5 Must Have Surf Travel Apps For Easy Surf Trips in 2024
Surf’s up. Can you see it on your phone? If you don’t know yet, you can track wave forecasts on your phone, and you don’t need to be an expert to understand them!
These days, there’s an app for everything. As surfers and travelers, we need to know how to use these apps to our advantage.
Surf travel can be a bit tricky, but if you’re following my tips and tricks on this blog, you’ll be fine!
In this post, I’ll cover 5 surf travel apps every surfer must have on their phone. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert, trust that they’ll come really handy when you need them.
So open the App Store or Play Store on whatever device you use, and let’s get you these apps to make your next surfing trip as easy as catching the white water with an 8-foot foamy!
No time to read? Here are the key takeaways!
- Best for wave forecasting- Surfline
- Best for wind and weather conditions- Windy
- Best for tracking your progress- Dawn Patrol
- Best for staying in shape- Surfstrengthcoach
- Best for traveling to surf spots- Skyscanner
Popular Surf Travel Apps
Back in the day, if you wanted to know the wave condition, you’d hop in the car to go for a wave check or listen to a random guy on the radio making a claim.
While I didn’t experience this as a surfer, I surely heard it a lot from older surfers I met across the world.
Today, you can literally check the wave charts, tides, winds, and even live cameras, all from the comfort of your bed.
Here are the best surf travel apps every surfer should have in his phone
SET WAVE! App prices are subject to change by the companies mentioned below. This is in no way a garenty price! Please refer to official websites for final prices.
P.S. I’ll do my best to keep them updated 🤙
1- Surfline
If you’re not familiar with Surfline, you’ve probably been stranded on a desert island or just started your surfing journey.
Either way, Surfline is THE BEST surfing forecast app out there, hands down!
With the Surfline app, you can check the waves, tides, and weather before heading out, so you always know what to expect.
The app also includes features like spot guides, which provide information about local breaks, helping you discover new spots.
The community reports (in some spots around the world) are also super handy, giving you insights from other surfers in real time.
Surfline Pros
Surfline Cons
Free Version
$99.99 / Month
2- Windy
Windy is a fantastic app for tracking wind and weather conditions, which is crucial for any surfer.
It provides detailed wind maps, wave forecasts, and weather conditions to help you plan your surf sessions perfectly.
With Windy, you can visualize the wind patterns, track storm systems, and, my personal favorite, track no-wind zones for those glassy sessions.
The app’s high-resolution maps and multiple layers of data make it a valuable tool for any surfer looking to catch the best waves.
The Windy app interface is a bit complex, especially for a first-timer. The colors, different measures, and maps can all be a bit overwhelming. I suggest focusing on one map at a time and trying to learn it before checking other maps.
Windy Pros
Windy Cons
Free Version
$32.99/ Year
3. Dawn Patrol
Dawn Patrol is your go-to app for tracking your surf sessions.
It uses GPS to record your waves, analyze your performance, and even let you log your progress over time.
Unfortunately, I never tried it as I’m not an iPhone user; oh yeah, I should have mentioned it’s ONLY compatible with your Apple watch. But I heard a lot of good feedback from fellow surfers.
The app also includes features like wave count, ride distance, and top speed, which give users detailed insights into their surfing performance.
You can also share your sessions with friends and compare your stats.
Dawn Patrol Pros
Dawn Patrol Cons
Free Version
$27.49/ Year
4- Surf Strength Coach
Surf Strength Coach is perfect for surfers looking to improve their skills and fitness. B
The app provides personalized training plans, surf-specific workouts, and helpful tutorials. It’s like having a personal surf coach right in your pocket, helping you get better and stronger.
There are many programs to choose from; improve your technique, get fearless with a breathwork program, or surf skate for those flat days. I should say a lot of these programs are premium-only.
Additionally, they’ll be introducing a surfers’ nutrition program soon. So you can literally get everything you need to be the best surfer version of yourself, and it’s all in your pocket.
SSC Pros
SSC Cons
Free Version
$57-$97/ Year
5- Skyscanner
While Skyscanner is not a surfing app, it’s the best place to find affordable flights to your next surf trip! You can also find good deals on hotels and car rentals.
With Skyscanner, you can compare prices, set up price alerts, and book your travel all in one place, making trip planning a breeze.
The app’s flexible search options allow you to find the cheapest days to fly and explore destinations by budget, helping you save money on your trips.
Pro Tip:
Always open the incognito tab on your browser when searching for flights. Plus, if you’re flexible, search from your nearest airport to “Everywhere” on Skyscanner to find the best deals!
Plus, the user reviews and ratings for airlines and hotels provide valuable insights for making informed decisions.
Skyscanner Pros
Skyscanner Cons
Free Version
No subscription needed
Conclusion
Having the right apps on your phone can make a huge difference in your surfing experience.
From checking real-time surf conditions with Surfline to understanding wind patterns with Windy, these tools keep you informed and ready to catch the best waves.
Dawn Patrol helps you track your progress and improve, while Surf Strength Coach offers personalized training to boost your skills and fitness. And when it comes to planning your next surf trip, Skyscanner ensures you get the best deals on travel.
By integrating these apps into your routine, you’ll enhance your surfing skills and make smarter decisions about when and where to surf.
So download these apps, hit the waves, and take your surfing adventures to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these apps for any surf spot worldwide?
Yes, apps like Surfline and Windy cover surf spots globally. However, the availability and accuracy of data can vary depending on the location.
Are there any hidden fees in Skyscanner deals?
Skyscanner itself doesn’t charge fees, but some deals from airlines or travel agencies might have hidden costs. Always double-check the final price before booking.
Do these apps drain battery quickly?
Apps using GPS, like Dawn Patrol, can drain your battery faster. If you plan on using them for extended periods, it’s a good idea to have a portable charger.
How do I get started with these apps?
Simply download the apps from your device’s app store, create an account if necessary, and start exploring the features. Most apps offer tutorials or guides to help you get started.