When undertaking any sort of travel, you need to be prepared. Being away from home and out of your comfort zone, you have to make sure you bring the bare minimum to get by. But packing to enhance your experience is the real goal. When you’re going on a windsurfing holiday, that involves taking a very specific set of kit.

Here’s what you need, and why:

Board, sail and harness

Depending on where you’re travelling and you’re ability level, you may want to take your kit with you. That said, travelling long haul with a big and heavy board is not easy, costs extra to transport and is often not worth the effort. Most schools and destinations will have hire options available. Check beforehand if you need anything specific and we can help get your boards and sails reserved.

Mast, boom, fins, mastfoot, lines etc

If you are bringing your board, then you have to remember all the other pieces to complete your set up. It’s worth setting up as you normally do, then packing it all as you disassemble. That way you won’t overlook anything. If you have a garden or some space then lay it all out on the ground. 

Wetsuit

Even if you’re hiring a board, it’s always a good idea to bring your own wetsuit. Not only will it be a better fit, and usually superior quality, but you won’t have to scrape yourself into a wet, sandy and heavily used suit. Check with our experts before you travel on the best wetsuit to take for your destination and time of year. Who knows, you may even not need one at all!

Rash vest

Again, these can be borrowed by the same as above applies. If you’re a beginner, you’re going to be hauling yourself back on to your board countless times during your trip. Each time you’re going to lose microscopic layers of skin, and they add up to nasty grazes quickly. Remember you have to look good in those holiday action shots too. 

Beach wear

As well as windsurfing, you’re going to be hanging out on the beach. A lot. A few pairs of shorts, flip-flops and clothes you can generally change in and out of easily are essential. Remember you’ll need that apres windsurf wear too so a towel and some dry clothes. 

Sun glasses

Sunshine, water and bright sand are a perfect storm of UV glare. Protect your eyes with a decent pair of sunglasses. You can get some great sun glasses now to wear in the water. If you go for a pair of these however strong the strap is try and get ones that float, it could save you from an unplanned snorkelling trip back out to the reef.

Sunhat

Heat stroke is not fun and can sneak up on you. Wear a hat as much as you can when in the sun. Again like the sunglasses you can get one with a strap to wear out on the water. If you’re going a bit thin on top then this is probably not a bad idea!

Sunblock

Probably the most important thing you can bring. Always opt for a higher level than you think. You’ll always get a tan if you’re in the sun, but protecting yourself against life threatening conditions is crucial. We’d advise at least factor 30 and ideally some zinc or similar for your cheeks, lips and ears. Apply and re-apply all day long. 

Camera

If you have a waterproof camera, then bring it. It’s a great way to capture some mementos of your trip. Otherwise, take some shots of the resort, beach and your new friends. Most people have invested in an action camera these days so maybe do some testing on the best mounts before your trip, watch some videos on youtube to get inspired and then you’ll be ready to capture those award winning shots from day one. 

Water bottle

Sun and seawater make your thirsty quickly. Bring a suitable water bottle (try and avoid plastic) that can keep your water cool and fresh. It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re on the water. We’d suggest taking some re-hydration packs that you can add to water as they will replace all the salts that your body excretes. 

Optional extras

As well as the above essentials, you might also want to consider bringing the following:

• Ear plugs (esepcially if you are prone to ear infections)
• Gloves and boots
• Helmet
• Nuts and bolts
• Pulley hook
• Footstraps
• Sail repair kit
• First aid kit
• Screwdriver (we’d advise a leather man or similar)
• Duct Tape (what do the ‘Force’ and Duct Tape have in common? They both have a light side and a dark side and bind the universe together 🙂