Packing for a surf trip is one of the most enjoyable things one can do. Each piece that goes in, carefully stowed away for future enjoyment, ushers forth memories of the last trip or excitement for what’s going to happen on the upcoming one. Boards are bubble-wrapped. Rubber tips slide satisfyingly onto spearguns that will be wrapped in towels. Bricks of warm-water wax sit beside a handful of new leashes, just waiting to be broken by the big incoming south you’re heading towards. Extra fins slide perfectly into their little pocket.
After a few years of traveling often, the checklist becomes shorter; condensed to only the things of most value. Nathan Florence, a man who has spent more time than most heading to far-flung waves, has that packing thing down to an art. He probably takes more than you—and likely a few longer boards—but he knows what he needs and he knows exactly why he’s going to need it.
