Surf trip essentials to make shredding in the UK a smooth ride

If you’ve been keen to get into surfing, the UK offers some great spots.  For beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers alike, the UK has plenty of surfing options for you to enjoy.  What should you take with you? Here’s our list of the surf trip essentials we consider to be necessary no matter what your level of ability.

Surf trip essentials

Surfboard – this can be your own or you can rent surfboards at some UK surfing destinations.

Surfboard bag – if you’ve got your own surfboard you’ll want to keep it protected from dings and other damage, so a padded bag is the way to go.

Wax – If you have a preference you won’t want to substitute with any other wax – better to bring your own.

Fins – it’s really helpful to have a backup set of fins in case you need to replace yours.  This is particularly important if you are surfing in a more remote area where replacements are not easily available to purchase

Leash –  You will want to increase the thickness of your leash with bigger swells.  Having several leashes with you in your kit allows you to switch them out according to the wave conditions.

Surfboard repair kit – you never know when your board is going to take a bit of a beating, so having a repair kit with you is vital.

Swimwear and rash guard/ wetsuit – what you need to wear will depend very much on the time of year that you are surfing and the temperature of the water.  Some of you may even need a hood and booties too.

Beach towels – Get dry and cosy after spending time in potentially quite cold water with some fluffy towels.

Sun protection – an absolute essential even on cloudy days. Opt for a good waterproof formula to protect your exposed areas.

Earplugs – Nobody wants to have to deal with earache due to water in the ears on a surfing trip.  To prevent issues with exostosis, earplugs may save the day so are good to have with you.

First aid kit – you never know when minor injuries and illnesses will strike.  Be prepared with at least a basic first aid kit on hand.

Travall Guard – With a Travall Guard installed in your vehicle, you can stash all your gear in the boot with ease. If you don’t have passengers in the rear seats, you may even be able to transport your surfboard inside the vehicle with certain vehicles and certain models of the guard.

Using the Travall Guard with rear seat folded down for longer items in the boot

Travall Liner – keep your boot’s interior clean and dry with the simple addition of the Travall Liner, which keeps sand and water from dripping wetsuits on the mat and keeps your boot’s upholstery clean and dry.