HomeHere are some tips on travelling, including information on preparing to go, packing your boards, surf equipment and a medical kit.
Preparing to Go
Before you go, read up on the country that you are traveling to. Learn a little bit about their culture to make your trip more enjoyable. If they speak a different language try to learn some of the key words and phrases. Not only will this make your trip more enjoyable but you can make some great friends that way. Most importantly, bring a good attitude. You don't want to take a pounding by locals before you even get in the water.
1. Packing your boards
Bottom line, your boards will probably get dung. I don't care if you rap them in forty layers of bubble wrap and them stuff them into a bullet proof bag - the airline bag handlers will get to your board. However, here are some suggestions to improve their chance of survival:
Keep it Light
The heavier your board bag is, the more of a chance that some luggage handler is going to strain his back and take it out on your bag. Besides, when you are carrying your eighty pound triple board bag down some muddy road in 90% humidity - you'll wish it was a little lighter too.
Pack 'em Light
Battle the ding gnomes with bubble wrap. I like bubble wrap because it doesn't significantly affect the weight of your bag. Make sure you double rap your rails.
Fin Boxes
This is key. Take them out if possible. If they are not removable support them with a fin box or any other device to keep them from getting snapped off or shoved half way through your board.
Tail/Nose
Put extra padding on both then tail and nose. When the baggage handlers throw your bag the nose or tail (depending on angle of the toss) inevitably smash into something.
Arrive at Airport Early
Nothing is worse then running through the airport dragging your unwieldy board bag ten minutes before your international departure. Try to tell the airline that your boards MUST make the flight....fees skyrocket, stress increases, boards get thrashed and they won't even be there when you arrive. Don't put yourself through the pain - arrive early.
Waive Fees
This is getting tougher and tougher. The airlines are starting to charge huge fees to carry surfboards. Call the airlines ahead of time to find out their policies. Try to get your travel agent to waive the fees for you - good luck. Be prepared to pay through the nose.
Board Stash
Depending on where you are going and the cost of carrying surfboards, you may want to look into buying a board when you arrive and selling it when you leave. If you are going to a repeat destination leave a board with a friend and don't deal with carrying boards every time.
2. Surf Equipment
None of these things should be out of the ordinary...but we all forget some of them.
Duct Tape
The answer to everything. Poor but adequate ding repair, board bag repair, secure injured appendages (after a vicious shark attack or bouncing off the urchin field), etc.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes by getting shades that screen out UV light
Wetsuits and Rash Guards
Even if your going somewhere warm a vest can keep off the evening wind and a rash guard can protect you from the sun
Leashes
Bring a couple unless you really like to swim
Hats
Covers up unsightly bed head and keeps your face from looking like a shriveled raisin
Wax
After wax melts all over the inside of the rental car make sure you have backup. And remember they have warm water and cold water wax for a reason
Ding Repair
Get the kind that hardens in the sun. I doubt you want to carry around resin, catalyst and sand paper on your trip.
Soft Racks or Straps
I prefer straps. They work just as well. Twist the straps to avoid that annoying humming sound on the highway.
Helmet
If you are charging somewhere heavy, where knocking your dome across some rocks or coral is a real probability, you may want to invest in a helmet.
Matches
Who knows - but every survival book says you should have them. So shut up and bring some.
Torch
Bring a small flashlight with extra batteries. There are plenty of places without power. And when you are walking through the jungle looking for a place to relieve yourself, you're going to wish you had that flashlight
International Driver's License
Some countries require it.
Camera
Bring one - even though no ones wants to take pictures when the surf is going off you'll can get some great pics. If you are going somewhere that is a little sketchy and your camera may be stolen, buy a throw-away. The pictures they take are good and it doesn't really matter if it gets stolen. They even have water proof throw-aways for some mediocre water shots
Tunes
Avoid listening to your buddies incessant babble about some tube ride that he never really got.
Pen, Paper, Envelopes
Write to all your friends at home as soon as you get there reminding them that you are on an insane surf trip while they toil away at home. Even if the waves suck, make sure they think they are missing it all. You may also want to keep a journal. Reading this stuff later on can be very humorous and bring you back some great memories.
Books
The waves won't be perfect every day. Bring something to read just in case it gets flat.
3. Medical Kit
No matter how good a surfer you are, at some point in time you are going to get hurt on a surf trip. Whether it's a sucking barrel that drags you across a dry reef, the unplanned urchin dance, or a nasty case of the "I probably shouldn't have eaten that from the roadside vendor" syndrome - it's best to be prepared. Here are a few thoughts on what to bring for just such an occasion. oANTIBIOTICS - useful if traveling well off the beaten track. However, they must be prescribed - in other words, check with your doctor.
Antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl)
Good for a decongestion, colds, allergies. To ease the itch or sting of insect bites. It can also help out for motion sickness. Be careful they may also cause sedation and interact with alcohol.
Antiseptic (e.g. Betadine)
Good for cleaning out those nasty reef rashes, rock divots or any other minor abrasion that you may have gotten. Keep it clean and keep it from getting infected.
Aspirin or Panadol
For pain or fever
Bandages or Band Aids
Get a box with every size. Chances are you won't need them all. But it's better to have, than to have not. Bring non-adhering dressing and gauze pads for those nastier scrapes and bruises
Calamine Lotion
Helps to ease irritation from bites or stings.
Condoms
Chances are, the only time you'll need these on a surf trip is during the water balloon fight - but better safe than sorry. Nothing is worth getting AIDS.
Kaolin Preparation (e.g., Pepto Bismol)
If you are spending more time in the bathroom from Bali Belly, Montezuma's Revenge or whatever, this stuff can be a life saver.
Dental Floss, Toothpaste, Toothbrush
Not really medical, but no one wants morning breath. Dental floss can also be used for many McGuiver like activities - broken leash, roof rack, fishing line, etc.
Ear Plugs
Get some ear plugs to help prevent ear infections and "surfer's ear".
Health Insurance
You're not invincible. Get coverage. Whether it's through your parents, school, work or independently. The last thing you want is to get hurt, not surf, be evacuated at some astronomical cost and then get sent the bill at home - pay now or pay later.
Health Records
Some countries require a vaccination history to enter their boarders. Get a copy of your vaccination record, medical history, allergies and your doctor's name. You don't want to watch your buddies surf from across the boarder as you call home for your records.
Insect Repellant
Keep the mosquitoes and malaria out of your life.
Prescription Drugs
Hey I have no idea what you need, but keep an ample supply if they are mission critical and keep them in their original bottles.
Recreational Drugs
Not advised. It is a good way to find your way into a foreign prison or in some countries - killed.
Rehydration Mixture
Severe diarrhea can dehydrate you badly. Use this to help your body recover. You'll know if you need it!
Scissors and Tweezers
Use them to pull out those annoying splinters and urchins that are stuck in your feet.
Sun Block and Screen
Bring it and use it - there is nothing cool about skin cancer.
Swiss Army Knife
Get the cool one that has everything. At some point on the trip you will find a use for every one of those gadgets.
Vaccination/Immunization
Contact your doctor to find out the specifics on what you need.
Vitamins
Like your mom always said - take your vitamins. Especially good when you are living in remote areas eating questionable foods.
Water Purification
This is key if you can't boil your water and are off the beaten track in Asia, Africa or Central and South America.
Home