Surf Trip Guide
A great surf trip starts well before you paddle out for your first wave.
From choosing your destination and understanding the season to packing the right equipment and allowing enough time to explore, a little preparation can make the difference between an average trip and an unforgettable one.
Think about the type of waves you want to surf and choose a destination that matches your ability.
Consider swell consistency, water temperature, crowds, accessibility and the variety of breaks available nearby.
If you’re travelling with surfers of different abilities, look for an area that provides several options rather than relying on one particular break. The best surf spots in Canggu are a good example of several breaks within a short stretch of coast.
Research the typical conditions for the time of year you’re travelling.
In Bali, different coastlines can work better during different seasons depending on swell direction and prevailing winds.
Understanding this before booking can help you choose both the right location and the right time to visit. Our guide to the best months for surfing in Bali is a good place to start.
Your everyday board isn’t necessarily the best board for every surf trip.
Think about the waves you’re likely to encounter and whether bringing a second board would give you more options.
If travelling with your own boards, check your airline’s current baggage requirements before flying. Not sure? Read should I bring my own surfboard to Bali?
Alongside your boards, fins and leashes, remember the smaller things that can make life considerably easier.
Think about spare fins, fin keys, repair supplies, sunscreen, appropriate surf clothing and anything else that may be difficult to find once you arrive.
Location matters on a surf trip.
Staying somewhere with convenient access to the waves can mean more time surfing and less time sitting in traffic.
Board storage, places to rinse and dry equipment, comfortable recovery spaces and local surf knowledge can also make a significant difference.
Some of the best surf-trip experiences aren’t planned.
Conditions change, forecasts move and local recommendations can lead you somewhere completely different from where you expected to surf.
Build some flexibility into your itinerary so you can follow the best conditions rather than being locked into a rigid schedule.
Take some time to understand local surf etiquette and respect the people who surf the breaks every day.
Be patient, understand your ability and choose waves appropriate for your level.
Good etiquette makes the experience better for everyone in the water.
A surf trip doesn’t need to revolve around surfing every hour of the day.
Explore the local food, culture and landscape. Find a good café, watch the sunset, recover properly and give yourself enough time to enjoy where you are.
The waves might be the reason you booked the flight, but they don’t have to be the only part you remember.
Safe Travels ~ J.
