Wax? Check. Boards? Check. Roof racks? Errrr……
When heading off a surf trip abroad, there’s always more things to remember than you think.
Whether it’s the all-important roof racks (especially if you’re a longboarder) or eco-friendly surf wax, we’ve put together a few of our favourite surf travel accessories.
Any we’ve missed? Recommend your favourites in the comment box below.
Price: £39.99
If you’re heading on a surf trip and hiring a car when you get there, you will need roof racks. Trust me, it’s an easy thing to forget.
These soft racks from Northcore are brilliant. We tested them out on a recent trip to Morocco. They are small enough to easily fold into your hand luggage and really quick to assemble on the car roof.
We managed to use our three-door pair on a five-door car – and it worked perfectly. Plus our boards didn’t end up in the middle of the motorway. Always a bonus.
Buy the Northcore Three-Door Soft Roof Racks here
Price: £15
Dritek have made this awesome travel hanger for surfers.
It is ideal for hanging up your wetsuit after a surf when there’s nowhere to hang it.
The carabiner means you can literally hook it on anything – from your balcony to a conveniently placed tree.
It’s super sturdy and won’t snap under the weight of a heavy wetsuit (or three).
Buy the Dritek Hanger here
Price: £15
If you’re travelling to your chosen surf spot by car, you will need an Aquapac.
For years, people have hidden their electric car keys in bushes or under their wheel – only to come back and find their car is no longer there.
Avoid getting into serious shit with the car rental place – and invest in an Aquapac. You can tuck your keys inside and then slip inside your wetsuit.
Then you can enjoy your surf without worrying your car has been nicked.
Buy the Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Case here
Price: £33
Water is always worth considering when you head out on a surf trip abroad.
Often the local tap water is not safe to drink and some countries don’t have the infrastructure to recycle all the plastic water bottles you will end up using.
So, what’s the best thing to do? Invest in a reusable bottle like this one from Mizu.
It holds 800ml of water. It’s totally BPA free and will keep your water cool in the scorching heat. Plus we love this dip-dye design they’ve got going on.
Buy the Mizu V8 Water Bottle here
Price: £1.99
Did you know 95 per cent of surf wax on the market contains petrochemicals? These eventually wear off your board affecting our beaches and coral reefs.
The good news is you can buy eco-friendly surf wax. Californian brand Matunas don’t use any chemical or additives when making their surf wax.
It’s 100 per cent natural and biodegradable, made using ingredients grown on their farm. Even the wrapping is made from recycled paper and ink.
Buy Matunas Organic Surf Wax here
Price: £12.99
If you’re travelling – particularly with just hand luggage and a board bag – you’re going to want a compact travel towel.
This one from Trespass is made with bamboo, a great naturally absorbent fibre. It also dries quickly, which is perfect for that final morning surf when you don’t want to have to pack a soggy towel into your backpack.
Buy the Trespass Bamboo Antibacterial Travel Towel here
Price: £5
When you’re jumping in and out of the sea – plus basking in the sunshine – guaranteed your skin is going to dry up quickly.
Udderly Smooth make some of the best moisturising creams around. We like the moisturising cream tube.
It’s not too greasy and will keep your skin feeling baby smooth.
Buy Udderly Smooth Moisturising Cream here
What a turtle-y awesome guy... (sorry)
Barrett Christy is one of the all-time legends of not just women’s snowboarding, but snowboarding. Period.
The Earth is dying. These guys are using hidden cameras to find out who's really to blame...
Whales shouldn't be kept in captivity, but sharks and turtles can? Here's what is wrong with UK aquariums....
And guess which country it sold out in...