What a first surf holiday really needs
A first surf holiday is less about owning the right gear and more about arriving with the basics covered. Most of the trip is spent walking to the beach, sitting in cafés and heading out for dinner, with only a few hours in the water each day, so the packing list has to work in every one of those situations. Start with swimwear that dries quickly and a rash vest for sun protection and friction on the board, then add footwear that is easy to slip on and off.
Before you buy anything, check the destination, the season and how long you will be away. A warm-water trip in summer needs much lighter layers than a winter swell trip, and a week in one place is different from a multi-stop journey with a lot of travel. Keep the list short, choose pieces that mix surf and street, and leave room in the bag for the souvenirs you will almost certainly bring home.
How to choose what to pack
Start with fabric and fit. Quick-drying materials matter more than brand names, because wet kit that takes hours to dry is uncomfortable and can smell after a few days. Boardshorts should have a secure waistband and enough stretch to paddle without riding up, and a rash vest should fit closely without restricting your shoulders. Try on any new wetsuit or rash vest at home, since a size that feels fine in a shop can feel tight after a few sessions.
Every item involves a trade-off. Flip-flops are cheap and easy to pack, but they can be lost in the surf and offer little protection on rocks, so a secure sandal or water shoe is often more practical. Hoodies and sweatshirts keep you warm in the evening, but cotton ones are slow to dry and bulky in a rucksack, while a packable overshirt does more with less space. Trainers are useful for walks and hikes, yet they take up room that could go to a second set of swimwear.
Pack fewer clothes that dry fast and fit well, and you will spend more time surfing and less time doing laundry.
From the editors
The most common mistake is packing too much. Many first-time surfers bring jeans, several pairs of shoes and outfits they never wear, then find that the bag is heavy and the wet kit has nowhere to go. Another error is forgetting sun protection or buying a rash vest with no test run. Choose one smart-casual outfit, a couple of relaxed layers and a small number of surf essentials, and you will be comfortable both in and out of the water.
What to pack first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Quick-drying boardshorts
Choose a pair with a stretch waistband and a light, fast-drying fabric so they feel comfortable in the water and dry on the walk back. Check the length so they stay put when paddling.
Search termsmen's boardshorts · quick dry · surf shorts · stretch waistband
Our recommendationuk.oneill.comBest for surf kitRash vest or thin wetsuit top
A long-sleeved rash vest protects against sun and friction on the board. Pick a thickness that suits the water temperature you expect, and try it on before you go.
Search termsrash vest · surf sun protection · men's surf top
Our recommendationuk.oneill.comBest for surf kitSlides or sandals for the beach
Lightweight slides or sandals work well for walking to the beach and around town. Choose a closed or secure style if you expect rocky entries or hot sand.
Search termsmen's slides · beach sandals · lightweight footwear
Our recommendationcrocs.co.ukEasy beach footwearPackable overshirt or light jacket
A light layer covers cooler evenings and early mornings without taking up much room. Look for a fabric that dries quickly and folds small.
Search termsmen's overshirt · packable jacket · evening layer
Our recommendationmoneyclothing.comLayers for eveningsChinos or a relaxed evening shirt
One smart-casual outfit is enough for dinner out or a bar. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics pack better than heavy denim.
Search termsmen's chinos · evening shirt · smart casual · travel trousers
Our recommendationpockets.co.ukSmarter evening optionsUnderwear and socks for the trip
Bring enough underwear and socks for the number of days you are away, plus a spare. Quick-drying options are easier to wash and dry in a hostel or hotel room.
Search termsmen's boxer shorts · travel underwear · men's socks
Our recommendationonthatass.comPacking basics
Where to begin shopping
Begin with the items you will use in the water, because fit matters most there. Look at uk.oneill.com for boardshorts and a rash vest, and check the sizing notes before ordering. Next, choose beach footwear at crocs.co.uk, where sandals and slides are useful for walking to the beach and around town. For casual layers, urbansurfer.co.uk is a good place to find a hoodie or lightweight top that suits both the beach and the evening. Once the main items are in the basket, add one smart outfit and a spare set of underwear and socks. Keep receipts and returns policies in mind, then check that the total list fits in one bag before you leave home.
Before you order
- Check the water temperature and weather for your destination before choosing a rash vest or wetsuit.
- Measure your waist and check the sizing notes for boardshorts and wetsuits.
- Choose quick-drying fabrics for all surf and beach items.
- Pack a secure pair of sandals or water shoes alongside slides.
- Limit your evening outfit to one smart-casual set and one light layer.
- Count the days you will be away and pack a matching number of underwear and socks, plus one spare.
- Make sure the full list fits in your bag with room for wet kit.
The stores at a glance
uk.oneill.com
Best for surf kitO'Neill at uk.oneill.com covers the core surf items, including swimwear, rash vests and beach footwear, in one place.
Recommended for Quick-drying boardshorts and Rash vest or thin wetsuit top
urbansurfer.co.uk
Surf and street mixUrban Surfer at urbansurfer.co.uk suits shoppers who want surf-ready pieces that also work on the street after a session.
crocs.co.uk
Easy beach footwearCrocs at crocs.co.uk offers sandals and slides that are quick to pull on after a session and simple to rinse off.
Recommended for Slides or sandals for the beach
moneyclothing.com
Layers for eveningsMoney Clothing suits relaxed jackets, hoodies and shorts for cooler evenings and travel days.
Recommended for Packable overshirt or light jacket
pockets.co.uk
Smarter evening optionsPockets is useful for a shirt or pair of trousers for dinner out without packing bulky formal clothes.
Recommended for Chinos or a relaxed evening shirt
ca.allsaints.com
Casual shoes and accessoriesAllSaints offers casual shoes and accessories for a smarter look in town or at dinner.
onthatass.com
Packing basicsON THAT ASS sells men's underwear and boxer shorts, which are easy to add to a short packing list.
Recommended for Underwear and socks for the trip
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Frequently asked questions
How many pairs of boardshorts should I pack?
Two pairs is usually enough for a week, so one can dry while you wear the other. If you plan to surf every day, a third pair gives you more flexibility.
Do I need a wetsuit for my first surf holiday?
It depends on the water temperature at your destination. A rash vest is often enough for warm water, while colder sea needs a thicker wetsuit, so check local conditions before you buy.
What footwear is best for a surf trip?
A pair of slides or sandals for the beach and town, plus a secure water shoe if you expect rocky entries, covers most situations. Trainers are optional if you plan walks or hikes.
Can I wear the same clothes for travel and evenings?
Yes, if you choose quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant pieces. A simple shirt, chinos and a light jacket work for travel days and dinner out without needing a separate wardrobe.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
