“I’m going on a SURFISTA TRIP for the first time!!!! What should I bring?!?!”

Don’t freak out. We’ve made a list for you of the things we recommend are needed when you’re going on a surf trip – whether it be for the first time or the 100th time.

• COMFORTABLE CLOTHES ~ You need comfortable clothes that will let you do your activities under the sun! And no, people don’t do topless in the Philippines… (only men do ;)

Comfy, colorful, awesome Surfista shirts – ok, ok, we are biased ;)

• SUNSCREEN PROTECTION ~ We live in a tropical country that’s very near the equator and surfing is a sport that exposes us to the harsh elements of the sun. Even if it’s cloudy, we NEED to apply sunscreen to prevent ourselves from sunburn or any future skin problems. We want beautiful golden tan skin – not peeling red! :)

We ONLY recomment the best: VMV’s ARMADA SPORT 70 sunscreen!

Surfista isa enjoying her VMV Armada Sunscreen she got during one of our trips!

• A HAT ~ Hats come in all kinds, sizes and shapes now so just choose what makes you look schnazzy and comfortable and wear it! It’s another good way to protect you head and face AND excuse you from having to brush your beach hair.

Hurley Philippines sells different kinds of hat designs.

• HYDRATION ~ Surfers forget that they’re thirsty because they’re already in the water but a lot of people don’t realize that they’re already getting dehydrated. Make sure you drink a lot (no, not alcohol) before your session AND after to replenish lost electrolytes from your body. You’ll surf longer and better if you just keep this in mind!

We LOVE Lightwater & Vitaminboost because they have electrolytes, potassium & other stuff that we need as surfers.

• A CAMERA – or two – or three – Documenting your first Surfista trip is a MUST! Surfing also means travelling which also means that you will have a LOT of moments, beautiful sights, new friends that you would want to keep in memory and also show to your friends on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram!

Tip: Add a sticker on your camera so you won’t mix up yours with others’!

You can surf with GoPro cameras by mountaing them on your surfboard!

What GoPro photos look like – so much fun!

• BEACH BLANKET ~ Choose a blanket that you can sit on, use as a towel, use as a blanket and you’re set.

We love Lagu sand repellant beach blankets. For sale in our merchandise section too!

• BEACH BAG ~ You need to put all your things somewhere, right?? And a place to pick up rubbish in case you see unwanted ones on the beach!

My oh my, those bags look familiar and look super cute! Girls would love these ;)

• READING MATERIAL ~ The surf won’t always be pumping & there won’t always be internet access, so grab interesting reading material and put it in your bag to brush up on you vocabulary or read up on your next surf destination!

The only magazine that features only local destinations in the Philippines!

• REUSABLE BOTTLES ~ You can pretend to be a bartender at night and concoct all your drinks here ;) but it’s always a good idea to have sturdy reusable bottles that you can take with you on your trips.

Nalgene bottles are BPA free, impact resistant, can store boiling or freezing water and come in different colors. Do you have one yet?

• WATER RESISTANT DRY BAG ~ Once you progress on your surfing, you will be taking boat trips and be going on different islands or breaks that are in the middle of the ocean. A normal bag won’t do in this case, you’ll need something water proof where you can keep your electronics and cameras.

Sea To Summit’s dry sacks are lightweight, durable and come in many sizes. Perfect for boat trips!

• SURF WAX & ZINKAS ~ You need wax so you won’t slip off your board. ‘Nuff said. And if you want to have more fun and look like you were in the 80’s, Zinkas are fun to apply on your nose!

• FOOT PROTECTION ~ Not all surf breaks will be on sandy bottoms, so research before you go to a new surf spot and ask if there are reef, sea urchin, rocks, etc that may hurt your feet when you walk to the break or when you wipe out.

Try Zem Gear Footwear – they’re lightweight & keep your feet protected both on land and under water. We use these for surfing!

• FIRST AID KIT ~ In case you DO get hurt and get scratched by the reef, don’t just ignore it. Sanitize all cuts because you would NOT want to have an infection and just sit down while your friends are out there having fun and surfing!

• BOARD BAG ~ When you decide to own your own surf board, you WILL be travelling and discovering new surf spots. Keep your surfboards protected by using proper-sized and well-made board bags.

Have your own customized board bag made by Frus Annaw only here in the Philippines!

• YOUR GOOD VIBES & SMILE ~ The most ESSENTIAL thing to bring on EVERY trip. Things may go exactly as you planned, or they may not. Remember that each Surfista trip is a new experience and that you must be open to changes and surprises. Everything will be okay – as long as you keep the good vibrations rolling and you flash that smile.

Smiley Happy Surfistas!

We hope this list has helped give you an idea of things to bring when you’re on a surf trip. The MOST AWESOME thing about being a SURFISTA and joining one of our trips is that you may get a chance to get a couple of the things that are on this list! :)