12 Things I Wish I Brought on my Bali Surf Trip

So you’re going on a surf trip to Bali in a few weeks’ time and you’re wondering what you should bring.  Here are the 12 things I wish I brought on my Bali surf trip.

(BEFORE WE BEGIN!!!: There’s a complete master list of everything you need at the bottom of this article)

1) WETSUIT TOP:

The water in Bali is like a bath so a full length wetsuit is not required. However, it can get a bit windy in the afternoons so you'll want to wear something light to keep the wind off.

Flatrock's Bronte Series Wetsuit Top is made from lightweight 1.5mm material which regulates your body temperature so that you don’t overheat. Check it out here.

2) VASELINE:

If the surf is solid (which it will be) you might end up paddling for 4-5 hours straight. All that rubbing will cause your armpits to catch on fire. Apply Vaseline under your arms before you get in the water and it’ll reduce the friction.

3) DING REPAIR KIT:

Whether it’s from hitting a coral speed bump or from an angry baggage handler who’s had a bad day, you’re surfboard will inevitably get a dent or hole.  Rather than busting out your spare board straight away, apply some resin to the hole and let it dry overnight.

I’ve personally used Dura Rezn by Phix Doctor before and was happy with the result. Check it out here.

4) IMODIUM:

What is Imodium you ask? It’s the drug you take to block you up when you’ve got diarrhoea. That prawn rendang you ate on the side of the street during your stopover in Jakarta may have seemed like a good idea at the time but those decisions will come back to haunt you. If the surf is good, ain’t nobody got time to be sick.

5) SPARE FINS:

The waves in Bali range from fat burgers (see: Padang Padang Right) to fast barrels (see: Uluwatu). I’d suggest a fin that is suited to a wide range of wave types. The “Performer” fin within the FCS II series would be my recommendation but be aware that FCS II fins are clip-ins rather than screw-ins and are therefore more susceptible to being knocked out. Check them out here.

REMEMBER: If your spare fins are screw-ins, make sure you bring screws and an allen-key.

6) ANTISEPTIC CREAM:

Cuts and grazes quickly turn yellow when you’re out in the tropics. Be sure to apply antiseptic cream daily to any cuts you may have. No one wants a trip to an Indo hospital. Dettol Antiseptic cream will do the trick.

7) SMALL GIFTS:

Indonesians are beautiful people and some of the kindest folk you’re likely to meet. We are visitors in their home and so a small token of appreciation can go a long way in saying thank you to any locals you may meet.

Clip-on kangaroos or koalas are a great gift for little kids.

8) DECK OF CARDS:

Our villa experienced a black-out and we were without smartphones for 24 hours (shocking I know). Cards can keep you and your mates entertained for hours and the battery life lasts a lifetime!

9) BOOTIES:

The debate of whether or not to wear booties is as old as time itself (pretty sure it’s somewhere in the bible). Even if you’re an amazing surfer your feet will hit the coral at some point. For example, you might kick out at the end of a wave only to find you’re in a shallow section near the shore. Walking over coral in bare feet is no fun.

I recommend the FCS Reef 2mm booties as they have two straps (rather than one) and the 2mm thickness means you don't overheat in the tropical water. Check them out here.

10) 1,000 LITRES OF SUNSCREEN (A SLIGHT EXAGGERATION BUT YOU GET THE POINT):

With a hole in the ozone layer right above our country, us Aussies think we’re infallible when it comes to sun safety. I don’t want to sound like your dad but you need to be careful about the sun when out in the water for extended periods of time.

11) MALARIA TABLETS:

One sentence… Why risk it?

I experienced zero side effects but of course speak to your GP to see what’s right for you.

12) WATERPROOF CAMERA:

You’re about to experience the best waves of your life in the most beautiful place on Earth. Take plenty of photos and don’t forget to call your mum.

For the full list of everything you need to pack, check out the master list below…

Master List: