When it comes to planning your perfect surf trip, it can be slightly overwhelming, there’s a lot to keep in mind and potentially a lot that can go wrong if you don’t prepare properly.
Are you worried that you’ll blow your budget or (god forbid!) miss a once-in-a-lifetime swell?
Well, here are 5 key things to keep in mind when planning your perfect surf trip so everything goes as smoothly as possible…
1. What is my budget?
Have you saved enough for an all-inclusive trip to a luxury Maldives surf resort?
Or are instant noodles and shared dorms in Costa Rica more realistic?
The cost of a surf trip and your budget more or less determines where you can go and what kind of surf trip experience you’ll have. The good news is that there are surf trips for all price brackets.
That’s to say, you needn’t postpone your surf adventure just because you don’t have a mining magnate’s deep pockets.
Surfing is blessed in that most of the best spots are budget-friendly. From Indonesia to Sri Lanka, Nicaragua and Morocco – the cost of a surf trip is a big factor… but perhaps it might not cost as much as you think.
And of course the other big consideration with budget is your flights too, which are going to vary a lot depending on where you’re heading and where you’re flying from.
Aussies can score cheap flight deals to Bali no worries, whilst Brits will find jumping on an EasyJet flight to the Canary Islands, Spain or even Morocco the best value, so it’s a big one to keep in mind.
2. When is the surf season?
Knowing where you want to surf is important, but knowing the best time to surf is just as critical.
All surf destinations are at the mercy of their seasons. Planning where to surf based on the best seasons will save you from heartbreak.
For example, Indonesia’s surf season runs from April to October, while Sri Lanka’s South Coast surf season is from November to March.
Generally speaking, Europe’s best waves are in autumn and winter, whereas Morocco has waves from October through to April.
Simply put, surf seasons are different the world over. So if you want to avoid travelling halfway around the world for ankle-high waves and howling onshore winds, do your research on the best season to surf before locking down flights or accomm.
3. What’s my skill level?
Skill level can be tricky to assess, but generally speaking, almost every surfing spot has something to offer for all abilities.
Australia has a variety of spots for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers alike. The same goes for Indonesia, Mexico, Costa Rica and many other popular surf nations.
But this isn’t always the case.
Other surf trips might not be worth the travel time or money based on your skill level. This applies more to those that fall into the beginner or early intermediate category.
For example, Fiji, the Mentawai Islands and Tahiti are generally better suited to experienced surfers only.
Again, that’s not to say there aren’t options for beginners or intermediates in these areas, but the majority of waves will be too challenging.
Be realistic about your skill level and choose a destination that offers suitable conditions. This way you can spend more time surfing and less time waiting around for the conditions to suit your surfing.
4. What type of surf experience am I after?
There’s an almost endless array of surf trip types out there.
From surf camps to luxurious surf charters, budget guesthouses and private surf villas – you can be sure there’s a trip for you. But with all these choices, it’s important to ask yourself what kind of surf experience you’re seeking.
Do you want to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature?
Or would you rather have a more social and active trip?
Do you want to set your own schedule?
Or does the idea of having everything planned out for you sound more appealing?
Knowing your preferred surf trip style helps narrow down your options and make the planning process easier. Ultimately, you want to choose a trip type that aligns with your skill level and your budget.
5. Which airline is the most surfer-friendly?
To say airlines and surfers have a chequered relationship is a slight understatement!
While some airlines are surfer-friendly, other airlines treat us like a muddy dog on a new couch.
If you’re planning a surf trip, it (quite literally) pays to do your research and choose an airline that won’t charge exorbitant fees for bringing surfboards.
There’s nothing worse than finding cheap flights to Indonesia in peak surf season, only to realise that the cost of bringing boards throws your budget out, forcing you to reconsider how long and where you stay.
Yikes.
To avoid this, check the baggage allowance and fees for surfboards before booking. You can also keep an eye out for flights from the following surfer-friendly carriers:
- British Airways – Accept short surfboards in a protective bag as part of your checked baggage so long as they’re under 190cm
- Emirates – Accept surfboards as part of your standard baggage allowance provided all dimensions don’t exceed 300cm
- Garuda – You can bring surfboards as an additional free item of luggage up 23kg
- Qantas – Accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance up to 32kg and 277cm
- Virgin Atlantic – Surfboards up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75″ x 30″ x 26″) and 23kg in weight are allowed as part of your checked baggage allowance
Please note though, airline baggage policies can (and do!) change, so double check before you book. The info can usually be found in the baggage allowance or sports equipment section. The above is as a guide only!