Top 7 Tips For the Ultimate Surf Road Trip

Don’t drive all that way to find there’s no swell or a howling onshore. Install some reliable weather apps like Surf Captain, Swell Info or Surfline, to monitor the swell, wind, and tides. This will help you plan your stops for the best conditions.

It’s always good to have a plan B if the weather / waves don’t quite add up. Make sure you know what else there is to see and do in the destination area.

Spend some money in the regional areas, these out of the way places really rely on visitors so make sure you allocate some cash to buy some supplies, entertainment or dining in the places you are going to visit. Spread the love. Money was made round to go round as they used to say before the phone tap was invented. 

2.  PACK THE RIGHT SURF GEAR

• Board(s): Choose a board suited to the expected wave conditions. Not a bad idea to pack a couple of different options and ones with some extra volume in case the swell you were chasing is smaller than expected. Jump on our Live Chat if you want to talk boards for your road trip.
• Surfboard Bag: Be kind to your board during transport. A travel bag like the SURFICA board bag can also fit towels and clothes.
• Wax: Pack plenty of wax suited to the current water temp.
• Leash: We have all turned up at the beach without one – pack a couple and don’t forget the leash string to attach it to the board.
• Fins: Triple check you’ve packed your fins (and a fin key or two). If you have a longboard fin box we have spare fin screws here.
• Ding Repair Kit: Having one of these means you are sidelined if you get a minor ding or two while on your roady
• Tie Downs – SURFICA tie downs to load the boards on the car. (coming March 2025)

3. BRING A FIRST AID KIT

Nothing sidelines a surf roadie faster than an untreated reef cut. Pack a first aid kit to treat the little niggles and get you back in the water faster.

• Include basic essentials like antiseptic, painkillers, and band-aids.
• Insect repellent is a must if you’re venturing into bushy areas.

4. DON’T FORGET THE TUNES

A great playlist and a portable speaker can make downtime between sessions more enjoyable.

5. PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Some reef friendly sunblock and zinc to protect your skin from long days in the sun is crucial. Pack some after sun with aloe vera to rehydrate your skin too.

6. STAY HYDRATED AND FUELLED

• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Pack snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruits to keep your energy up between sessions.

7. TRAVEL WITH A GREAT CREW

No road trip is complete without good company. Traveling with a crew of like-minded surfers adds fun, camaraderie, and an extra layer of safety to your adventure. Share the stoke, split the costs, take turns driving and make memories that last a lifetime. Plus, having a team means someone is always on photo duty for those epic action shots.

BONUS TIP: DRIVE SAFE, SURF LATER

If you’re behind the wheel, keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road—not your phone. The waves (and notifications) aren’t going anywhere, but your safety is priceless. Focus on getting to the beach in one piece, so you can score that gold on the water, not risk it on the road.

Life is better when you surf.✌🏼