What to bring for a Surf Trip?!
Surf Trip Packing Essentials: From Board to Beach!
Get ready to ride the waves of your dreams! You've finally booked your Kima Surf adventure, and the excitement is building. You can already feel the joy of riding those waves, being in the sun and enjoying the happy vibes. But before you jet off, there’s one more thing left. Packing your bags! Quite some people wait until the last minute to pack their bags, finding it the least exciting part of their trip, but fear not! We’ve got your back, so you won’t forget anything and are not the one who’s asking for wax or sunscreen every day. Let's break down the packing essentials to ensure you're fully prepared for your upcoming surf adventure!
1. Surf Essentials
1. Surfboard(s)
First things first, let's talk about your surf gear. Pack your trusty board if you have one, but don’t stress if you don't or you don’t want to travel with it! We’ve got you covered with a wide range of top-notch surfboards at our Kima Camps from our Premium Surfboard Collection, suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. We also provide board insurance, to avoid extra costs when something happens with your board. If you're bringing your own board, invest in a high-quality board bag to protect it during transit. Consider using clothes or bubble wrap for extra cushioning to avoid dings!
2. Fins and a leash
It wouldn’t be new to you, but make sure you bring your fins. We recommend you bring a spare set in case something happens, which it inevitably will. Especially if you’re unprepared for it. And especially if you’re headed to a remote area where you can’t easily get different fins. Additionally, make sure to bring an extra set of Fin Keys, since they are small it’s easy to lose, so be prepared and bring an extra set.
Nothing's worse than arriving at your dream surf spot, only to realise you forgot your leash or it snapped during one of your surf sessions (trust us, we’ve been there!). A leash is your lifeline to your board, so make sure it's in good condition and a backup leash is always a good idea, just in case!
3. Wax
Make sure to pack a couple of blocks of your favourite wax, in case it might not be easily available on your trip. Also, double-check the water temperature at your destination to be sure you have the right wax. We recommend using Sticky Bump Wax, Surfmud, Sex Wax or Mr. Zogs.
4. Surf Wear
While function is key, style on the waves matters too! Pack your favourite board shorts, bikini or swimsuit, along with a rash guard for sun protection. A lightweight cover-up is perfect for those post-surf chill sessions. Don't forget a stylish surfers hat to cover your face from the sun.
5. Booties
Surf booties come in handy when you are surfing on reef breaks and areas with rocks or sea urchin. For some surf spots in Bali and also some surf spots in Sri Lanka we recommend wearing booties to protect your feet. Consider packing a pair of surf booties. You might not look the coolest, but trust us, you’ll thank yourself after hitting the reef! Booties provide warmth and protection.
6. Surfer earplugs
To safeguard your ears from a surfer's ear, a common injury among surfers, invest in a good pair of earplugs. They'll protect your ears from water, wind, bacteria in the ocean and wax build-up.
7. Ding Repair Kit
Last but not least, a ding repair kit. Accidents happen, even to the best surfers among us, and a quick fix can save your session. These kits usually include resin, fibreglass cloth, and sandpaper. This will be a small investment for a big peace of mind!
2. Beach Bum Basics
Time to relax! Sure, surfing is the main event, but there's more to a surf trip than only catching waves. You'll need some essentials for those lazy beach days or for the boat trips to the outer reefs.
1. Microfibre towel
A good quality towel is a must-have for drying off after a surf session and lying on the beach during your tan hours. Also, a microfibre towel won’t take up too much space in your suitcase or backpack!
2. Dry bag
This comes in handy for keeping your belongings safe from the water and sand! Choose a size that suits your needs. A smaller size is perfect for daily essentials like your phone, wallet, and sunscreen, while a larger one can fit a change of clothes and a small towel. Look for a dry bag with a good closure system, like a roll-top or buckle, to ensure your belongings stay dry! For our boat trips to Uluwatu, you can also borrow a dry bag at our front office.
3. Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle and help Bali’s environment be sustainable and free from plastic. At Kima, we have designed reusable stainless-steel thermic bottles that you get for free when you’re staying 5 days or longer! You’ll get unlimited drinking water through our water dispensers all around our camps.
4. Books or magazines
Feed your mind with a good book after or in between those surf sessions! Pick a beach read, a magazine or even better, pick one of the 10 popular surfer books.
3. Health and Happiness
1. Travel insurance
Before you jump straight into your surf adventure, make sure you're covered with comprehensive travel insurance. Unexpected things can happen, and having insurance can provide a lot of peace of mind. Look for a policy that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and, most importantly, adventure sports like surfing.
With travel insurance in place, you can focus on catching waves without worrying about the things you wouldn't expect. For your Kima Surf bookings, we offer additional Cancellation Insurance for the eventuality if you have to cancel your booking.
2. Sun protection
Sun protection is crucial during your surf trip, both in the water and out! Make sure you pack a waterproof high SPF sunscreen, zinc, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from those sun's rays. Before jumping in the water make sure you’re all prepared for surfing! For added sun protection while surfing, consider a rash guard (if you’re staying at Kima you can borrow one from us!).
3. First aid kit
Your well-being is just as important as catching waves. Reef cuts, bug bites, ear infections, and stomach issues (aka Bali Belly) are just a few common surf injuries often encountered on surf trips in Asia. It’s always a good idea to be prepared with a mini first aid kit. Buy some Insect repellant at home, and pack rehydration salts to replenish your electrolytes after a surf session. Remember, wounds heal slower in tropical climates, so take extra care to avoid infections. We've seen some nasty ones!
4. Nice to bring
To capture those epic surf moments and share them with your friends back home, a GoPro is something to bring if you have one! Unwind and relax your mind with your favourite tunes or surf meditation through your headphones after a long day in the water. And when the sun goes down, bring some (card) games to connect with fellow surf enthusiasts during a fun-filled evening!
5. The Final Wave
Remember, pack light and smart! Your focus should be on enjoying your surf adventure instead of bringing your whole wardrobe. And if there is anything else you need, around our camps in Bali and Sri Lanka there are shops you can buy stuff! Let’s chase those waves and create unforgettable memories!
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