Surfing is one of the great sports in the world that combines nature, science, and physical fitness to create an ethereal experience.
If you are a dedicated surfer or you want to learn, planning a surf trip is a great way to get away from daily life, get into nature, and learn a new skill.
As you plan your surf trip, follow this seven-step guide to help prepare you for everything yo need while before, during, and after you ride the waves.
Pick a Location
There are many stunning locations around the world where surfing is a main attraction. From Jeffreys Bay, South Africa to Oahu, Hawaii, you can find surf communities all across the globe.
Depending on where you are based, you can either pick the closest one to you or save up to travel to the other side of the world to see what the surf culture is like over there.
No matter what, you will find lovely beaches and good waves if you choose the right time of year and pick one of the top destinations recommended by experts.
Book Surf Lessons
Whether you have surfed before or it is your first time on a board, booking some surf lessons for when you first arrive is always a good idea.
If it has been a long time since you have been in the water, a few surf lessons will help you reignite your muscle memory and boost your confidence again so that you can spend the rest of your trip trying out new techniques and focusing on staying on the board longer.
If you are a true beginner and you have never stood up on a surfboard before, surf lessons are a must.
A surf instructor will work with you on technique and balance exercises on dry land before you even step foot in the water.
This will help you get more comfortable with the concepts of lifting yourself up onto the board and placing your feet in their right places.
Then the instructor will join you in the water and teach you how to spot good waves to ride. A few days of surf lessons will get you ready to take on the ocean by yourself.
Buy the Right Gear
Surfing requires a certain amount of gear depending on where you are going. In certain surfing destinations like California, Portugal, and South Africa, the water is cold year-round, so surfers of all levels wear wetsuits to stay warm.
These can be purchased at any major sporting goods store and come in all different sizes. The first time you put on a wet suit it is going to feel weird, but you will be grateful that you have it once you're out in the open water.
Other essential supplies include sunscreen, a surf ponch, sunglasses with straps, and a hat. If you are going to a region that has a lot of rocks or coral in the water, reef boots are another great addition to bring along.
They will prevent you from scraping your feet and have enough grip to still use while surfing.
When choosing a sunscreen, try to go for one that is ocean-friendly, so it doesn't contribute to coral bleaching or harm to marine animals.
Sunglasses and hats should always have straps on them so that you don't lose them to the waves and the surf ponch will be your saving grace when you get out of the cold water.
Check Surf Conditions
Every destination has different surf conditions at different times of the year, so it is important to check these when you are considering different dates for your surf trip.
If you are willing to deal with colder weather to avoid big summer crowds, then you can go to some surf towns that have good surfing all year round even if the weather is a bit colder in some months.
If you do choose to go in the off-season, be prepared for smaller waves, which might be helpful for beginners to learn.
Create a Pre-Trip Exercise Plan
Surfing is a very strenuous physical activity, so creating a pre-trip exercise plan where you work on your stamina and flexibility will make your surfing experience much more enjoyable.
The last thing you want is to get to your trip and be so sore after the first day that you can't surf for the rest of the day.
Getting fit before a surf trip will help you achieve your goals more easily and use your strength to pull yourself up onto your board over and over again.
Read Up On Local Safety Rules
Many big surf destinations are known for big waves, which makes surfing so good, but these types of waves can also be very dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.
Big swells can be very powerful and should not be entered unless you are a strong swimmer.
There are also certain times of day when the waves can get more aggressive, so researching this information is really important when deciding what time of day you are going to go out.
Every beach will have its own rules about areas in which you can surf, but some beaches do not have lifeguards, so remember to always be careful when you are out in the water.
Another safety issue to research before your trip is the population of sharks in the surrounding waters.
Many locations like South Africa, California, and Australia have large shark populations.
Educate yourself about what to do if you encounter a shark and what months of the year they are less likely to pop up.
Lean In to the Adventure
Once your trip is all planned out and you are starting to pack, it is time to dive right into the surfing adventure.
Enjoy the surf town you stay in, eat the local cuisine, and practice your surfing while exploring the beaches and shorelines where you will be located.
Do some research before you take off about good local restaurants and where is the best place to rent a board if you are not bringing your own.
Planning a surf trip can be an exciting experience with the right tools to get you on your way to becoming a experienced surfer.
Keep this guide on hand for your next surf trip so that you can have the most enjoyable experience possible.
