Surf travel is one of the great joys of surfing in the modern world. Those who partake also know it’s so much more than just the waves you chase on these trips – it’s about the journey, the culture, and the stories you bring home.
If we’re going to be honest though, traveling as a surfer can be super stressful at times. From tracking down wax in a third-world country, trying to figure out how to repair a wetsuit on a remote beach, and deciphering weather forecasts all the while navigating transportation, local customs, and the unexpected yet inevitable detours; it can get overwhelming quickly if you aren’t careful.
But fear not folks; we’ve got some quick tips to help you score waves and have smooth (somewhat) experiences on the road without the unnecessary headaches that come with being unprepared.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Not all surf trips are created equal. Your dream destination depends on your skill level, goals, and, of course, timing.
Match Your Skill Level: If you’re still learning, do not head straight to Pipeline or Teahupo’o; you’re just going to get overwhelmed at best or forced out of the lineup at worst. Look for beginner-friendly waves like Waikiki in Hawaii or Weligama in Sri Lanka. For intermediates, Indonesia or Costa Rica offers a variety of consistent breaks, while advanced surfers might aim for the Mentawai Islands or J-Bay in South Africa (just mind the sharks). There are a ton of places in most corners of the world, of course, these are just some examples for reference.
Know When to Go: Seasonality is everything. Do your homework on when swell conditions are at their peak. Traveling out of season might save money, but it could mean flat days or stormy seas; don’t get lost in airline prices alone; do your research.
Research Local Vibes: Beyond the waves, some destinations are more welcoming to visitors than others. Look into the local surf culture to avoid unwelcome surprises in the lineup. There are plenty of places that have amazing waves and not-so-amazing crowds or locals who are happy to make you an example of what happens when tourists encroach on their turf.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Packing for a surf trip requires a delicate balance: enough gear to be prepared but not so much that you’re overburdened.
Board Selection: Depending on where you’re going, travel with one or two versatile boards that match the conditions you’re targeting. A more well-rounded board will handle a wider range of waves and conditions. Nothing is worse than having the wrong board for a point break because you only brought your tiniest 26L performance board. Trust me.
[Image sourced from Surf The Greats]
Board Bag Pro Tip: Invest in a sturdy, padded bag. Airlines can be absolutely brutal with surfboards, so don’t skimp here. Add extra padding like towels, foam pipe insulation or wetsuits for more protection.
Surf Gear Checklist: Wax (depending on where you’re going this can be really hard to find at high quality or reasonable price), fins, extra fins, multiple fin keys, fin screws, two leashes, ding repair kit, wetsuit repair kit if you’re going cold, sunscreen (reef-safe, please!), and a small first-aid kit are all must-haves. Do not forget the repair kit for dings – it’s a lifesaver as well as a wallet saver in certain locations.
Master the Art of Airline Travel
Flying with a surfboard can be a test of patience and budget management.
Airline Research: Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to surfboards. Some charge absurd fees, while others allow boards for free or a reasonable price. Check airline policies before booking.
Pack Light: Aside from your surf gear, pack clothes that are lightweight and versatile. You’re there to surf, not stage a fashion show, and the less stuff you have the easier you can move through an airport.
Arrive Early: Hauling a board bag through the airport takes extra time. Give yourself a buffer for check-in and any security stuff.
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
Surf travel is as much about adaptation as it is about planning.
Go With the Flow: Regardless of how closely you’ve been tracking your target breaks, weather and swell forecasts can, and often do, change on a dime. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary or even switch destinations if the waves aren’t cooperating.
Explore Beyond Surfing: Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected – sharing a meal with locals, hiking to a hidden waterfall, or eating some strange variety of mushrooms you found at a local market – the possibilities are endless.
Respect Local Customs and Lineups
A key to scoring good waves is blending in and earning respect.
Learn the Basics: A few words in the local language can go a really long way. At a minimum, learn how to say “hello,” “thank you,”, “I’m going left,” or “right,”, and, of course, “I’m sorry.”
Don’t Be a Wave Hog: Follow proper lineup etiquette. Locals will appreciate your respect and might even give you pointers on where to paddle out if you don’t make an ass out of yourself.
Leave No Trace: Be an ambassador for the surf community. Keep beaches clean and respect wildlife always.
Finding The Right Place to Stay
Not all accommodations are surf-friendly. Here’s what to look for:
Location is Key: Stay as close to the break as possible. Walking distance to the lineup saves a lot of time and hassle, especially if you don’t know the beach or weather patterns well.
Surf Camps and Hostels: These can be great options for meeting like-minded travelers, people to paddle out with, and decent surf guides.
Secure Storage: Make sure there’s a safe place for your boards and gear. Keep a close eye on jewelry and electronics and leave anything unessential at home.
Health and Safety First
Stay healthy to maximize your time in the water and actually being able to enjoy your time traveling. Nothing serves as a wet blanket like a trip to a foreign hospital because you “weren’t thinking about it”.
Hydrate and Fuel Up:Surfing burns a ton of calories. Drink plenty of water and eat local, fresh food to keep your energy up.
Watch for Hazards: From reef cuts to riptides, know what dangers are unique to your destination. Consider researching some basic first-aid tips specific to surf injuries. I’ve personally had to come up with a makeshift tourniquet on a remote beach in Nicaragua when I broke a fin off on my forearm; the first wave of the session – you never know when disaster will strike.
Travel Insurance: Consider getting a policy that covers surfing, medical emergencies, and equipment damage or loss.
Support Local Businesses: Eat at local restaurants, hire local guides, and buy locally made souvenirs. Support the economies at the heart of the places you’re visiting, don’t just be another tourist.
Eco-Friendly Gear: Look for brands that use sustainable materials and practices whenever you can; small efforts like this go a long way if enough people care to try.
Make the Most of Every Session
Maximizing your time in the water is what surf travel is all about.
Warm-Up Routine: Stretch and properly warm your muscles up before paddling out to avoid cramps and injuries.
Read the Conditions: Take some time to observe the lineup, the waves, and the locals before jumping in. I can’t stress the importance of this enough; it can make a huge difference in the outcome of your sessions. There are often specific places you do not want to paddle and certain people you do not want to burn.
Enjoy the Ride: Don’t stress about perfection or lofty expectations to throw down because this is your big shot. Whether you’re packing barrels or just cruising, every wave is part of the adventure. Relax and don’t forget that you’re there to have fun.
Documenting the Journey
Be sure to capture some memories, but don’t let your camera overshadow the experience.
Waterproof Cameras: Invest in a GoPro or similar device to film your rides. A disposable waterproof film camera that you can find at a local pharmacy is a great way to document the experience.
Share Stories, Not Just Photos: When you’re back, share what made the trip special – the people you met, the places you explored, and the waves you’ll never forget.
Local Photographers: consider getting some film or frames from a local photographer. They’re becoming pretty common at a lot of big surf destinations.
Final Thoughts
Surf travel is both an art and a science. With the right preparation, mindset, and respect for the journey, you’ll not only score better waves but also create lifelong memories. Wherever your travels take you, remember: the best surfer is often the one having the most fun – and if it’s not that person then it’s the one who respects the ocean and the cultures surrounding it.
Now, pack your bags, clean your board, and get ready for an adventure. The world’s waves are waiting.
