The Ultimate Packing List for Female Surf Trips

If you’re packing up for a surf trip (perhaps you were inspired by our rundown of the 8 Best Women’s Surf Retreats to hit up this year) we’ve done you a solid and put down a go-to handy list of what you might want to take with you.

Covering everything from surf kit, apparel, skin, and hair care we’ve got you covered with your one-stop pack list, (with plenty of surf essentials for the guys in there too). This is a list that deserves the highest accolade; printed and put on the fridge.

Surf Checklist

Now, a surf trip’s gotta start with your kit and equipment. If you’re taking your own boards, make sure you pack ‘em in a well-padded board bag so your trip doesn’t get off to a nasty start once you unpack and uncover a bunch of dings from transit.

– Leashes (a spare is always good).

– Wax (check the water temperature of where you’re headed) and a wax comb.

– Two sets of fins (if you’re going remote, trust us).

– Fin keys (again…pack a spare).

– Ding repair kit.

– Surf booties.

– First Aid Kit: an easily packable kit could save your bacon if you get yourself into any scrapes or pick up a dodgy belly.

Apparel

We’re big fans of multi-purpose space-saving clothing. As many female surfers know, finding a bikini that doesn’t try to rid itself of your body after a wipeout or that creates an enduring wedgie is crucial to a fun surf.

– The Sisstr Odisea one piece swimsuit was created to stay put in the water and looks rad to boot.

– If you like more coverage, the Sisstr Seven Seas Long Sleeve Spring Suit will have you paddling out with protection and style.

– OLAS leggings are UPF 50+, high-performance, 4-way stretch leggings perfect for surfing and saving your legs from any friction rub or sunburn.

– We love the new range of Sisstr spring suits, offering some sweet colour options and a variety of different cuts.

– The new Outerknown/GOT BAG collab offers some great waterproof travel bag options for those jet setting in search of warmer waves or if you’re simply heading out for a beach day, Sisstr have some awesome tote bags and backpacks.

– Surf hats become a vital part of many a surfer’s suncare arsenal, saving your mug and eyeballs from sun damage. The FCS Surf trucker Bucket is a stay-put option with ample coverage.

– A pair of sandals and one pair of kicks should do you on a trip, we’re into Vans Ultrarange VR3 x JuJu Surf or the REEF Cushion Vistas.

– A change towel is a must for any surf trip, offering ample coverage for those quick street to surf transitions. One of our favourites is the new FCS Poncho. If you just want a great beach towel for soaking up the rays, the Slowtide Horizon Yoga Towel is super compact for travel, and their Polar Fleece Blankets are perfect to cosy up in as the sun sets.

– Sunglasses are a must. We’re big fans of the Sunski range, with their super sustainable frames and quirky colours to choose from. Tried and tested by the Wavelength staff and perfect protection for your peepers.

Skincare

It is kinda crucial to protect your skin against damaging UV rays., especially if you’re headed to warmer climes where the sun is much stronger.

– Salt & Stone’s SPF 50 suncream is water and sweat resistant, offering ample paddle-out protection.

–SunBum’s Lip Balm will keep your kissers crack-free, with a soothing blend of coconut oil and aloe vera….they even come in a pina colada fragrance for the ultimate tropical escape.

–Salt & Stone’s facial lotion is super hydrating and perfect to slather on your face once out of the surf and showered.

–Ocean Mist by Pacha Kama is a 3-1 moisturising spray for body, face, and hair, so does a job of keeping you hydrated and moisturised in one swoop.

-If your skin is feeling parched AF, a hydrating mask like Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask or Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask work wonders to nourish.

Haircare

Protecting your hair from the sun and seawater can become an easy part of your pre and post-surf routine. A little bit of TLC can keep your tresses healthy, happy, and snappage free. Before heading out into the water, give your hair a freshwater rinse, as it helps your hair from absorbing too much drying saltwater.

A few sprays of a leave-in conditioner like Sun Bum 3-1 leave-in spray or Kerastase Soleil Creme UV Sublime (the whole Kerastase Soleil range is excellent for sun-scorched tresses) provides a protective layer, and tying back in a ponytail or a loose braid can save you from a lot of tangles. A good freshwater rinse as soon as you’re out of the surf should also save your bonce from knotting and splitting.

Shampoo and conditioner bars are easy to pack and way more environmentally friendly than plastic bottles. Eco Warrrior’s Dry Hair Shampoo Bar is a zero-waste bar and a super hydrating intensive conditioner like It’s A Ten will bring damaged and fried hair back to life.

Slathering the ends of your hair in coconut oil as a hair mask overnight can be a life-saver. Coconut oil is also a great moisturiser, makeup remover, and lip balm. Always take a tub!

Hair oils like Moroccanoil’s staple work a wonder on damaged ends. If you have afro or textured hair, Briogeo products have an incredible range of hydrating care products to slather on your hair post-surf.