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What To Pack For A Surf Camp & Everything You Need To Know
Packing for a surf camp should feel easy, not stressful. The right gear makes the whole trip smoother, from airport day to your last surf session.
I’ve stayed in surf camps in Sri Lanka, Portugal, Morocco, and Indonesia, and every trip taught me something new about what to pack for a surf camp.
Some lessons came from mistakes, like forgetting ear plugs in Morocco or running out of sunscreen in Indonesia.
Others came from experience, like learning to pack lighter and trust local laundry services.
This guide is built from real travel, real surf camps, and real problems that came up along the way. It’s designed for everyone, beginners, intermediate surfers, and even experienced travelers who want a simple, clear list.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to pack for a surf camp, what to skip, and how to avoid common packing mistakes.
The goal is not to bring more, but to bring better. The more simple and thoughtful your packing is, the more time you’ll spend enjoying waves, friends, food, and sunsets instead of worrying about missing items.
So, let’s walk through everything step by step and cover what to pack for a surf camp in a way that actually works.
In This Guide
Planning Before You Pack
Before you even touch your bag, think about where you are going.
Warm tropical surf camps like Sri Lanka or Indonesia are very different from Atlantic surf camps in Portugal or Morocco.
Climate, water temperature, and travel distance all affect what to pack for a surf camp.
Ask yourself a few simple questions.
- Is the water warm or cold?
- Is the camp remote or near shops?
- Are towels and wetsuits provided?
- Will you move around after the camp?
These answers shape your list.
For example, warm camps mean boardshorts and rash vests. Cooler camps mean wetsuits and warmer layers. Remote camps mean you need to bring more basics.
Camps near towns allow you to buy things easily.
Once you know the style of your trip, it becomes much easier to decide what to pack for a surf camp without overpacking.
Surf Gear Essentials
Wetsuit Or Swimwear
Water temperature decides this.
For warm water, pack two pairs of swimwear and one rash vest.
For cooler water, pack a good quality wetsuit. I strongly recommend a front zip wetsuit because it’s easier to put on and take off when you are tired.
Many surf camps provide wetsuits, but having your own that fits well is more comfortable. Knowing what to pack for a surf camp means knowing when personal gear is worth the space.
Rash Vest
A rash vest protects your skin from sun and board rash. Even in cool water, it adds a layer of comfort under a wetsuit. It’s light, easy to pack, and very useful.
Leash & Wax
If you use a leash you trust, bring it. Wax is easy to buy locally but bring a small block if you prefer a certain type.
Ear Plugs
This is one of the most important items in what to pack for a surf camp. I forgot ear plugs in Morocco and ended up with painful ear issues.
Cold wind and water can cause inflammation fast. Ear plugs are tiny, cheap, and extremely useful.
Health & Comfort
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not optional. On a trip in Indonesia, I ran out and had to buy very expensive local brands.
Bring reef safe sunscreen and bring more than you think you need. This is a core part of what to pack for a surf camp.
Bring a large bottle in checked luggage and a small tube in your day pack.
Lip Balm With SPF
Your lips burn easily in sun and wind. A small lip balm with SPF saves discomfort.
After Sun Or Moisturiser
Aloe or light moisturiser helps skin recover after long days in the sun.
First Aid Kit
Keep it simple.
Plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, and blister pads.
These small items keep small problems from becoming big ones.
Clothing For Camp Life
Quick Dry Clothes
Bring loose, simple clothes that dry fast.
Two or three shirts, two pairs of shorts, and one pair of light trousers is enough for a week. Laundry is cheap and easy in most surf towns.
I used to bring too many clothes, including heavy jeans I never wore. Learning what to pack for a surf camp also means learning what not to pack.
Quick Dry Towel
Towels are inconsistent.
Some camps provide them, some do not, and some do not allow camp towels on the beach.
Always bring a small quick dry towel.
Flip Flops & Trainers
Flip flops for the beach.
Trainers for travel days or walks.
Light Rain Jacket & Pack Cover
In Costa Rica I was caught in heavy rain with no pack cover. Everything got wet.
A small rain jacket and pack cover weigh very little and save a lot of stress.
Bags & Organisation
Main Bag
A backpack is better than a suitcase for surf travel. It’s easier to carry on rough roads and stairs.
Choose something comfortable.
Day Pack
A small day pack for beach trips, water, snacks, and sunscreen is very helpful.
Waterproof Pouch
Keep your passport, money, and phone in a waterproof pouch.
This is a key part of what to pack for a surf camp in rainy or tropical places.
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Tech & Power
Phone & Offline Maps
Download maps and camp locations before arrival.
Or grab an Yesim eSIM and stay connected. An eSIM makes travelling all the easier.
Power Bank
Long travel days drain batteries fast. A power bank keeps your phone alive.
Always keep your power bank in your carry-on, as airlines do not allow them in checked baggage.
Adapter
Different countries use different plugs, so bring a universal adapter.
Or check which one you’ll need to keep your devices charged.
Camera Or GoPro
Optional, but nice for memories.
Most phones can do the job if you wanted to travel light!
Documents & Money
Before you leave, make sure all your important documents and money are organised and easy to access.
- Passport & photocopy
- Digital copy stored online
- Travel insurance that covers surfing
- Emergency contacts
- Small local cash
- One backup card in a separate bag
These items are not exciting but they are essential when thinking about what to pack for a surf camp safely.
Packing For Carry On Only
If you are traveling light, plan outfits that mix and match.
Wear heavier items on the plane. Keep liquids minimal.
Carry your essentials in your hand luggage.
Knowing what to pack for a surf camp for carry on only means prioritising essentials and skipping extras.
Lessons Learned From Surf Camp Packing
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what to pack for a surf camp, sometimes the hard way.
Forgetting ear plugs in Morocco led to painful, blocked ears after windy sessions, and I even had to miss a surf. Since then, ear plugs are always in my bag, especially for cooler or windy locations.
Running out of sunscreen in Indonesia was another wake-up call. Local options were expensive and not always reef safe, so now I always pack extra to protect my skin.
Overpacking clothes is a mistake I made more than once. Bringing heavy jeans and extra shirts only weighed me down, and I barely wore them.
I quickly discovered that laundry is cheap and easy at most surf camps. Packing lighter makes travel more comfortable, flexible, and stress-free.
All these lessons shaped how I approach what to pack for a surf camp today, helping me focus on essentials, stay prepared, and enjoy every session without unnecessary stress.
Sharing Items With A Travel Partner
If you’re travelling with a friend, it’s smart to split clothes, chargers, and other basic items across both of your bags.
That way, if one bag is delayed, lost, or held up at the airport, neither of you will be left without essentials.
This simple strategy is an important part of what to pack for a surf camp, because it ensures you both still have clothes, chargers, and small items you need to enjoy your trip without stress.
Final Checklist
Here’s a complete list of must-have items to keep you prepared and stress-free at your surf camp.
- Passport and copies
- Travel insurance
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Ear plugs
- First aid kit
- Wetsuit or rash vest
- Boardshorts
- Quick dry towel
- Flip flops
- Rain jacket and pack cover
- Power bank and adapter
- Repair kit
- Waterproof pouch
Final Thoughts
Packing well is part of the surf experience.
When your bag is light and smart, you move easily, feel relaxed, and focus on waves and people instead of missing gear.
Learning what to pack for a surf camp is not about bringing more, it’s about bringing the right things.
Use this guide, adjust it for your climate and trip length, and trust that simple works best.
With the right preparation, your surf camp becomes about surfing, learning, and enjoying life, not worrying about forgotten items.
If you follow this guide, you’ll always know what to pack for a surf camp, and you’ll arrive calm, prepared, and ready for the ocean.
Safe travels and enjoy every session!
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Frequently Asked Questions
While it depends on the location and season, essentials like a wetsuit, sunscreen, and a quick dry towel are must-haves. Knowing what to pack for a surf camp ensures you’re prepared for every surf session.
Yes, packing light is possible, especially for tropical destinations. Focus on essentials, choose versatile clothing, and bring only the gear you’ll actually use to simplify your trip.
Some camps provide towels and wetsuits, but not all. Always check ahead and consider bringing your own, as part of smart planning for what to pack for a surf camp.
Yes, but keep them safe. Bring a phone, camera, and a power bank, and store important devices in a waterproof pouch to prevent damage from water or sand.
Plan outfits that mix and match, bring lightweight clothing, and remember laundry is often available locally. Focusing on essentials helps you travel lighter and enjoy your surf trip more.
