Off to a surf camp or retreat for autumn break?
Most surf retreats and camps will provide all the gear so there is no need to bring the surfboard and wetsuit along and you could even skimp on checked-baggage and travel light with holdall only. Sourcing all your toiletries in minis and stressing that the stewardess is going to make you wear all of your clothes is the downside of holdall luggage only, but travelling light does bring more ease.
Whatever your baggage situation, here are a few surf camp travel essentials to bring along:
Sun protection:
Keeping your skin protected from nasty UV rays in and out of the water is a must. We recommend Bare Republic products for covering up out of the water (no chemicals, contains antioxidant rich oils and plant extracts for intense hydration) and Surfers Skin Suncream when in the water as this little powerhouse cream protects for up to 2 hours of surfing. Plus add extra protection with Surfers Skin lip balm and Sexwax Zinc cream across the nose and on those cheekbones – a red raw face is not a good look. Get these sunscreen brands and more from Beach Boutique:
A reusable water bottle:
Keeping hydrated and taking on lots of water is essential but this doesn’t mean you need to buy a new bottle of water every time you need to quench your thirst. Instead, take a reusable bottle and keep re-filling … most establishments will help you out with some tap water. The Good Vibes Keep Cup is BPA and BPS free, non toxic polypropylene and £1 from every sale is donated to the UK Refill campaign.
A good bikini:
Fuss-free is best so that you are not playing with ties, popping the ladies back in or constantly de-wedgying. Having a comfortable bikini that stays in place is one less things to be thinking and worrying about. Check out this seasons top picks with our Swimwear for Surf Girls guide here.
Mini med kit:
Better to be well prepared than sorry, so pack a few basics such as bandages, plasters, pain relievers, ear and eye drops, laxatives and diarrhoea meds. You don’t want anything to stand in the way of a good day in the water!
A cap and sunglasses:
Being in the water for long periods of time also means being in the sun for long stints so once out of the surf, pop a cap and a pair of sunglasses on to protect yourself from sunburn, heat stoke and dehydration. Cover those eyes and release your inner boho goddess with the Roxy sunglasses collection.
GoPro or Waterproof Camera:
You are going to want a few pics to prove what a rad trip you had. If you don’t feel comfortable having your GoPro/waterproof camera with you in the water then give to the surf coach so they can snap you in action.
Day Pack:
Unless you have surf out front of your accommodation, it’s likely you will be jumping in the van to hunt down good conditions, so a good day bag is a must-have for throwing in all the above essentials and anything else you need for a day out and about. Remember you will be carrying your board around so best to sling anything else on to your back to free up both arms. We are all over the waterproof DRYLIFE Rucksack which is ideal for carrying your stuff to the beach in and popping wet swimwear in.
A positive attitude.
Ok so this is not something you can actually pack but remember surfing is meant to be fun and although learning can be tricky and challenging at times, don’t forget to smile and enjoy! If going solo and not partaking in a camp/retreat then you will need to expand the packing list and consider: surfboards, a good surfboard bag, wetsuits, booties, rash-vests, gloves, guide books, ding repair kits, wax and fin keys.
For surf road trips, check out our ‘summer of adventure kit list’ here.
