saves you from running around tiny surf towns asking for iodine in broken Spanish.

Here’s what I pack in mine:

• Alcohol wipes + waterproof bandages — for cuts and scrapes
• Reef-safe antiseptic cream — stops infection before it starts
• Tweezers + small scissors — for removing sea urchin spines 😬
• A few painkillers + antihistamines — just in case (or something natural ☘️)

It barely takes up any space, but it’s saved more surf trips than I can count.

2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Last thing you want to forget? Reef-safe sunscreen. Not only is it usually crazy expensive in remote surf towns, but you’ll also end up looking like a fried chicken (or tofu, if that’s your vibe) by the end of your trip.

I always pack a zinc-based sunscreen that’s:

• Reef-safe and chemical-free — no oxybenzone or octinoxate
• Water-resistant — stays on during long sessions
• Good for sensitive skin — no stinging eyes or weird breakouts

It’s better for the ocean and better for your face. Win-win.

4. Travel-Size Surfboard Repair Kit

Dings happen. Maybe it’s from airline baggage handlers, maybe it’s from reef—or maybe it’s from you dropping your board off the hostel balcony (no judgment).

Either way, a travel-size repair kit can save your session and your board.

What I pack:

• Sun-cure resin — quick-fix magic that hardens fast in the sun
• Sandpaper — to smooth out rough patches
• A small rag or cloth — to clean the ding before patching

It’s not a long-term fix, but it’ll keep your board watertight until you’re back home or find a local ding doctor.

4. A Good Pair of Surf Earplugs

Not the sexiest piece of gear, I know—but these little things can save you a lot of trouble down the line. If you’re surfing in colder water or duck-diving a lot, earplugs are a must to prevent surfer’s ear (yep, it’s a real thing—and it can lead to surgery).

I always pack a pair that are:

• Reusable and comfy — no weird pressure or muffled sound
• Secure-fitting — so I’m not digging in the sand looking for them
• Designed for surfers — like SurfEars or similar brands

You’ll barely notice them when you’re paddling out, but you’ll be stoked when you still have full hearing and zero ear infections after a long trip.

5. Multi-Purpose Microfiber Towel

I never travel without this. It’s not just a towel—it’s a beach blanket, a makeshift changing mat, a cover for my board in the sun, and even a light blanket on sketchy buses or airport layovers.

Why I love it:

• Fast-drying — no soggy towel stinking up your board bag
• Compact & lightweight — takes up no space
• Sand shakes right off — unlike regular beach towels

Grab one in a fun color so you don’t lose it at the hostel. You’ll use it daily, whether you’re drying off after a sunrise session or hiding from the mid-day sun under a palm tree.

Conclusion

Planning a surf trip can get hectic, but packing smart makes a world of difference. These five essentials—plus a little bit of prep—can mean the difference between scoring perfect waves or scrambling to fix gear, treat a cut, or avoid a full-body sunburn.

By bringing these surf travel must-haves, surfers can spend more time in the water and less time stressing on land. Whether it’s their first trip or their fiftieth, having a solid surf packing list ensures they’re ready for whatever the ocean throws their way.