The Surf Trip Packing List

Here are some suggestions for your next surfari:

Lots of waterproof sunscreen, SPF 15 or above

Boards etc.

Good board bag with heavy-duty straps
Bubblewrap, duct tape and foam blocks to protect the fins (if you have a good board bag and FCS fins this won’t be necessary)
Two boards (unless you’re a pro, keep it simple)
Wax
Wetsuit, rashguard, booties
Leash, plus two extras
Ding repair kit
Aquaseal for wetsuit repair
Softracks — key for rental cars, or long, cam-lock straps

For surf trips to the tropics add these items:

First Aid Kit

Ear drops, or isoproplyl alchohol in an ear-friendly dispenser
Immodium, the chemical cork, works wonders on Dehli belly, Montezuma’s Revenge and like ailments; Lomotil and Pepto Bismol can also be effective
Motion sickness pills, or an antihistamine like Benadryl to help prevent motion sickness
Bandaids
Maxipads — a few sanitary napkins work well for bigger cuts
Topical antiseptics such as Betadine or Neosporin
Antibiotics, like Cipro, need to be prescribed by a doctor, but sometimes it’s the only thing that will kill off an intestinal infection or fever. Carry the prescription with you.
Aspirin, works great on hangovers too, and non-aspirin analgesics like ibuprofin
Multivitamins can help keep you healthy on long trips with limited diet.
Tweezers for urchin spines, broken glass and splinters
Iodine tablets to purify suspect water
Coral cuts should be brushed clean with a soft, sterile toothbrush and rinsed with clean water before being treated with betadine or other antiseptic. In a pinch, fresh lime can be used to clean the wound.
Needles
Sutures
Some adhesive bandages work as well as sutures, ask your pharmacist
Tooth anodyne, oil of clove, or another mix to dull the ache of cavities until you can get to a dentist
Local anaesthetic

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