12 Tips to Hack Your First Surf Holiday
So you’re toying with the idea of booking your first surfing trip, but you’re somewhat at sea (pun!) about where to start?
Well… you’ve come to the right place.
After running hundreds of surf vacations, hosting literally thousands of guests and managing eight surf retreats across four different countries, we’ve whittled down a whole heap of tips and tricks for getting the most out of your first surf trip.
These are the best bits and bobs of advice for anyone wanting to guarantee a smooth, fun and relaxing entry into the surfing world.
So take a seat.
Get comfy.
These 12 tips will make booking and enjoying your first ever surf trip infinitely easier.
So. Damn. Exciting!
Tip 1: Wetsuits or bikinis and boardshorts?
The question is wetsuits or bikinis and boardshorts, but essentially what we’re asking is whether you’re planning on surfing in warm or cold water.
If you’re heading to tropical destinations like Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica or Barbados, you can forget about having to wriggle and worm your way into a wetsuit.
Bikinis, boardshorts and rashguards will be your go-to gear.
However, if you’re heading to cooler destinations like Portugal, Morocco or South Africa, a wetsuit will be necessary to keep you warm in the water.
Do your research. Anything around the equator is going to be warm, whereas further north or south will require a wetsuit.
Tip 2: Bring your partner, friend or family member
Wiping out is easier when you have someone to laugh at you.
In all seriousness though, having a travel buddy or someone to share the experience with can make your first surf holiday even more enjoyable.
It not only makes the surf adventure all the more fun, but it can also make the overall cost cheaper if you’re splitting accommodation and rental costs.
There are other benefits like having someone to mind your gear at airports when you duck to the toilet. Or having a friend to film your first (presumably hilarious) surfing attempts.
Either way, a family surf trip or surf trip with friends is bound to create unforgettable memories.
Tip 3: Surfing is physical (adjust your expectations)
Newsflash. Surfing is unlike any other sport you’ve tried before.
It requires a combination of balance, coordination, strength and endurance that most people don’t possess on their first go.
You’ll be washed around by whitewater. Pulled left and right by the ocean. Rolled and rollicked by waves.
It’s not that scary, to be honest, but it can leave you gasping for air and feeling exhausted.
Being fit for your first learn to surf trip helps. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete.
Just keep in mind that it may take more than one session to stand up and ride a wave.
Be patient with yourself and enjoy the learning process.
Tip 4: Book surf lessons if you haven’t surfed before. Seriously… do it
Think you can hire a board, pick the right spot to paddle out and be surfing waves within 5 minutes?
Think again (or re-read tip number 3).
Booking surf lessons on your first trip is absolutely essential if you’re new to surfing.
Not only will it ensure you have the right gear, the proper instruction and a safe environment to learn in, but it’ll save you from potential frustration and injury.
One 1 hour lesson with a qualified instructor is worth 10 or more sessions trying to learn on your own.
Booking a surf holiday with lessons is like a shortcut for your surf skills. And if it’s your first time, it’s literally the only way to go.
Tip 5: To pamper or not to pamper?
Want to stay at a luxurious surf resort replete with spa treatments, infinity pools and ocean views?
Or are you more interested in roughing it out at a budget surf camp with shared dorms and communal meals?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. It all depends on your budget, preferences and priorities.
Just keep in mind that if you choose to pamper yourself, it may come at a higher cost. And if you opt for the budget option, you may have to sacrifice some creature comforts.
All of our surf retreats and surf hotels are tasteful, all-inclusive and boutique, but vary significantly in terms of price point and amenities.
Browse our surf retreats until you find one that resonates with you.
And remember… it’s a surfing holiday. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself.
Tip 6: Check out our pre-surf trip packing list
Wondering WTF to bring on your first surfing trip?
You’re not the only complete beginner to be overwhelmed by the packing process.
To make it easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list for you to check out.
It includes everything from surf essentials like rashguards to non-surf related items like sunscreen and a book to read on the beach.
We recommend keeping this pre-surf trip packing list handy when you start packing for your trip – keeping in mind that we have everything you need in terms of surfboards, legropes, wax and more at our surf retreats.
Tip 7: Practice your pop-up at home
There’s nothing more frustrating than traveling all the way to a beautiful surf destination with world class surf, only to feel like your lack of pop-up ability is hindering your progress.
Whether you’re a first-time surfer or an experienced surfer, popping up is a vital skill to have.
And while you’ll definitely get plenty of practice on your surf trip, it’s always helpful to do some pre-trip prep at home.
A pop-up is more or less a burpee whereby you start laying down instead of standing up. So if you can complete 3 sets of 10 burpees comfortably, you should have no problem with your pop-up.
In saying that, don’t stress if you can’t do burpees.
We’ve had guests who’ve never surfed before and couldn’t do a single burpee, yet they were still able to stand up during their first session.
Attitude and determination are just as important. And with some practice and a positive mindset, you’ll be popping up like a pro in no time.
Tip 8: Enjoy the whole experience (and not just the surfing part)
Mellow waves, busy surf programs and white sandy beaches are all amazing reasons to go on a surf holiday, but don’t forget about the rest of the experience.
Surf trips offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, try new foods, explore new places and even volunteer with a local community!
Yes, you’ll also learn how to surf and read a forecast. But it’s so much more than that.
Take some time to venture out of the surf camp or resort and discover what the destination has to offer.
You never know what hidden gems you might find or what interesting people you might meet along the way.
Tip 9: Book with providers who offer surf and yoga
Surfing is the yin to yoga’s yang.
They both complement each other in terms of strength, balance and flexibility.
If the movements and actions associated with surfing “close” the body, yoga “opens” it back up.
This is why we highly recommend booking a surf trip with a provider who offers both activities.
Not only will you get the best of both worlds, but you’ll also have a chance to balance out your body and prevent injuries.
Plus, yoga can help improve your surfing skills by increasing your breath control and focus. So don’t underestimate its benefits!
Tip 10: Testimonials are a treasure trove of information
Ever wish you could get a sneak peak into someone else’s surf trip experience before booking your own?
Luckily for you, that’s what testimonials are for!
Take the time to read through reviews and testimonials from previous guests.
They can provide valuable insight on everything from the quality of instruction to accommodations, food, and overall experience.
Plus, it’s always reassuring to hear firsthand accounts from others who have already been on a surfing holiday with the provider you’re considering.
With review aggregators like TripAdvisor, you can even filter through specific comments related to surfing, accommodations or any other aspect of the trip that you’re most interested in learning more about.
Some people like not knowing what they’re getting into and being pleasantly surprised, but others prefer to have a better understanding of what to expect.
Whichever type of person you are, checking out testimonials is always a good idea when booking a surf holiday.
Tip 11: Zinc is better than sunscreen
Here’s a pro tip: reef-safe zinc is superior to sunscreen.
Not only is it better for your skin, but it’s also better for the environment.
Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to marine life and contribute to coral bleaching.
Zinc, on the other hand, provides physical protection from the sun without harming our oceans.
Plus, zinc can even stay on longer and provide a stronger barrier against UV rays compared to traditional sunscreen. And if you’re booking a surf holiday in a tropical paradise with palm trees, beautiful beaches, warm water and hot, hot sun, you definitely want that extra protection.
So leave the spray sunscreen at home and opt for a reef-safe zinc instead.
Your skin and the ocean will thank you.
Tip 12: Binge ALL THe surfing content
If you’ve ever watched food reels on Instagram while eating, you’ll know that watching food while eating food is the ultimate experience.
The same goes for surfing.
Watching surf videos or reading articles and books about surfing can help get you pumped up and excited for your upcoming surf trip!
It’s also a great way to pick up tips, tricks and techniques from experienced surfers that you can then practice on your own trip.
We created an article that’s full of our guests and our own favourite surf books, but if you’re keen to watch surf movies, here are a few awesome (and free) ones:
- The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez
- The Endless Summer II
- Lost Track: Atlantic
- Breaking Boundaries: A Surfboard Drive for Trinidad & Tobago
- VANS Weird Waves with Dylan Graves
- RISE UP’s own YouTube channel : )
Wrapping up
Whether you’re going on a surf guiding trip to a secret surf spot, staying at a surf camp with daily lessons or taking a solo surf trip to explore new breaks, these tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Great surf, amazing experiences and new friends await. From solo travelers to groups, couples and families, our surf yoga retreats cater to all levels and interests.
