1. USB Key
No matter where you’re headed, you can be sure you’ll run into a photographer. Whether that’s someone taking surf shots as a hobby or even a girlfriend who’s on camera duty (like me), you’re going to be glad you have a USB. Make sure you bring a USB stick to grab those photos because let’s be real, even though they say they’re going to email them, you can’t always hold your breath.
2. Offline Playlists
The weaker the internet connection, the better the surf. It’s not rocket science but it is surf science. Come prepared with a couple of offline playlists for your trip. Everything from the View From a Blue Moon soundtrack to pump you up before a surf to a more mellow Jack Johnson In Between Dreams for a post surf chill sesh, or the latest The Sound You Need tunes for some cool party vibes. Prepare enough to get you through any mood that may strike.
3. Ear & Eye Drops
Nothing can put an end to a surf trip quicker than an infected ear or damaged, blood shot eyes. Make sure you can go the distance for your whole surf trip with antibiotic ear drops and good quality eye drops. This is a lesson you don’t want to learn the hard way.
4. Water Purification Tablets
Anyone who’s been to Indo knows the feeling. Cold sweats, uncontrollable bowel movements and in the worst cases, days in bed to recover. Food poisoning can ruin your trip too, so be careful with what you eat. If the water looks suss, use water purifiers to prevent water-borne diseases or bugs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
5. Playing Cards
No internet connection equals no social media, which then equals everyone checking their smartphones at 30 second intervals to see if a signal has miraculously appeared, which equals absolute disarray. When this happens, it’s time for you to pull out a deck of playing cards and bring everyone together around a good old game of Rummy.
6. Hair Mask (This only applies to girls)
Hours of surf, sun and salt will do no good to your hair. Unless you want to end up looking like Rob Machado – which is fine, as long as you can surf like him – you might want to step up your hair game and bring some next level hair care products to tame your surfer girl mane. My recommendations: Tahitian Monoi Oil for pre-surf application and L’Oreal Extraodinary Oil for post-surf rejuvenation.
7. Business Cards
You’re on a holiday and the last thing you want is to think about work, emails or that chick in the office who says the dumbest things every day. That being said, you’re meeting new people, sharing awesome surfs with them, frothing with them and creating strong and unique bonds that only surfers can understand.
This gives the best foundation for any business relationship. You may want to collaborate in the future so exchanging business cards is just a good (and smart) way to stay in touch.
8. Skin Glue
This one might be a bit tricky to source unless you’re good friends with a surgeon. If you can get your hands on one of these precious glue sticks it could save you from having to get stitched up by the local doc and ending up with an ugly scar. Just make sure you know how to use it. In a pinch, you can use Super Glue for smaller cuts that aren’t on the bendy parts of your body–but a medical skin glue is preferable.
9. Your Bingewatching Stash
Always stock up on the latest movies and TV shows before a trip. You’ll need them for your own entertainment, and desperate times call for desperate measures. You want to make sure you have something to trade for some food when these dreadful chocolate cravings strike you (girls will understand).
10. GoPro Mouth Mount
If you’re not worried about your look and don’t mind sticking a snorkel in your mouth in front of all your surf buddies, get a mouth mount. You’ll capture the best POV footage that you’ll love watching when you’re back home. Plus you’ll want to show your friends at home what they’ve missed out on.
11. A Surprise Gift For Your Partner
If this is a couple’s surf trip or honeymoon surf trip, make sure you treat your partner to a surprise gift to kickstart the trip with awesome vibes.
Tips for guys: if you’re heading to a tropical destination, a cheeky new bikini or cool pair of sunnies will put you on her good list.
Girls: you can’t go wrong with GoPro accessories or just a simple pair of new boardshorts.
12. Gifts for the local surfers and guides
Never go on a surf trip empty handed. Make sure you always bring some extra gear with you to give to the local surfers. Maybe it’s a nice spare hat you’ve never used. Cool stickers, rad t-shirts, or if you have your own business, a product that you’re selling. I have a business of my own, so I always give away GOOD VIBES hats to the boys and bikinis to the girls.
The quality of your trip often depends on the people who live in remote locations you visit, don’t have access to all the latest and raddest surf gear like we do. If they’re kind enough to share their knowledge and waves then be sure to give the good vibes back.
After all, we’re all here to share the Stoke. YEW!
Follow more of the author’s adventures on her blog here.
