The ultimate packing list for your surfing vacation

The choice of surfing spot will largely determine what you need to pack. On tropical beaches such as Hawaii, Costa Rica or Sri Lanka, you mainly need sun protection, equipment suitable for the tropics and reef booties to protect you from sharp coral.

In temperate regions such as Andalusia, Portugal, northern Spain or South Africa, on the other hand, the right wetsuit plays an important role. Travel preparations also differ if you are traveling by van to the French Atlantic coast, for example, or booking a flight to a surf spot abroad - especially when it comes to transporting your surfboard.

A well-thought-out packing list tailored to your specific destination and its conditions will ensure that you can enjoy your surfing vacation to the full.

The best products for protection in the water

The sun by the sea can be strong, especially during long surfing sessions. The right sun protection is therefore essential to avoid sunburn and skin damage. It is important that the sunscreen is waterproof and does not come off when sweating or in the water. Products that offer both UV-A and UV-B protection are recommended.

• Zinc paste: Zinc paste is ideal for sensitive areas such as the nose, lips and cheeks. It stays on the skin for a long time, even after several hours in water, and provides particularly intensive protection. Look out for products that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals to avoid harming marine life.

• Environmentally friendly sun cream: Many conventional sun creams contain ingredients that can damage coral reefs. Therefore, choose eco-friendly sunscreens that have been specially developed for use in the sea, such as those with a mineral base (e.g. with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Brands such as Raw Elements or All Good offer excellent eco-friendly alternatives.

Skin care after surfing: Tips for after-sun products

After long hours in the sun, your skin needs care. A good after-sun lotion soothes and regenerates skin that has been stressed by the sun, wind and salt water. Products with natural ingredients such as aloe vera or coconut oil help the skin to recover, moisturize and cool pleasantly.

The perfect clothing for the beach and leisure activities

In addition to your surf gear, you should also think about practical and comfortable beachwear. Here are a few essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing such as T-shirts, shorts or summer dresses for when you're out of the water. Also a sweater and a jacket in case it's cool or windy.

• Flip-flops or sandals for a quick change on the beach.

• A beach hat, cap and sunglasses with UV protection will also help protect you from the sun out of the water.

Wetsuit, boardshorts, rashguard: what you should take with you depending on your destination

What clothes you pack for the water depends heavily on the water temperature and your destination:

• Wetsuit: In colder surfing destinations, such as Andalusia, Portugal or northern Spain, a wetsuit is a must. Make sure you choose the right thickness - a 3/2 mm wetsuit is sufficient for moderate conditions, while a 5/4 mm suit including hood, gloves and booties is necessary in very cold water. Here in El Palmar, a 3/2 wetsuit is usually sufficient. In December/January/February, 4/3 may also be sufficient, depending on how cold you feel.

• Boardshorts or bikini: In warm regions such as Bali or Costa Rica, boardshorts or a bikini are often sufficient. Here, it is advisable to choose a model that is robust and does not come loose easily, even in strong waves.

• Rashguard: A rashguard is particularly important in tropical regions to protect the skin from the intense sun and chafing on the surfboard.

GoPro, cameras and waterproof cases for your equipment

You may not necessarily need these gadgets. But many surfers want to capture their experiences in the water. A GoPro or similar action camera is perfect for recording your surfing sessions. Make sure that your camera is waterproof and that you have enough memory cards and spare batteries.

In addition, a waterproof case for your smartphone can come in handy, especially if you want to take photos or videos out of the water without endangering your phone.

Tip: We have a photographer at the surf camp who will accompany you in the water during your surf lessons. This way, you can simply concentrate on surfing and take home beautiful souvenir photos at the end of your surfing vacation.

Mobile charging stations and useful apps for surf forecasts

In the digital age, mobile charging stations are worth their weight in gold, especially if you're out and about all day. A power bank keeps your devices - be it your smartphone, GoPro or headphones - charged at all times. You should install a few useful surf apps so that you are always informed about the best surfing conditions. Apps such as Surfline or Windy offer precise forecasts of wave heights, wind conditions and tides so that you can plan your surfing day optimally.

A stay at the A-Frame surf camp in El Palmar is a wonderful opportunity to learn to surf or improve your surfing skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Our camp offers everything you need for a successful surfing vacation - including the necessary surf equipment such as wetsuits and surfboards. This means you can concentrate fully on surfing and don't need to take as much luggage with you. To make sure you are fully prepared, here is a packing list with everything you need for your stay.

1. Clothing & beach accessories

Although the surf camp in El Palmar benefits from the mild temperatures on the Spanish Atlantic coast, you should be prepared for both warm days and cooler evenings:

• Comfortable casual clothing: Pack light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and flip-flops for relaxing hours away from the waves.

• Warm clothing for the evening: Even if it's warm during the day, evenings on the beach can be chilly. A warm jumper, a light jacket or a hoodie are therefore advisable.

• Swimwear: Even if you don't need to bring your own wetsuit, you should wear swimwear during your surf lessons. A bikini, board shorts or swim shorts are ideal.

• Towel or beach towel: You should pack a light towel for your relaxation breaks on the beach or for drying off after surfing.

2. Health & care

Being by the sea and in the Spanish sun requires special attention to your skin and health:

• Sun cream: A high-quality sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50+) is a must to protect you from the intense UV rays during your surfing sessions. Make sure it is waterproof and environmentally friendly to protect the oceans.

• After-sun lotion: Your skin also needs care after surfing. An after-sun lotion helps to soothe and moisturize the skin after a long day in the sun.

• Travel first-aid kit: Even if it rarely happens - a small first-aid kit with plasters, painkillers and disinfectant can be useful in the event of minor injuries. But we are also well equipped at the surf camp. And there is a pharmacy in El Palmar.

3. Extras for the surf and yoga sessions

The A-Frame surf camp offers not only surf but also yoga classes. Mats, blocks, pads etc. are provided, so you don't need to bring any yoga equipment. Here are a few things you can pack:

• Yoga clothing: Comfortable clothing such as yoga leggings, sports bras and loose T-shirts are ideal for the yoga sessions.

• Drink bottle: A reusable water bottle is handy for staying hydrated during surf and yoga classes.

• Notebook: Many guests enjoy taking a small notebook with them to record thoughts and experiences during their yoga and surf vacation.

4. Personal documents & organization

Don't forget the important documents for your trip:

• Passport or identity card: Make sure your identity card is valid and take a copy of it with you.

• Insurance cards: You should always have your travel and health insurance cards with you in case you need them.

• Booking confirmation: You should have your booking documents for the A-Frame surf camp by email and any flight tickets with you.

5. personal & children's things

There are certainly also personal items that you like to have with you:

• Book or Kindle: For your favorite reading

• Mobile phone or camera: For wonderful snapshots and capturing memories. Don't forget the charging cable

• Children's things: When traveling with children, of course, diapers, wet wipes, pacifiers, cuddly toys, clothes, beach items, baby monitors, etc. At the camp we have highchairs, travel cots and a playroom with books and toys for small children. A small selection of diapers, jars etc. are available in El Palmar, a larger selection in Conil de la Frontera in the supermarket.

For tropical surf spots such as Bali, Hawaii, Costa Rica or the Maldives, you primarily need lightweight and breathable equipment that protects you from the sun and heat.

• Sun protection: An environmentally friendly sun cream that has been specially developed for tropical regions is essential. Mineral-based products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer high protection against UV rays and are safe for coral reefs.

• Reef booties: In many tropical regions, there are sharp reefs that can pose a danger to your feet. Reef booties protect you from cuts and provide extra grip on slippery surfaces.

• Rashguard or lycra shirt: In warm waters, you often don't need a wetsuit, but a rashguard is advisable to protect you from sunburn and skin irritation caused by the surfboard. A lycra with SPF will also protect you from the sun.

• Lightweight board shorts or bikini: Instead of thick wetsuits, comfortable and durable board shorts or surf bikinis are ideal. They should fit well so that they stay in place even in strong waves.

• Drink bottle: In intense sunlight, a reusable drink bottle is essential to stay hydrated.

If you are traveling to colder surfing destinations such as Denmark, Norway, Scotland or Iceland, you will need special equipment to keep you warm.

• Wetsuit: The thickness of your wetsuit depends on the water temperature. For milder conditions (15-20 °C), a 3/2 mm wetsuit is often sufficient. In colder waters (below 10 °C), you should wear a 5/4 mm wetsuit with an integrated head section (hood).

• Hood, gloves and booties: In extremely cold conditions, neoprene gloves, neoprene booties and a neoprene hood are part of the basic equipment. These protect the most sensitive parts of your body and keep the heat in. You will need these above all on the North Sea, i.e. in Germany or Denmark. Also in Norway, Scotland or Iceland.

• Thermal underwear: An additional layer under your wetsuit helps to maintain your body temperature for longer. Neoprene underwear or Thermo-Layer are particularly suitable for this.

• Soft towel and thermos: After surfing, you need a soft, quick-drying towel to warm you up. A thermos flask with hot tea or water is a brilliant trick to stay warm after a cold session.

If you are traveling by car on surf road trips, for example along the French Atlantic coast, in California or Australia, you should be flexible and prepared for anything.

• Roof rack or surfboard holder: A sturdy roof rack or special surfboard holder for your car are ideal for transporting your boards safely. Make sure that the holders are well padded to protect the board from damage.

• Extra accessories: Always pack spare parts such as leashes, fins and waxes for different temperatures. On a road trip, these things can easily get lost or damaged, and there aren't always surf stores nearby.

• DIY repair kit: A surfboard repair kit is essential for fixing small dents or cracks. Such kits usually contain epoxy resin, sandpaper and filler to quickly get your board back in working order.

• Camping equipment: Camping is often part of surf road trips. So pack a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove to stay self-sufficient at remote spots. A mobile powerbank will keep your devices charged, and a small travel fridge can help keep food fresh.

• Portable shower: A portable solar shower can be helpful after a long session to rinse off salt and sand, especially if you're surfing in remote areas.

The question of whether you should take your own surfboard and equipment with you on your surfing vacation depends on several factors.

Advantages of having your own equipment:

• Habit and confidence: Your own surfboard is adapted to your style and needs. You know how it feels and how it reacts on the waves, which is a great advantage, especially in difficult conditions or for advanced surfers.

• Cost-effective in the long term: If you're traveling for a long time, rental fees can quickly add up. For surf trips of more than two weeks, it can be more economical to take your own board with you.

• Individual preferences: You can make sure you have exactly the equipment you need instead of relying on a limited local selection. This is especially important if you're using a specialized surfboard or premium equipment that may not be easy to rent.

Disadvantages of owning your own equipment:

• Transportation costs: Most airlines charge high fees for carrying surfboards, and there is a risk of them being damaged in transit. The exact fees vary depending on the airline, but it can be expensive.

• Logistical effort: Maneuvering your surfboard safely through airports, buses and cabs can be a challenge. You also need suitable local transportation options, such as a rental car that is big enough.

All in all, it is worth taking your own equipment with you if you surf regularly, want to travel to challenging surf spots or are away for a longer period of time. For shorter trips or trips to well-developed surf destinations, renting can be more practical.

If you decide to rent your equipment, you should know what to expect:

• Quality and selection: There is usually a large selection of rental boards at well-known surf spots such as Bali, Portugal or Hawaii. However, the quality and condition of the boards vary greatly depending on the surf store. Find out in advance whether the store is well rated and what types of boards they offer. We also have numerous surf stores in El Palmar. At the camp, we only have very good and well-maintained products for our guests. These are included in a surf course and can also be used outside of the courses.

• Prices: The cost of rental boards depends heavily on the location. In tourist areas, they often range from 10 to 25 euros per day. It can be more expensive in less developed areas.

• Conditions: Make sure you check the rental conditions carefully. Some surf stores require a deposit, others offer discounts for longer rental periods. Often there is only a standard selection of boards, so you may not find your ideal board.

Especially if you are planning to travel to remote or lesser-known surf spots, you should make sure that you get high-quality rental equipment locally. In more rural areas, the choice can be limited, so it's worth researching in advance or even asking surf camps if they provide their own equipment.

Whether you take your own board with you or use a rental board, you should always have a basic kit for small repairs and maintenance in your luggage. Here are a few tips:

• Ding repair kit: Small dents or "dings" in the surfboard are unavoidable, especially if you use it often or transport it on an airplane. A on-the-go repair kit is ideal for quickly fixing cracks or breaks. Many kits include epoxy resin, sandpaper and filling material. You should always have such a kit with you, especially in remote surfing regions, as you often don't have access to professional repair services locally.

• Leash and fins: It is also advisable to always take a spare leash and a set of fins with you. Leashes break quickly in larger waves, and damaged fins can make the board difficult to control. Access to spare parts is limited, especially in remote areas.

• Regular maintenance: Keep your board clean and re-wax it regularly. Especially after a surf session, you should rinse the board with fresh water to remove salt water and sand, which can corrode the material. A fresh wax setup ensures a better grip on the board, which improves your performance in the water.

• Surfboard transportation tips: If you take your own board with you, make sure it is properly protected during transportation. A thickly padded board bag is essential to protect your board from damage. You can also protect your board with towels or foam padding.

A well-stocked travel first-aid kit is essential to be prepared for minor injuries or health problems. Here are the most important things that no surfer's first-aid kit should be without:

• Medication against infections: Especially in tropical or remote regions, infections can quickly develop from small wounds. Antibacterial creams or ointments such as Betaisodona and sterile plasters help to keep wounds clean and prevent infections.

• Wound disinfection: You should disinfect immediately after a cut caused by coral or sharp-edged rocks. A small bottle of wound spray or iodine solution is helpful here.

• Sunburn and insect bites: Long hours in the sun make you susceptible to sunburns. A good after-sun lotion with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or panthenol relieves pain and supports healing. For tropical areas, insect repellents are also important to prevent bites and possible infections such as dengue fever. An antihistamine helps to alleviate allergic reactions to stings.

Surfer's ear (exostosis) is a common condition in surfers caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. It causes bony growths to form in the ear canal, which can lead to ear infections and hearing loss. To prevent this condition, effective protection is essential.

• Earplugs: High-quality earplugs specifically for surfers, such as those from brands like SurfEars or EQ Seals, protect your ears from cold water without affecting your hearing. These earplugs are waterproof but allow sound to pass through so you can communicate in the line-up and hear the waves.

• Care products: After surfing, you should clean your ears with special care products to remove any remaining water. Ear drying sprays or solutions with alcohol can help to evaporate moisture and thus reduce the risk of infection.

Surfer's ear can be prevented by consistent protection and care, especially in colder regions or with frequent contact with cold water.

1. Planning and preparation: Before you set off, you should check the weather and wave conditions as well as the local infrastructure. This will help you decide whether to bring your own equipment or hire it locally.

2. Essential equipment: You need specific equipment for different surfing destinations - tropical or cold. Sun protection, wetsuits, reef booties or gloves should be on your list depending on your destination.

3. Health and safety: Don't forget a well-stocked first-aid kit and protection against surfer's ear with earplugs. Insurance tailored specifically to surfing vacations is also important.

4. Tips for beginners and advanced surfers: Beginners should keep it simple and not take too much equipment with them, while advanced surfers can bring specific boards, repair kits and electronics to optimize their sessions.

5. Useful tools and apps: Surf forecast and packing list apps make planning easier and help you not to forget anything. Practical tools such as power banks or GoPros are also valuable companions.

6. Special packing list for surf camps: In camps such as the A-Frame surf camp, you don't need your own surfboard or wetsuit as these are often included. Pack light clothing and care products for a relaxed stay.

Last tips for a stress-free and successful surfing vacation:

• Pack light: You need less than you think! With a minimalist packing list, you'll be more flexible and relaxed on the road.

• Always be prepared: Good planning is half the battle. Find out about conditions and luggage regulations in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.

• Have fun: The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your time in the water. With the right preparation, you can concentrate fully on surfing and enjoy nature and the experience.

With good preparation and the right packing list, you can look forward to a stress-free, exciting and unforgettable surfing vacation. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, with these tips you'll be ready for any wave!