Surf essentials: what to pack for your next trip

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a surf destination and realizing you’ve forgotten something important. Whether it’s wax for tropical water, a spare leash, or even sunscreen, missing something small can have a big impact on your surf experience.

The good news is that packing for a surf trip doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when conditions change or you’re surfing somewhere unfamiliar.

Here’s a practical guide to the surf essentials worth packing for your next trip.

A reliable board bag

If there’s one thing worth investing in before a surf trip, it’s a proper board bag. Your boards go through a lot while traveling – airport baggage handlers, roof racks, boats, buses, and rough roads all increase the chance of damage.

A good bag protects your surfboard and accessories, and gives you peace of mind while traveling between destinations. Look for one with quality padding, durable handles, and enough space for any extra gear. It also helps to choose a bag that suits the kind of trip you’re taking, whether it’s a lightweight day trip or a long-haul adventure with multiple boards.

Before traveling, remove your fins if possible and use soft items like wetsuits or clothing around rails and noses for extra protection. It’s also a good idea to bring a small ding repair kit, as this will save you if you are off the grid and need to do a quick repair.

Look into FARO board bag, our travel bags come with internal pockets so you can add extra protection and stay organized.

The right surf wax

Surf wax is one of those essentials that’s easy to forget until you’re slipping all over your board during your first session. Different water temperatures require different wax formulas, and using the wrong one can seriously affect your grip and confidence in the water.

If you’re heading somewhere tropical, make sure you pack warm or tropical water wax. Cold water wax softens quickly in heat, meaning it can turn sticky and messy in your board bag while not even giving you the traction you need when you’re on the water. Tropical wax, however, is designed to stay firm in higher temperatures and hold its grip through long sessions under the sun.

A spare leash

Leashes are one of the easiest things to overlook when packing, but they’re also one of the most important. A broken leash while pumping can end a session instantly, especially if you’re surfing reef breaks, point breaks, or crowded lineups.

Packing at least one spare leash is one of those simple habits experienced surfers don’t skip. Choose a leash that matches the waves you expect to surf: a lighter leash might feel great in fair conditions, but if the swell jumps unexpectedly, you’ll want something stronger. Having a backup means you can keep surfing instead of hunting through local surf shops in an unfamiliar place if the conditions change.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Most surf trips involve far more time in the sun than you expect, particularly in tropical destinations. Between long sessions, checking conditions, and spending entire days outdoors, sun exposure can be high.

A solid reef-safe sunscreen is essential for protecting both your skin and the environment. If like most of the younger generation (according to Skyscanner), you value sustainability on your travels, a reef safe sunscreen is worth investing in.

Zinc-based options tend to last longer in the water and provide better coverage during extended sessions. Throwing a surf hat or lightweight UV shirt into your bag can also make a huge difference during long days under direct sunlight.

When packing for a surf trip, you need to bring gear that protects your equipment, keeps you comfortable, and helps you stay in the water longer. A dependable board bag, a spare leash, temperature-appropriate wax and quality sunscreen are items that can be overlooked, but ultimately make the biggest difference to your time spent surfing.

Dry-Bag Backpack

After years of surf travel, one piece of gear we never leave home without is a reliable dry bag backpack. Just like a quality surfboard bag, a waterproof dry bag backpack helps protect the gear that matters most while traveling.

Whether you are caught in a tropical rainstorm, loading gear into a boat, or navigating wet airport transfers on the way to your surf destination, FARO dry bag backpacks are built to keep your essentials safe and dry.

Author bio: Jen Lucas

As a lifelong surfer and ocean enthusiast, Jen shares practical insights on surf gear, travel, and making the most of every session in and out of the water.