Heading off on your first surf vacation can be both exciting and daunting. Exotic locations, sun kissed beaches and turquoise clear seas beckon but first you need to take care of some bare essentials or you could find yourself in trouble.

So in this post I’m going to guide you through a standard checklist to see you on your way. Happy surfing!

Checklist essentials

First off you will need your surf board. Obvious right? Right, but it’s a good starting point to pack all your other equipment around. You’re going to need to include a leash, to tie your board to your ankle, a GPS device, to help track you should you get lost at sea, a flotation device or jacket, and a wet suit if you are surfing in any cold weather or waters.

Get hold of some plumberís lagging to protect the nose, tail and rails of your board. This is the best stuff to delicately protect your board when it gets transferred to the cargo storage of the plane.

A repair kit is also worth throwing in. This will include resin, filler and some pieces of 4oz square cloth. You also need to stash some wax as no wax means, no surfing.

Some people may advise you to rent a board rather than deal with all the hassle- but believe me rental charges can give you a nose bleed in some places if you are not careful. On top of that you will be using old battered gear and it is not worth taking the risk of ruining your holiday for the sake of cutting corners.

Next up you need to survey the surf spots that you are planning to go to. You should take into consideration the kind of waves you will be up against, whether there are sharp coral reefs and dangerous rocks in the area and what the local surf vibe is like. You can check reviews online from past travelers or ask around in forums and message boards. You’ll often find some great tips this way that will save you a lot of hassle at the other end.

The weather is also an essential element when planning a surf vacation. The type of clothes that you will be taking will obviously depend on the season. For sunny weather, a couple of board shorts and a rash vest is all you need. A whole lot of sun block or sun cream definitely will not go amiss. Much like the cost of local wax and other gear, you will find that prices can be sky high in local shops so it is best to take your own.

Last couple of points

Be sure to sort valid travel insurance cover for both yourself and your board. This is up there with remembering to take your passport!

Also plan ahead to find out the airline carriage charges for taking your board. Some airlines are rip off merchants in this regard so ask around in surf forums for recommendations before booking your flights.

Finally, be sure to keep active before your holiday so you are in peak condition for your trip. When up against unfamiliar waves you can find yourself more exhausted than usual. So be sure to train up your shoulder and arm muscles ahead of the holiday with extra hours in your local waters.

OK so now you are all set. Go and have the time of your life in paradise and be sure to send us a postcard!

Josh writes about beach life, surfing, travel and more. His passion for surfing takes him to amazing places around the World and comes through in his regular articles as he explores all aspects of the sport. He’s known to have the largest collection of flip flops anywhere in the Western hemisphere and never leaves home without at least two pairs of regular and one pair of animal flip flops. If you would like to read more from Josh check out his blog at www.flipflopscity.com/blog/