It wasn’t that long ago that Canggu was completely under-the-radar. Surrounded by rice fields, the only tourists who came here were travelling surfers. Now, it’s famous as the laid back, hipster alternative to chaotic Kuta and Seminyak, and with its explosion in popularity, has come more trendy cafes and restaurants than you can shake a twirly moustache at.
Breakfast in Canggu is more than just a meal, it’s a daily ritual, but with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you follow my Instagram stories, you’ll know that I’m pretty much obsessed with food, and having lived in Canggu now for over six months, I’d say I’m pretty qualified to give you the lowdown on the best places to eat.
There are loads of great cafes in Canggu, but rather than just give you a huge directory of them, this list is my personal favourites, and where I eat most of the time. All of them are in the main Batu Bolong area of Canggu and are easy to get to, so no dicing with the shortcut if you’re staying this side—always a bonus!
Go check them out, and let me know if you love them as much as I do!
Jalan Canggu Padang Linjong, Canggu Insta: @cratecafe
A Canggu institution, Crate started out life as a small cafe on Batu Bolong. It was so popular that people literally queued on the street to get a table. Now, it has moved to a bigger location on Jalan Canggu Padang Linjong, where it continues to draw the crowds.
If you arrive and there’s a long queue to order and seemingly nowhere to sit, don’t be put off. As well as lots of smaller tables, Crate has several huge communal tables, so by the time you’ve queued and ordered your food, spots will almost definitely have come up.
One of the main reasons for Crate’s cult-like popularity, is the fact that its food is amazing, the prices are reasonable, and the portions are huge. It’s my go-to place for a post-surf feed when I’m starving.
Another, is that everything is super instagramable. From the food and smoothies, to the cool interior and surrounding rice fields, Crate is hipster heaven.
My favourites are Veto (avo on toast with poached egg and smoked salmon), Benz Eggs (a hash brown topped with sautéed greens, mushrooms, ham and poached egg), and Sambo (a toasted sandwich filled with crunchy vegetables, humous, cheese, and salmon). Also try the iced latte—it’s a spectacle in itself!
Note: Be careful that Google Maps doesn’t send you to Crate’s old location on Batu Bolong. If it does, and you’re too hot to walk to the new one, try the next place on my list…
Pantai Batu Bolong No.60, Canggu Insta: @betelnutcafe
Another super popular cafe, Betelnut is located about halfway up Batu Bolong, opposite the big gravel car park. Upstairs is open and airy with a selection of booths, smaller tables, and a large communal table that runs through the middle of the cafe. Downstairs, you’ll find a smaller air-conditioned room with a few tables, which is often worth trying when upstairs is full.
Breakfast ranges from smoothie bowls, breaky wraps, and eggs, to staples like avo on toast, and granola with fruit and yoghurt. Everything is delicious, well-priced, and nicely presented.
My favourites are the healthy porridge (a porridge made with red rice and coconut milk—tastes way better than it sounds!), bacon toast (bacon and mushrooms on toast), and set 1 (fruit, avo on toast with eggs, plus tea or coffee). The coffee here is really good.
Pantai Batu Bolong No.8, Canggu Insta: @edencafebali
Located further up Batu Bolong, just at the start of the main strip, Eden has a large airy seating area, plus an air-conditioned room if you want to escape the heat. Surprisingly, it doesn’t get too crowded so can also be a good place to work from.
Eden’s concept is healthy, locally sourced food, at an affordable price—and they’ve nailed it. For me, living in Bali and eating out for every meal, means that I often don’t want a really extravagant breakfast. Eden is my go-to for simple, good food at a great price, and their Power Porridge hits the spot every time. That being said, you can still get your fix of indulgence if that’s what you’re after; their big breakfast is an epic combination of bacon, eggs, sausage, roast potatoes, and all the usual sides. Also try their selection of lassi; the Copacabana is gorgeous.
Pantai Batu Bolong No.38A, Canggu Insta: @cafe_vida_bali
Another from the top end of Batu Bolong, Cafe Vida is set in what feels like a traditional Balinese compound. The large, airy seating area extends right through to the back where you can sit on cushions and relax at low tables.
Although Vida is the most expensive place on this list, the food is all organic and you’re greeted with a large bottle of chilled water when you arrive, which is a nice touch.
As you’d expect, the food is delicious. Their smoothie bowls are so beautifully presented you almost feel bad for messing them up. My favourite savoury breakfast is the dill salmon eggs, though the portions aren’t huge. It’s also my favourite place for coffee.
Jl. Tanah Barak No.57, Canggu Insta: @theshadyshack
Shady Shack is everything its name suggests. Situated opposite a rice field and surrounded by lush tropical greenery, most of the seating is outside under shady palms, plus there’s a few breakfast bar style seats in a small indoor area.
All the food here is vegetarian, but the menu is so varied and so tempting, you hardly even notice the lack of meat.
My hands-down favourite is the big breakfast for its variety, but also the tomato relish is to die for. If you’re really hungry, the smashed spuds make a great side to any savoury dish. Everything is good though, and if you’re into it, you can really get your insta game on here. The food is beautifully presented and the smoothies are next level.
What’s your favourite cafe for breakfast in Canggu?
I hope you love the cafes on this list as much as I do! Feel free to share this post using the social buttons below, and let me know in the comments which ones you tried, plus any other gems you’d recommend for breakfast in Canggu.
Happy eating! X
As iconic surf towns go, J-Bay is right up there with the best of them. Home to Supertubes, arguably the finest right-hand point break on the planet, this small town comes alive during the South African holiday season and every July when the surfing fraternity descends en masse for the J-Bay Open. Outside of this period, the town is quieter, but still attracts people from all over the world keen to tick surfing Jeffreys Bay off their surf trip bucket lists.
J-Bay is more than just the one famous, high-performance surf spot though. This is one of the only places I’ve been that has a super fun reef break, point break, and a beach break all within a five minute walk of each other, plus loads of other spots a short distance away.
When you’re not surfing, the main activity is shopping. The town is full of surf outlets and factory shops selling discounted clothes, bags, wetsuits―pretty much everything you could possibly want!
If you’re planning on heading this way soon, grab a coffee and read on for everything you need to know about surfing in Jeffreys Bay, including any pitfalls to look out for, and have an epic surf trip.
You’ll find rideable waves in Jeffreys Bay all year round, but the best time for surfing is during the winter months of May to August when the winds are offshore and swells come through more consistently.
June and July is the absolute peak season for waves, bringing bigger swells and ideal conditions, plus the town is transformed into a party town by the Winter Fest.
Where to stay
Its popularity as a holiday town, as well as a surf mecca, means that J-Bay has plenty of accommodation options.
These are some of the top rated, and their locations make them a great spot to base your surf trip.
Situated right on the beach at the far end of town, Island Vibe is famous for its parties and social atmosphere. Here, you can get fairly basic dorm accommodation, plus private rooms with a balcony or terrace, and stunning ocean views. This is where I stayed on the Ticket to Ride 10 week South Africa Surf Adventure and couldn’t fault it. The hostel is located right in front of Phantoms, and is a short walk from Kitchen Windows and main beach.
Located at the other end of town, African Ubuntu Backpackers is a more chilled hostel full of friendly people and good vibes. They have a nice chillout area and a balcony where you can enjoy a braai with views of the surf at Boneyards. It’s walking distance to Supertubes, plus some shops and restaurants.
As the name suggests, this boutique guesthouse is set right on Supertubes. Check the lineup from one of the large balconies or just relax and soak up the endless sea views. All five of their newly designed luxurious suites come with king or twin beds, air conditioning, a 32” flat screen tv, bar fridge, and an en-suite bathroom.
Another boutique guesthouse, this place is just steps from the beach and located right in front of Magnatubes. The plush rooms provide a bit of luxury, and most have stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Even if your room doesn’t have a sea view, you can still enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and beach from the lounge. Guests can enjoy a BBQ and eat meals on the terrace area in front of the guesthouse.
If you want all out luxury, Diaz 15 House on the Bay is located right on the main beach, and just a short drive to Magnatubes or Kitchen Windows. Each of the suites have a patio or balcony with epic ocean views, as well as air conditioning and a seating area with satellite TV. The stunning garden area includes a sunny patio and infinity pool with views across the ocean and beach.
From playful righthanders to world class tubes, J-Bay has it all. I’ve listed the spots in the order they run along the coast to give you a better idea of how everything fits together:
Kitchen Windows on a small swell
Kitchen Windows
At the southernmost end of town, Kitchen Windows is a mellow reef break which is best surfed around mid-tide. It’s a fairly easy paddle-out to the playful A-frame; either go from the beach in front of the tower, or use the channel between the rocks (the shortest route). Be careful when you kick out as some of the rocks are deceptively close to the surface, especially on the inside.
Best for: Advanced beginners and up
Main Beach
This beach break is perfect for absolute beginners and where you’ll find the local surf schools pushing students into their first foamies. The waves are usually quite dumpy here so unless you’re just getting started, you’re probably better off heading to other breaks.
Best for: Absolute beginners
Magnatubes
One of the heaviest waves in Jeffreys Bay, Magnatubes is best surfed on a smaller swell (around 3-5ft), and on the higher tide. When it’s good, it’s really good, but it can be a bit unpredictable. Although it’s usually less crowded than Supers, you still need to be respectful of the locals. Paddle out from the small sandy beach.
Best for: Advanced intermediates and up
Boneyards
The top section of Supertubes, Boneyards lives up to its name with often heavy waves breaking over shallow reef. This spot is heavily localised and you need to work your way in slowly, or be prepared to move down to Supers. Near perfect right-handers offer up short, hollow tubes, and on the right swell, a good peeling left runs towards Magnatubes.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Supertubes
Needing little introduction, Supertubes is home to the WSL Corona Open, and is up there as one of the best right-handers in the world. The spot works best between 4-8ft, and when it’s firing, expect super-fast rides, huge walls, and long tube sections. Getting in and out can be a mission in itself—sharp, mussel-covered rocks and strong currents which can sweep you down the point, mean that timing is everything. Use the keyholes in the reef, or watch how the locals do it to be safe. Another localised spot, be respectful and wait your turn to avoid any problems.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Impossibles
Where Supertubes closes out, Impossibles begins. As you race down the line from Supertubes, you might be tempted to hang on for the longest wave of your life. The problem lies in the fact that this is easily the gnarliest section of the wave, and a wipeout here will probably see you getting well acquainted with the reef.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Tubes
A bit further down the beach from Supertubes, Tubes is a short, fun, barrelling right-hander. Although usually less crowded than its famous neighbour, just the one take-off spot means that it doesn’t cope well with many people. The wave can handle a larger swell, but a strong rip means that it’s best surfed in the 4-5ft range. You can paddle out from the same keyhole you’d use for Point.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Point
A good place to start if it’s your first visit to J-Bay, or you’re not quite ready for the big leagues. Point is a fun wave that breaks slower and offers up longer rides, giving you a chance to practice your turns, rather than gunning it down the line and holding on for dear life. It’s also a favourite for longboarders. The spot still gets crowded, but it’s a slightly less intense crowd than you’ll find up at Supers and Boneyards. Use the gulley in front of the car park to paddle out, but make sure you time it right to avoid getting smashed, especially on bigger days.
Suitable for: Intermediates and up
Albatross
At the northeastern most end of J-Bay, and slightly out of town, Albatross is the last spot along the reef before the beach stretches off in the direction of Port Elizabeth. Usually uncrowded, this right-hander is another good option for intermediate surfers and longboarders, though advanced surfers will usually find a better wave somewhere else. It works best on the low tide with a NW wind. Paddle out from the beach.
Suitable for: Intermediates and up
Where to eat and drink
Ninas
126 Da Gama Road, Wavecrest Centre
Open: All day
Apparently a favourite hangout for the pros when the J-Bay Open is on, the surf heritage at Ninas is obvious as soon as you walk in the door. It’s also one of those places where you want everything on the menu, which, by the way, is huge and varied. From burgers and pizza, to sushi and Thai, you could go in any mood and find something to tickle your fancy. The service can be a bit slow, but the good food makes up for it.
The Mexican
19 Da Gama Rd
Open: From lunch onwards
Located in the central part of town, near the surfer’s village, The Mexican is well known as a great place to go for cocktails and a solid feed. The portions are generous, the food is tasty, and the atmosphere is good.
Tasty Table
34 Diaz Rd & Drommedaris St
Open: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch
With views of Dolphin Beach, Tasty Table is a great place to go for a relaxed breakfast, or have lunch and watch the world go by with a glass of wine. The food is delicious, well-priced, and the menu is varied. If you’re lucky, you can even see dolphins swim by as you enjoy your morning coffee.
Getting around
Depending on where you stay, you ideally need a car to get around Jeffreys Bay if you’ll want to surf different spots, use the supermarkets, and eat out, as everything is quite spread out.
There are no official taxis, but unofficial taxis are available. They vary from rustic to possibly unroadworthy, so don’t be afraid to turn down a ride if you don’t feel comfortable.
In the daytime, walking is an option if you want to visit the outlet stores and cafes or restaurants as these are located close together, but it’s best to avoid walking at night if possible, and definitely don’t walk alone.
How to get there
Jeffreys Bay is located pretty much smack bang in the middle between Cape Town and Durban. All of the major airlines fly into Cape Town, and from there, you can either take a flight to Port Elizabeth, which is the closest airport to J-Bay, or make the six hour journey by road.
It’s a pretty scenic drive and the roads are mostly good. You can rent a car in Cape Town, or go by bus.
Good to know
Safety
While I definitely don’t want to put you off going to Jeffreys Bay, there are a few things you should keep in mind to have a trouble-free trip. South Africa in general has a reputation for its high crime rate; it’s a country with a lot of poverty, and this leads to opportunistic crime like muggings.
I never felt unsafe the whole time I was in the country, but you do need to be aware and take all the usual common-sense precautions. J-Bay in particular is close to a large township and there are certain areas it’s best to stay away from; your accommodation will be able to let you know where.
Aside from that, don’t walk around flashing your valuables, don’t go to the beach at night, and if possible, don’t walk around at night (it’s better to get a taxi). I was there in February so the town might have a different vibe during the holiday season, but I think it’s better to be over-cautious than have a problem.
Shopping
My best advice on this front, is to go with an empty suitcase and a full wallet. Main Street is lined with surf outlets from every major brand selling last season’s stock, and prices are cheap! You can get everything from boardies and bikinis, to clothes, wetsuits, bags, and sunglasses.
Competitions
J-Bay is home to some big surf competitions so take these into account when planning your visit as the town (and the lineups) will be busy, plus accommodation will be in shorter supply and likely more expensive.
The biggest comp is the J-Bay Open in July, which is part of the Winter Fest event.
Localism
If you plan on paddling out at any of the primo spots like Boneyards or Supertubes, be warned that the locals are not the most welcoming. To avoid any aggro, be respectful, take your time, let them take the best waves, and definitely don’t drop in!
Dolphins
J-Bay is home to a pod of dolphins that are regularly seen cruising through the lineup so keep your eye out. They can also give you a bit of a fright if you’re not expecting them, especially given the water’s other inhabitants…
Sharks
The infamous shark attack on Mick Fanning at the J-Bay Open in 2016 caused hysteria in the media and made J-Bay sound like the sharkiest place on earth. While the men in grey suits are definitely about, it’s not something I’d let stop me from surfing Jeffreys Bay.
Again, it’s just about taking the usual precautions and being sensible. Don’t surf at sunrise or sunset, don’t surf alone, don’t thrash about in the water, and keep your eyes open.
What are your best tips for surfing Jeffreys Bay?
Have you surfed here too and got any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who tried surfing and didn’t like it. The buzz you get when you catch your first wave lying down, never mind standing up and riding it, is totally addictive.
When it comes to the best places to learn to surf, not everywhere is ideal. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to learn at a beach break—better to bounce off sand when you fall than a jagged reef—with gently spilling waves, and no strong currents or rips.
Having spent the last two years surfing around the world, I can personally vouch for each of the following spots as perfect destinations for absolute beginners. Even if you’re not a complete beginner, each location also has other breaks within a short distance where you can progress onto green waves, and then challenge yourself on more advanced waves.
1. Muizenberg, South Africa
Located about half an hour outside of the centre of Cape Town, Muizenberg is one of the best places in the world for learning to surf. Surfer’s Corner at the top end of the beach is where most of the action happens.
The water can sometimes be crowded, especially on weekends, but the beach is big and there are plenty of waves breaking to spread everyone out. Once you’ve mastered the white water, head out the back for some super fun green waves.
The strip lining the sea front has plenty of surf shops offering board rental and lessons, as well as a good selection of cafes and restaurants.
Ticket to Ride run a 12 day surf camp in Cape Town which includes daily surf coaching, plus you’ll get to explore the best of the area, from Table Mountain to wine tasting in the Cape winelands. If you have more time, check out their 10 week South Africa Surf Adventure.
Water temperature: Cool – you’ll a need 3/2 wetsuit
Progress to: Long Beach in Kommetjie
Surf season in South Africa: Beginners should get waves all year round but the most consistent time for swell runs from April to August.
2. Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is one of the world’s original surf towns. Laid back, hippy vibes, beautiful people and beach life perfectly sum up this small town on Australia’s east coast. Surfing is a way of life here and beginners will have everything they need, from professional surf schools to perfect waves.
Rent a board from one of the many surf shops in town and head to Main Beach for the best beginner waves. The Pass in Byron Bay is also perfect for learning, but being one of the most popular spots in town means that the crowds can make it a bit hair raising.
If you arrange a lesson with one of the local surf schools, they will drive you to a spot with the best conditions on the day in terms of waves, wind, and crowds.
Food and accommodation are more on par with Western prices so it’s not ideal if budget is your number one priority. Check out Byron Bay YHA, it’s one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world.
Water temperature: Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you the water is warm all year round. In winter you’ll need a 3/2 wetsuit, summer is bikini and boardies, and you may want to wear a spring suit in between.
Progress to: The Wreck, Tallows, Broken Head
Surf season on the east coast of Australia: Beginners should find waves all year round, but the wind direction is more liable to make the waves messy between September and November. The main swells hit between April and September.
3. Tofo, Mozambique
If the combination of warm, crystal clear water and uncrowded waves sounds appealing, book yourself a flight to Mozambique. Still under the radar compared to most surf destinations, Tofo has gentle peeling waves perfect for complete beginners, right through to rippable walls suited to more advanced surfers.
Usually, the best place for catching your first waves is right at the top end of the beach in front of Casa Barry. There is a surf shop on the beachfront at the other end of the beach where you can rent boards and arrange surf lessons with good instructors.
A bit more off the beaten track than the other destinations on this list, Tofo isn’t the best place for novice travellers looking to do a DIY surf trip. Africa can be quite intense and getting around can be a mission, but once you’re at the beach and settled, it’s amazing.
Water temperature: Warm – although you may want a spring suit as the wind can be cold
Progress to: The Point at Tofinho
Surf season in Mozambique: April to September, although the swell and wind can be a little bit fickle.
4. Kuta, Bali
Jam-packed full of stalls selling knock-off Gucci T-shirts and souvenirs, bars, restaurants, street hawkers, and traffic, you’d be forgiven for wanting to avoid Kuta. But what you’d be missing out on, is the best waves on the island for learning to surf.
Kuta beach is lined with board rental stands and instructors who will give you an hour lesson then hook you up with a Bintang on the beach afterwards. The quality of tuition can vary, so if you’re super serious, search out an accredited instructor.
The water can get crowded, but again, the beach is huge which spreads out the masses. Once you’re ready to move onto green waves, the same beach will give you plenty to work with unless the swell is big, in which case just grab a beer and enjoy the show.
Food and accommodation is relatively cheap in Bali so it makes a great choice for a budget warm water surf trip.
Water temperature: Warm – bikinis and boardies all year round
Progress to: Canggu, Medewi, Padang inside reef
Surf season in Bali: The main surf season runs from April to October. Beginners may get waves outside of this but the wind can be an issue.
5. Taghazout, Morocco
Home to mint tea, tagine, and pumping surf, the busy fishing village of Taghazout is also an epic place for learning to surf. The large main beach is the best place for absolute beginners to catch their first waves, with loads of options within a short radius to progress after that.
Flights from Europe to Agadir are surprisingly cheap, plus the cost of food and accommodation in Morocco is low, so it’s very possible to arrange a sunny surf trip without breaking the bank. Boards can be hired and lessons arranged at one of the surf shops in town, plus many hostels also have boards for hire.
If you’d rather have everything done for you, there are several well established surf camps in the area.
Water temperature: Cool – in winter you’ll need a 3/2 wetsuit, but bikini and boardies are possible in summer. In April, May and September you might be more comfortable in a spring suit.
Progress to: Panoramas or Hash Point
Surf season in Morocco: Beginners will get suitable waves all year round, but the main surf season is from around late September until April.
6. Weligama, Sri Lanka
Surfing in Sri Lanka is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere that’s tropical, but light on the budget. The bustling fishing village of Weligama has a long, wide sandy beach with plenty of waves perfect for beginners. The water can get crowded but most people are learning so it’s pretty easy going. Get there before 8am if you want to avoid the crowds.
The best place to surf is usually in front of the Marriott hotel and you can rent boards and get lessons from one of the many surf schools that line the beach.
There is a range of accommodation options in Weligama, from hostels to big hotels, plus loads of places to eat and drink. A budget favourite is Hangtime Hostel, right on the sea front.
Water temperature: Warm – bikinis and boardies all year round
Progress to: Plantations in neighbouring Midigama
Surf season in Sri Lanka: The main surf season on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka runs from the end of October to early April. Outside of this period you may get waves, but the wind will likely be messing them up.
7. Newquay, UK
If you don’t mind a bit of cold water, the UK is actually a great place to learn to surf. Cornwall picks up the most consistent swell and Newquay in particular has long been the home of British surfing. Fistral Beach is one of the most popular spots for beginners, but this does also mean that it can be crowded, especially during the summer months. Stunning Watergate Bay is just a short drive away and is another good option for learning.
Once you’ve mastered the white wash, head out the back at either beach for some super fun green waves on a small swell.
There is no shortage of surf schools to choose from in Newquay and Watergate Bay, plus surf shops where you can rent boards and wetsuits if you’d rather go it alone.
Water temperature: Cold – you’ll need a 3/2 wetsuit from about May to October and a 5/4 from November to April.
Progress to: Towan Beach, Great Western
Surf season in Cornwall: Beginners should get something all year round although summer does see flat spells. The best, and most consistent, time of year for surf in the UK is autumn and winter.
Where do you think the best places to learn to surf are?
Have you tried learning somewhere that’s not on this list and loved it? Let us know in the comments, and if you know anyone who might be interested in the best places to learn to surf (tropical surf trip anyone?), share the love using the social buttons below 🙂
Happy surfing!
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Having the right wetsuit can really make or break your surf session. Choose well, and you shouldn’t even know you’re wearing one. Get it wrong though, and you face the discomfort of chafing, being too hot, too cold, frustrated by not being able to paddle or move fluidly—the list of misery goes on.
After I made an unexpected detour to Australia in August—the middle of their winter—I needed to pick up a new wetsuit, so decided to try out something from GlideSoul.
The brand creates waterwear for women that supports their active life, while letting them show off their individuality with innovative and vibrant designs. GlideSoul is a UK based company, with distributors around the world.
For this review I tested the GlideSoul Flashback 74 Collection 2mm spring suit.
First Impressions
The wetsuit came well packaged and was delivered quickly, even though I was in Australia. My first thoughts when taking it out of the box were how nice it looked!
The aesthetic of GlideSoul’s current collection is inspired by the Olympic Games of the 70s and 80s, giving their wetsuits a cool, retro look. It works really well and I love the fact that they offer something that looks totally different to other wetsuit brands.
Fit
I held my breath as I pulled on the wetsuit. Ordering online and not being able to surf Australia’s cooler water without a wetsuit, I knew that sending it back would not be an ideal situation.
I didn’t need to worry; the size guide on the GlideSoul website was spot on. Being 5’ 7” and a slightly curvy UK size 12, I ordered a large and it fit perfectly.
The neoprene was supple and flexible and flattered my shape nicely. I was particularly worried that the grippers on the short legs would dig into my thighs, giving me a ‘sausage tied in the middle’ look. Again, I didn’t need to worry, the legs were flattering and not too tight.
This wetsuit is a back zip, and combined with the soft material, is super easy to get in and out of.
So the suit looks good, but does it do what it’s supposed to? After surfing in this one for almost three months, I can say that everything is great.
The material is S-foam, which GlideSoul says is about 20% lighter than L-foam. While I’m no expert when it comes to material, I definitely feel like I can move without restriction and the wetsuit is comfortable and keeps me warm enough. I haven’t had any issues with chafing either.
The only niggle I have with this wetsuit, is that the short legs roll up when I get hit by a wave when I’m wading out in shallow water. This could just be the length of the legs though as they’re quite short.
Price Point
At €149 (US$170/£130), it’s definitely not the cheapest wetsuit you could buy. Having said that, you get what you pay for to some extent and it does feel high quality, plus offers the performance to back up a premium price.
Would I recommend the GlideSoul Flashback 74 Collection wetsuit?
Yes. I love the fact that GlideSoul is making something a bit different, so you don’t have to look the same as everyone else in the water, but have also managed to nail the functionality.
What is your favourite surf wetsuit?
Do you have a go-to brand or a favourite surf wetsuit? Let us know in the comments, and as always, if you found this review helpful, please share it using the social buttons below 🙂
Sri Lanka is slowly making a name for itself among travellers as a top budget destination and at the moment, is still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. Although backpacking in Sri Lanka is already cheap by Western standards, there are ways to stretch your money even further, without reducing the quality of your experience, or sacrificing your your ethics.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Eat Local
Sri Lankan food is as delicious as it is spicy. Eating at a local restaurant or ‘roti shop’ will likely cost you a quarter of what it might in a place serving Western food. A traditional rice and curry buffet with a selection of different vegetable curries should cost around $2 (Rs 300), and a plate of vegetable kottu (chopped pieces of roti, fried with egg and vegetables) roughly the same.
Portions are usually mountainous; one plate of fried rice, noodles or kottu is often enough for two people. If you’re budgeting really hard, split the meal with a friend and halve the cost. Bulk it up with super spicy vegetable rotis (triangular parcels of flatbread stuffed with a spicy vegetable mixture) for only $0.30 (Rs 50) each.
Eat in a local restaurant for cheap, delicious food
2. Drink Smart
Sri Lanka does not have a big social drinking culture. Outside of Colombo, bars are noticeably lacking, many restaurants are not licensed to serve alcohol, and drinks are relatively expensive compared to other countries in Asia. One large beer at $2.60 (Rs 400) will set you back more than the cost of your dinner.
To avoid enforced sobriety without blowing your budget, pick up beer or spirits from a local ‘wine store’; there’s one in almost every town. Here, a large (625 ml) bottle of local beer will cost around $1.90 (Rs 290) and returning your empty bottles reduces the cost of future purchases to around $1.60 (Rs 250).
The cheapest spirit is the locally produced, and deceptively drinkable, Arrack. Try it with coke and a wedge of lime or neat over ice.
3. Wing it
If you are travelling outside of high season, arriving to a location without a room booked for the night can be a big money saver.
Use a website like Booking.com to find your preferred choice of accommodation, but don’t make the reservation through the site. Accommodations pay a commission to the website for your reservation, so by turning up without one, you should be able to negotiate a lower rate.
In some tourist hotspots you may even be met off the bus or train by local hotel owners with rooms to fill, and discounts on the advertised rates can be significant.
It is also worth asking around or keeping your eyes open for homestays, as they are often not listed on any booking websites and tend to be some of the cheapest accommodation available.
4. Take the Bus
Travelling by bus is by far the cheapest way to get around. A four hour journey can be as little as $1.30 (Rs 200) and the well connected route network will take you almost anywhere you could wish to go.
5. Pack Light
Rail travel is also cheap, but bear in mind that both buses and trains can get very crowded so are only suitable for travelling with a backpack or small suitcase. Pack light to avoid the need to use expensive taxis.
Pack light and take public transport
6. Know Your Price & Haggle
Tuk tuks (three wheelers) are everywhere and cost less than a taxi, though drivers will often try their luck when offering their initial price. Don’t be afraid to haggle and if the fare is unreasonable, walk up the street a little and try another. They may even come after you and offer a more realistic price.
Tourists undoubtedly pay a different price to locals, but even so, there will be a standard. Get an idea of the going rate from other tourists, or message your accommodation in advance to ask what the journey should cost.
7. Don’t get Scammed
Be alert for scams. One to watch out for is arriving at the bus station and being wrongly informed by some unscrupulous taxi or tuk tuk drivers that there are no buses to your destination. They then conveniently offer to take you there for ten times the amount you would have paid on the bus.
8. Avoid Expensive Airport Taxis
When arriving into Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by several (overpriced) taxi companies offering their services, plus more as you leave the airport. If your onward journey is short and you don’t have lots of luggage, leave the airport grounds and take a tuk tuk.
If you do need a taxi, try to book one in advance via your accommodation, or cut the cost by arranging to share one using the Sri Lanka Taxi Share website. Drivers also post on this site when they are offering special rates on specific routes so it’s worth checking it before you travel.
9. Stay Connected
The mobile data network in Sri Lanka is surprisingly good. Avoid expensive roaming charges on your home network by taking an unlocked phone and buying a local sim card when you arrive. Sim cards can be purchased at the airport or in one of the many telecom shops and data is cheap; $2.90 (Rs 449) will buy you 6GB of data (split as 2GB day, 4GB night), valid for 30 days. I used Dialog.
10. The Alternative to Sigiriya
One of Sri Lanka’s most visited landmarks, the ancient city of Sigiriya is also one of its most expensive. With an entrance fee at $30 (Rs 4,500) per person, you could be forgiven for wondering whether to skip it. The answer to this lies in what you are looking for.
If you enjoy ancient ruins, captivating frescos, and beautifully landscaped gardens, bear the pain and part with the cash.
If, however, you are only scaling Sigiriya for the stunning panoramic jungle views, there is an alternative, and it is far cheaper.
Lesser known Pidurangala Rock, lies approximately 2 kilometres away from Sigiriya. From its summit, you can take in the same spectacular jungle vistas, plus a view of Sigiriya itself in all its glory.
The cost to enter Pidurangala is a far more budget friendly $3.30 (Rs 500) per person. Taking a tuk tuk to the bottom should cost around $3.30 (Rs 500) or you can walk from Sigiriya.
Note that Pidurangala is a much more technical climb, so it’s only a suitable alternative if you have a decent level of fitness. Also, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees as the entrance is through the grounds of a temple.
The view from Pidurangala is spectacular and far cheaper!
Have any of your own tips for backpacking Sri Lanka on a budget?
These are my pearls of wisdom from travelling and surfing in Sri Lanka for almost three months. If you’ve also visited this amazing country and have any more tips for backpacking Sri Lanka on a budget, share the love and leave them in the comments. Also, if you found this post helpful or know anyone who will be backpacking Sri Lanka soon, please share it using the social buttons below 🙂
With a new GoPro being high on many of our Christmas shopping lists, I thought it might be useful to share how I saved almost £50 on the general retail price when I bought my Hero 5 Black (which was a saving of £100 against the RRP), and how it is possible to save even more.
If you’ve already been searching, you will know that there is no such thing as a ‘cheap’ GoPro. All of the main retailers keep prices set to within a few pounds of each other which means that the usual tactic of shopping around, might only earn you a saving of a few pounds.
So How do You Get the Best Price?
As a rule of thumb, the cheapest of the big, reputable retailers selling GoPro is Amazon. Even so, you will usually find that their prices are only maybe £10 less than most of their competitors. That’s great, but nothing to get too excited about.
The key to making big savings, is to stalk the price. You may have noticed that prices fluctuate for many things sold by Amazon, but what you may not have noticed, is by just how much.
The graph below shows how the price for the latest version of the GoPro Hero 5 Black, changed by £70 in the space of 8 days! The 2016 model varied by £110 over a seven month period. You can also see that the price changes often. Therefore, watching the price and waiting for the right moment to purchase, can earn you a much bigger saving than simply shopping around.
Source: camelcamelcamel.com
How to Monitor the Price
No one wants to be checking Amazon every minute of every day to see if the price has changed and thankfully you don’t have to. Using camelcamelcamel.com you can set up a price alert so that when the price drops, you are notified via email or Twitter.
You can also use camelcamelcamel to view historical prices, so you can see how the current price compares to the highest and lowest it has been in a given period of time. If you are outside of the UK, just click the flag at the top right of the page to change the location.
This method of waiting for the best price works for all models of GoPro (or anything on Amazon for that matter). Just enter the Amazon url or keyword in the search bar on camelcamelcamel and set up an alert. Unsurprisingly, the newly released Hero 6 Black is not showing much of a price drop yet, but it is still worth keeping an eye on it if that’s the one you want. Especially if you’re not in a hurry.
You might think that Amazon would hold prices high around Christmas but that’s not the case. The graph below shows that the price of the 2016 model Hero 5 Black still dropped by £25 in the run up to Christmas last year.
Source: camelcamelcamel.com
Of course there is an element of gambling involved with picking the right moment to buy. You could be unlucky and the price could drop further, or you may be lucky and get in before the price shoots back up. Either way, if you can make a saving, you’re winning.
Do you know of any other ways to get the best price on a new GoPro?
If you know of any other cheap GoPro hacks, let us know in the comments. And as always, if you found this post helpful or know anyone looking to buy a new GoPro, please share it using the social links below 🙂
Full disclosure: Some of the products in this post may contain affiliate links. Shopping via these links means that you can buy the product at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission which goes towards the running costs of this site. Be assured that I only recommend products I use myself and trust. Your support is very much appreciated.
Don’t panic if you have no idea what to buy your favourite surfer girl. Choose something from this list of thoughtful, surf inspired gems and you will have a gift to make the eyes of any mermaid sparkle. From stocking fillers to outright splurges, whatever your budget, this surfer girl gift guide has you covered.
*Ladies, you may want to subtly leave this where your boyfriend/husband/mum/friends can find it, like on their Facebook timeline, or pinned to the fridge…
1. Surfboard: A girl can dream right? Besides, what ultimate surfer girl gift guide would be complete without this. For the grandest of grand gestures and a girl who will love you forever, you can’t go wrong with a new surfboard. A word of caution though; unless you really know what you’re doing, don’t go down the surprise route with this one.
2.GoPro Hero 5 Black: This tough little action camera is waterproof and can be used to capture all of your girl’s surfing highlights, from epic waves to spectacular sunsets out on the water (although I mostly use mine to capture epic wipeouts and all the things I do wrong). The GoPro Hero 5 has a touch display, can be voice activated, and is capable of shooting stabilised 4K video.
If you want to go really crazy, treat her to the newly released Hero 6, or for something a little less pricey take a look at the paired down Hero 5 Session. It can record the same quality video as the Hero 5, but without the touch display. Note that GoPros do not have any internal memory so you will need a memory card. With my Hero 5 I use a SanDisk Extreme 64 GB microSDXC Memory Card. The key thing is that it needs a U3 rating for the camera to be able to record in 4K.
3.GoPro Surf Mounts: If you’re treating her to a GoPro, consider completing the package with GoPro Surf Mounts. These super strong, sticky little disks allow you to mount the GoPro on the nose of your board so you can capture both surfer and wave in the same shot. It’s also easier to use the GoPro hands free than trying to paddle with it on your wrist or holding a pole mount.
4.Barts Nicole Beanie: Nothing feels better than coming out of the water on a cold day and putting on a cosy beanie. This one has a fleece band that lines the inside for extra comfort and comes in a range of gorgeous colours. I have it in Oyster and love it.
5.Sex Wax Air Freshener: Sex Wax reminds me of surf trips and summer every time I smell it. These retro looking air fresheners are based on the scents of the Sex Wax bars and make a great little stocking filler. My favourite is coconut.
7.The Surf Girl Handbook: This book contains pretty much everything a girl needs to know about surfing and is packed full of stunning photos. It takes you from the basics like surf etiquette, swell prediction and equipment, right through to performing manoeuvres and fitness. Unless she’s a pro, she’s sure to find this book useful.
8.Dryrobe Advance Changing Robe: Changing out of a wetsuit by the car is a tricky balancing act of not flashing nearby strangers but working quickly so as not to freeze to death. If your surfer girl isn’t lucky enough to own a van (and even if she is), give her the gift of modesty and warmth. Dryrobe also make a more budget friendly towelling version.
9.Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor: Sun and saltwater might be good for the soul, but they are definitely not good for hair. Restore her locks to their former glory with this affordable, gorgeous smelling intensive conditioner.
10.Surf Trip Map: Fuel her surf trip dreams with a map showing the world’s best surf spots and when to surf them.
11.Surf Fin Art: These beautiful surf inspired decorations will be a welcome addition to any surfer girl’s home.
12.Aquapac Keymaster: Solve the eternal surfers’ dilemma of where to leave your car key and give her this little waterproof pouch which can be worn under your wetsuit.
13.‘Good Vibes’ Cushion: Another great addition to a beach lover’s home plus Artfaction promise that an independent graphic artist profits from every purchase.
14.Surf Mud Natural Zinc: There is nothing worse than having to cut your session short because your face is being burnt to a crisp. The makers of Surf Mud created it for this exact reason and claim that it stays on all day.
16.Sterling Silver Wave Ring: A simple but pretty ring that is perfect for any ocean lover. You can also get it in gold.
17.Sterling Silver Mermaid’s Tail Pendant Necklace: A subtle nod to her inner mermaid, this pendant would look good worn alone or layered with a couple of different length shell necklaces.
18.Cherry Carmex: My favourite cherry flavoured lip balm has SPF 15 and is water resistant for 80 minutes. I use it for surfing and to protect and soothe my lips out of the water.
19.Canvas Surf Art: She can’t be at the beach all the time (sadly). Recreate her happy place at home with surf inspired pieces of art.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Amazon Prime 30 day trial, especially if you’re shopping at the last minute. You get unlimited free next day delivery on any product that shows the Prime logo, plus a bunch of other benefits. If you don’t want to pay for an ongoing subscription, just cancel before the 30 days is up and you won’t be charged a bean.
Ladies, what’s on your wish list?
Let me know what you’re coveting in the comments and I can add it to the guide. Also, don’t be afraid to give your loved ones a nudge in the right direction and if you know anyone else looking for surfer girl gift ideas, share this guide using the social links below.
Full disclosure: Some of the products in this post contain affiliate links. Shopping via these links means that you can buy the product at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission which goes towards the running costs of this site. Be assured that I only recommend products I use myself and trust. Your support is very much appreciated.
Not all bikinis are created equal. Any girl who has ever surfed in one will vouch for that. When you wipeout and you’re about to take the rest of the set on your head, the last thing you want to think about is pulling your top back on and your bottoms up. The pros might be able to surf in a bandeau top and tie side bottoms, but I am definitely not a pro, and I routinely suffer the embarrassment of frantically paddling back out with bum cheeks on full display, only to sit up and realise the horror that one of the girls has also escaped.
With a surf industry that seems so focused on the sexy image of surfer girls, it feels like many brands prioritise aesthetics over functionality. Fortunately though, a new breed of company is emerging, and they are creating surf wear for women that is as functional and fit for purpose, as it is good looking.
Leading the charge is OY Surf Apparel. You will not be surprised to learn that this company is the brainchild of two women who actually surf, and therefore understand what goes into making surf clothing that works, rather than just looks pretty. Founded by Regula Aebi and Zelia Zadra, OY has been distributing worldwide since 2013.
For this review, I tested the Milli top €45 ($53) and Sumba bottoms €45 ($53), both in Hot Coral.
First Impressions
The bikini arrived well packaged and came in a cute little drawstring bag bearing the OY logo. As soon as I took it out of the bag it felt special. The coral colour is gorgeous and the material feels high quality. The bikini is double lined and is made of a thick, sturdy lycra which OY claim ‘even under a heavy load of salt water, retains its shape’.
Fit
I used the size guide on the OY Surf Apparel website to determine the right size for me and it was spot on. I chose a small top and medium bottoms to fit my 34 A/B top and UK size 12 bottom and the bikini fit perfectly.
I don’t have much to shout about in the chest department and usually avoid athletic style tops as they squash me down and make me look like a boy. With the Milli top, the opposite was actually true, I had cleavage! The straps offer a great deal of adjustability and are a fraction wider than many bikinis, making them comfortable. I also liked that the bikini ties up on the back not the neck, so you don’t get pain from the straps digging in, like halter style tops can do.
The bottoms were similarly flattering. I was concerned that being close fitting and having fixed sides, they might accentuate any lumps and bumps on my hips and bum, but they looked great and the drawstring allows you to adjust the fit exactly as you want it. The Sumba bottoms are regular cut offering medium coverage, which I found was fine combined with the flattering fit.
Although the bikini is deliberately designed to be close fitting, it felt very comfortable to wear.
Testing in the Water
Looking great is one thing, but the real test for a surf bikini is how well it performs in the water. Now, I should point out that as a surfer, I am still very much a work in progress. Spectacular wipeouts and generally getting battered is a normal day at the office for me, so it is fair to say that I put this bikini through its paces!
In short, it was brilliant. The biggest compliment I can give it, is that I hardly knew I was wearing it. I wasn’t constantly fiddling with it or rearranging it and even big wipeouts were no problem. On one of the days I wore it, the waves were so strong that my GoPro, which was mounted on the nose of my board, got torn off, but my bikini stayed exactly where it was meant to be.
The open, fixed-cross back gives you great freedom of movement in the shoulders and would also make it a suitable bikini for swimming in.
Price Point
There is no doubting that OY Surf Apparel is a premium brand. At €90 for the set, the price point is comparable to the likes of Roxy, Billabong and Ripcurl. It is of course possible to find cheaper bikinis, but what you gain in price, you lose in quality and functionality.
Shopping Experience
The OY website is beautifully designed and very easy to navigate. Each product has several photos and clear descriptions and I especially like the fact that OY states whether each item is suitable for surfing. The ordering and checkout process was straight forward and my bikini arrived by DHL within the week.
Would I Recommend an OY Surf Apparel Bikini?
Absolutely. OY Surf Apparel have achieved the holy grail of designing bikinis that not only look amazing, but can stand up to anything you throw at them in the water. I just wish I had more!
Do you have a favourite surf bikini?
What is your go-to brand for surf wear? Let us know in the comments, and if you found this review helpful, please share it using the social buttons below 🙂
I used to be the worst offender for overpacking whenever I travelled. I’d always come home with clothes and shoes I hadn’t worn, plus so many things I hadn’t used. Now I’m a total convert when it comes to travelling carry on only. It’s actually easier than you might think and the benefits are huge:
You can get through the airport faster; check in online and when you get to the airport you can go straight to security. When you land just get off the plane and go. Forget about standing in check-in queues or hanging around waiting for luggage at the other end.
No more anxiety about whether your stuff will be damaged by airport baggage manglers, or whether your bag will even arrive at your destination at all, something that really concerns me when I’m travelling and a missing bag could ruin my whole trip.
You have less weight to carry; there is nothing worse than the regret of overpacking when you are struggling around with an extra 5 kilos of things you haven’t used
If you are travelling with a budget airline, you can save money on baggage fees
With smart packing, a 40 litre backpack should be enough to carry everything you need for any length trip; from a weekend away, to backpacking round the world for a year. Once you go over a week or two, the packing list remains pretty much the same.
Always check your airline’s specific allowances before flying, but as a general guide, a carry on bag sized 55cm x 35cm x 20 cm or less should work for most airlines. Some airlines impose a weight restriction and although I’ve never been challenged, it’s sensible to stay within a kilo or two of it just in case.
The key to packing carry on only is maximising space and weight:
Clothes and Shoes
My number one rule for clothes and shoes, is be ruthless! Everything must go with everything; if a top only goes with one bottom, leave it behind. Take tops and bottoms that all match so you can make several outfits out of the same clothes. Denim shorts and jeans are especially versatile and can be dressed up or down as needed.
Shoes must match all outfits. At a maximum, take one pair of casual shoes/sandals/flip flops, one pair of comfortable shoes like trainers/running shoes, and one pair of smarter shoes/sandals/flip flops.
Only take things that you know you will wear. If you’re not sure about something or never wear it at home, the chances are that you won’t wear it when you’re away; leave it behind.
Take clothes that can do double duty, like shorts and a T-shirt that can be used as pyjamas, but also worn in the day if needed, or items of clothing that can be easily dressed up and down.
I absolutely swear by packing cubes for getting the most amount of clothes into the smallest amount of space. To pack the cubes, work from one end to the other, rolling each item of clothing tightly and placing it into the cube, zipping it up as you go. Put all the large items in first. When the cube is full, feel around for any pockets of space and bring the zips to that place. Open the zips just wide enough and push the smaller items in. Repeat this until every bit of space is full; you’d be amazed at how much more you can squeeze in versus packing clothes loose in your bag.
Packing cubes are great for maximising space
Using packing cubes, you should be able to pack enough clothes plus underwear for a week or two. If you are travelling for longer than this then you can either wash clothes in the sink as you go, or arrange to have laundry done when you need it. It is super common in Asia and much of South and Central America to have someone do your laundry and it’s pretty cheap.
If you will be travelling through more than one climate, take clothes that can be worn alone in hot climates but layered to create warm outfits in cold climates. Look out for warm jackets that pack down small, such as down jackets.
Wear or carry your bulkiest items on your flight. I always wear my trainers when I fly and carry my hoodie to save space in my bag. This is even more important if you are travelling to a cold destination and will be taking a coat and heavier clothes.
You can also buy clothes and underwear made out of special fabrics that are lighter, dry faster, and have antibacterial properties to prevent them from smelling bad. These are especially perfect if you will be travelling for an extended period of time.
Do NOT pack everything you own, you’ll hate yourself
Toiletries
Due to the restrictions on liquids in hand luggage, for many people, toiletries can pose one of the biggest challenges to travelling carry on only.
Current regulations state that liquids must be carried in a clear, plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm, each individual item must contain no more than 100mls, and the combined quantity of all liquids must not exceed 1000mls.
Fortunately, for many toiletries, there are non-liquid alternatives. The trick is to swap as many items as possible, allowing you to take what you really need to as liquids.
Body wash – Use soap and cut the bar to size to save space and weight
Deodorant – Use a stick version
Suncream – Use a stick version
Laundry detergent – cut a small piece of stain remover bar like Vanish, then use locally bought laundry detergent or soap to clean your clothes on the road.
Make up – Use powder foundation or decant some liquid foundation into a sample size squeezy tube. Check whether your favourite brand makes a travel compact. I have a Dior travel pallet that contains miniature versions of mascara, eyeshadow, concealer, lip gloss, and pencils, which is great for saving space and weight versus taking my entire make up bag.
Nail varnish remover – Use nail varnish remover wipes
Make up remover – Use make up remover wipes
Once you’re down to the items that you can’t live without in liquid form, decant them into smaller containers and only take as much as you need. You will be able to buy more of certain things when you arrive at your destination, and depending on where you stay, you may be able to get by on the toiletries that other travellers leave behind when they move on.
It is good to have a lightweight toiletry bag with several clear compartments, like the Boots hanging toiletry bag, to keep everything together and organised.
One last tip for the girls, if you don’t already use one, I would highly recommend getting a Mooncup. Not only will you save space by not carrying any sanitary products, but also you won’t have to worry about finding more when you run out. Tampons, for example, can be especially difficult to find in Asia and other developing world countries. Plus you’re doing your bit for the environment; win win!
Organisation
When packing as much as possible into a small space, keeping everything organised becomes even more important.
Packing cubes not only allow you to pack more in, but they also allow you to keep your clothes organised. You might like to use each one for certain types of clothes, or use them to separate clean and dirty clothes.
Clear zip lock bags are inexpensive and a great way of keeping smaller items together and organised.
General Space Saving Tips
It is well worth investing in a few products that are specifically aimed at travellers.
Using a microfibre towel can save a ton of space and weight over taking a regular towel, plus they dry much faster too which is great for when you’re moving about and don’t want to pack a heavy wet towel.
If you are travelling to more than one country during your trip, you may want to take a multi country adapter rather than separate adapters for each country.
Most airlines allow a personal item, usually a small bag, in addition to your hand luggage item. Use that to carry valuables, documents, flight essentials and anything else you can fit in. Always double check your airline’s allowances before you travel.
Lastly, think about what you really need versus what you can live without. Travelling with just your essentials can drastically reduce the amount you need to pack. Similarly, don’t pack ‘just in case’ items. Things do run out and break, but unless you are going somewhere completely remote, you will be able to pick up most items on the road.
How do you maximise space and weight for carry on?
Have you got your own tips or advice for packing carry on only? If you have, pop them in the comments, and if you found this post helpful, please share it via the social links below.
Happy travels 🙂
Full disclosure: Some of the products in this post contain affiliate links. Shopping via these links means that you can buy the product at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission which goes towards the running costs of this site. Be assured that I only recommend products I use myself and trust. Your support is very much appreciated.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, packing for an overseas surf trip requires a bit more thought than your average holiday. This is especially true if you’re taking your own board. Exactly what you’ll need depends on how far off the beaten track you are going, and the climate of your destination.
This guide covers the essentials you’ll need to pack, a few more things to consider taking, plus how to pack everything so it all gets there in one piece. All you need to worry about, is having an amazing trip!
What to Pack
Trip Essentials
Money/credit card
Passport
Flight/accommodation documents
Driving licence/international licence
Phone/charger
Clothes
Shoes/flip flops
Toiletries
Boardies/Bikini/Wetsuit
Mosquito repellent
Adapter plug
Towel
Beach bag
Also Think About:
Sunscreen
Take a good high factor, waterproof sunscreen for your body and zinc for your face. I found P20 and Hawaiian Tropic (factors 30-50) to be the best I’ve tried. On my face I use Sun & Earth zinc.
Rash Vest
A long sleeve rash vest is good both for sun protection and for helping to prevent board rash. Try to get one with SPF 50+. Girls may also like to wear surf leggings for extra sun protection.
Hat
One for the guys. Not necessarily the height of cool, but when you’ve burnt your face and head surfing in fierce tropical sun, you’ll be glad you took a surf hat so you don’t have to miss any time in the water.
Booties
If you’re going to be surfing reef breaks, depending on how fashion conscious you are, you may want to take a pair of surf booties. Reef cuts can be nasty and difficult to heal, keeping you out of the water for days. Booties can also help protect you against urchins.
Wax
Make sure you have the right wax for the water temperature you’ll be surfing in. If you are taking a warm water surf trip, make sure you have removed your cold water wax before you go, otherwise you may find it (and you) sliding off your board.
Ding Repair Kit
If you’re heading to a popular or well established surf destination, you should be able to get dings repaired fairly easily. Even so, it is still handy to have a ding repair kit to keep you going until you can source a repair. Be aware that certain chemicals are not allowed on planes so check before you buy.
I dinged my board twice on my trip to Asia, both board rack related incidents (*face palm), and was saved by Session Saver Repair Putty. It’s really easy to use; just roll the putty, apply it to the ding, then wet, smooth it off and you can be back in the water in 20 minutes.
If you’re really stuck, duct tape is also good for covering minor dings until you can get them repaired. I covered one of my dings with Gorilla Tape and it probably would have lasted until the end of my trip!
First Aid Kit
How much of a first aid kit you need depends on how far off the beaten track you are going. At a minimum consider taking:
Antiseptic wipes
Plasters/band aids
Butterfly wound closures
Gauze dressing pads
First aid tape
Electrolytes
Diarrhoea relief
Painkillers
Tweezers.
If you need something to help heal cuts and grazes, I would highly recommend liquid Betadine. I sliced my toe on reef and this stuff healed it in no time.
GoPro
Capture your surf trip on camera so you can relive the memories when you’re back home, slash cry about not still being there, slash brag about your trip on Instagram. Use the GoPro surf mounts to mount the camera on the nose of your board or use one of the many other mounts available. For surfing, wrist and shoulder mounts work well, or if you’re brave try a mouth mount.
Roof Straps
If you’ll need to travel by car with your board at any point during your trip, check whether you will need roof straps.
Some Randoms
Tennis Ball
Suddenly changing from surfing on evenings and weekends to surfing two or three times a day, every day, can really mess with your body. A tennis ball is great for self-physio and self-massaging tight shoulder and back muscles, keeping you in the water and enjoying your trip, rather than sitting on the beach taking photos.
Binoculars
If you are staying close to several surf spots, a set of small binoculars are super handy to have for checking the waves/crowds without having to walk to each spot.
Duct Tape
Useful for everything from covering dings to holding board bags together. If you don’t want to take a whole roll, wrap some around a pencil or small toiletry bottle.
How to Pack
Travelling with a board means there is a little more to think about in terms of how you will transport your board and luggage during your trip, and therefore how you pack. Here are the most common methods:
All Checked Luggage
If you will have a large vehicle to transport you to and from the airport and will not have to carry your luggage, taking a normal suitcase and board bag will be fine, though you may incur a fee for an extra piece of luggage or sports equipment.
Travel Backpack
If you will have limited space in your vehicle or will need to carry your luggage, consider taking the bulk of your luggage in a travel backpack. This can also help you save a bit of money. With many airlines accepting surfboards as part of your checked baggage allowance, you can avoid extra charges by checking your board and taking everything else in a carry on backpack.
For my five month solo surf trip in Asia I packed everything in a 40 litre travel backpack, and checked my surfboard as part of my free checked luggage allowance.
Board Bag Only
If you have a suitable board bag, won’t need to carry your bag far and are happy packing light, you can pack both your luggage and your board in there. This again will allow you to save on extra luggage charges.
Packing Your Board
If you will be taking your own board, you will need to prepare it, and protect it from airport baggage manglers.
Preparing Your Board
Remove your cold water wax before packing your board if you are heading to a hot climate. You may end up with a melted waxy mess inside your bag and the cold water wax will be no good once you get there anyway.
Remove the fins and wrap them in something soft. Make sure you pack your fin key. If you have glass-on fins, protect them with a foam fin box or make one by cutting slits in a polystyrene block.
Remove the leash and check it for signs of wear. If you have had it a while, consider taking a new one. Sod’s law dictates that if your leash is going to snap, it’ll do it while you’re away and finding a replacement is not so easy. You may even want to pack a spare leash and leash string, plus spare fins if you have room.
Protecting Your Board
Flying with your board demands that you give it a little extra protection in addition to the board bag. Ideally for air travel, you will have a bag with a minimum of 10mm padding. The more protection your bag offers, the less crazy you need to go with wrapping your board up.
The nose is the most vulnerable followed by the tail, so at a minimum you will need to protect the nose and tail well, plus some protection on the rails, and some on the deck and bottom.
Put soft items like towels, wetsuits or clothes around the nose and tail and in the space where the nose curves upwards. Make sure you don’t put any hard items in the bag close to the board.
My board bag is quite basic so I put pipe insulation around the nose, tail, and rails, plus a layer of bubble wrap over the deck and bottom. I then put my surf booties in the bag around the tail and a towel around the nose.
Other Considerations
Vaccinations
Depending on where you are going, you may need vaccinations. Check with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip as some vaccinations need to be administered over the course of a month.
Visas
Check your destination’s visa requirements well in advance of your trip.
Travel Insurance
You should take travel insurance for any overseas trip but for a surf trip it is a no brainer. Make sure your policy covers you specifically for surfing. I have mine with World Nomads as they are well priced and cover everything I need. I actually had to claim on my policy to fly home early and they paid out quickly and with no fuss so I would personally recommend them.
Copy Documents
Make copies or take photos of all important documents like your passport, credit card, and driving licence. In the event that anything gets lost or stolen you will have everything you need to arrange replacements.
What are your surf trip essentials?
Do you take anything I haven’t mentioned or have any random gems of your own? Share your tips in the comments.
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Happy travels!
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