Alright, so you’ve booked your ticket, scoped out the forecast, and you’re already daydreaming about scoring those dreamy tropical waves in Indonesia. Whether you’re hitting up the Mentawais, Rote, or some secret spot only the locals know about, there’s one thing that could make or break your trip: packing the right gear.
Packing is a bit of an art form. On one hand, you don’t want to forget anything essential because let’s it can be hard to find a surf shop in remote Indo. On the other hand, lugging around an overstuffed board bag and three “just-in-case” backpacks is the fastest way to kill the carefree vibe of a surf adventure. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between being prepared and not packing your entire life.
So, whether you’re a first-time Indo surfer or practically a local at Nias, this list has got you covered. Here are the must-haves for your tropical surf trip, guaranteed to keep you shredding, sunburn-free, and ready for whatever the islands throw at you.
Pack Light
We mentioned it in the intro, and we will mention it again. Pack light. The lighter your load, the easier it is to navigate tiny airports, squeeze into boats, and trek to off-the-grid spots without breaking a sweat (or your back).
Functional, Lightweight Clothing
Stick to quick-drying T-shirts or tanks and comfortable shorts for everyday wear. Toss in one long-sleeved T or a lightweight hoodie for those chilly flights, sun-drenched days when you need extra coverage, or when your roommate cranks the AC to Arctic levels.
For the Gals
Lightweight, multipurpose items are your secret weapon. A sarong or mumus can moonlight as a towel, beach blanket, pajamas, scarf, or a post-surf cover-up. Plus, they’re perfect for stuffing into your board bag as extra padding for your gear. Leggings are another MVP—they work for yoga, surfing, planes, or lounging. And of course, pack your favorite bikinis and swimsuits, because you’ll practically live in them.
For the Guys
Keep it simple: three T-shirts, a long-sleeve, a couple of rash guards, a few pairs of boardshorts, and a lightweight towel. Done. Packing doesn’t have to be complicated?
By focusing on versatility and lightweight essentials, you’ll stay prepared without the hassle of lugging around a heavy bag. Plus, the less you bring, the more room you’ll have for souvenirs (or more gear on the way home).
Pack 2-3 Boards Max
Let’s be real. Most of us do not need a Slater sized quiver to go over the falls over and over again.
For trips under 10 days, we would say 2 boards will get you through. 10 days and above you are likely to get a wider range of conditions so maybe a 3rd board will come in handy. Take a look at the forecast before your trip and base it on that.
- If the forecast is looking on the smaller side 2-4 ft, pack your daily go to, and then something fatter and flatter for the smaller days.
- If the forecast has some big swell thrown in 4-6ft, pack your daily go to and then a step up for when its heavier.
- If you are on a longer trip and it looks like you’ll have a bit of everything, and you dont mind carrying the extra board, then pack all 3.
I know it is so tempting to pack as many boards as you can, but in reality you will find yourself riding one board 80% of the time. It’s also important to remember a lot of Indonesian airlines charge per board. So why pay for boards your not likely to ride? We have written a detailed guide to all Indonesian Airline Surfboard Baggage Fees here.
Not sure what surfboards to pack? Check out our Surfboard Shapes Guide
With that out the way lets look at some of the essenntial surf travel items you will be needing.
1. Surfboard Travel Bag
A high-quality surfboard bag is essential to protect your boards during flights and ferry rides. Look for one with padded protection, multiple board capacity, and compartments for leashes or fins.
Go for the slim options when you can. While those huge wheelie coffin bags might help you look like a pro as you roll through the airport, you’ll look less cool once your wheels are full of sand and don’t go round or you can’t fit it in the small fishing boat ferry ride.
A big coffin bag is also almost always going to be opened for your boards to be counted at the airport checkin. With a slim board bag they are much more likely to take your word for it. Shhhhhh.
My personal go to is the FCS Travel 3 All Purpose Surfboard Cover
2. Tropical Wax
Indonesia’s warm waters mean you’ll need tropical water wax for proper grip.
Pack plenty, cause it can be hard to find your favorite wax on remote islands, and the local groms are going to guilt you into handing over at least 50% of your wax supply.
I love Fu Wax and use a mix of Warm and Tropical in Indo. Tropical forms the base and then I give a quick scratch with the warm before a session and it can almost rip your nipples off it’s that sticky.
You can buy Fu Wax online ahead of your trip and a few places in Indo like On Board Store stock it, but at a premium price.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The Indonesian sun can be relentless, and protecting your skin is non-negotiable.
But you cannot just choose any suncream. Suncream MUST BE reef-safe sunscreen. We have already trashed over 50% of the worlds living coral reefs and as surfers frothing to surf the waves these reefs create, it is absolutely mandatory that you are not adding to this cause of your choice of sunscreen.
Here’s how you can ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe:
Check the Label
Look for sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly.” While these terms aren’t regulated everywhere, they’re a good starting point when shopping for eco-conscious products.
Know the Ingredients to Avoid
Certain chemicals are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Avoid sunscreens that contain:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Parabens
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)
Go for Mineral-Based Formulas
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients are considered safe for reefs. To ensure safety, opt for formulas using non-nano particles, which are too large to be ingested by coral and marine organisms.
Research Trusted Brands
Choose brands that are transparent about their ingredients and certified by environmental organizations. Certifications like Protect Land + Sea or endorsements from reef conservation groups can be reliable indicators.
4. First Aid Kit
From reef cuts to insect bites, a travel first aid kit is indispensable. While of course we hope you will never need to use it, accidents do happen in surfing, and when they do, having some kit on hand can be a real life saver.
If you a traveling as a group of mates, get everyone to chip in and buy a kit so you all have access to it when needed. If you are traveling solo, it will more than pay for itself in free beers from all the people you help out who didn’t pack a kit.
You can buy ready to go kits like the Ocean Warrior First Aid KIT which is loaded with everything you will need and packed into a very small lightweight package.
5. Repair Kit for Your Board
Think of it as your first aid kit for your board. A basic surfboard repair kit is a lifesaver for fixing minor dings and cracks on the go. Include quick-dry resin, sandpaper, and duct tape or ding tape so you’re not stuck waiting for repairs in remote areas.
It’s also another investment that will easily pay for itself in cold Bintangs.
6. Lightweight Rash Guards or Surf Tees
Indonesia’s warm waters don’t require wetsuits, but rash guards or surf tees are a must. They protect your skin from sunburn and irritation caused by long paddling sessions.
7. Reusable Water Bottle
Indonesia already has a huge problem with single use plastics. Stay hydrated while being eco-conscious by packing a sturdy reusable water bottle. Indonesia’s hot and humid climate makes hydration really important, and using a reusable bottle reduces plastic waste on the islands.
Bonus Suggestions:
- Travel Insurance with Surf Coverage: Accidents happen, especially in unfamiliar waters, so it’s worth mentioning surf-specific travel insurance.
- Dry Bag: To keep your valuables like your phone, wallet, and dry clothes safe during boat trips or sudden downpours.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Ideal for snapping photos of perfect waves or mapping out your location without worrying about splashes.
