There is a part of a surf trip that almost no one talks about. It’s not the perfect wave, the sunset video, or even that session you’d been imagining for months; it’s the exact moment you start to slow down. When you have breakfast without checking the time, when the salt stays on your skin hours after leaving the water, when you discover you can live for several days with little more than a backpack, comfortable clothes and a desire to spend time by the sea. That is where a good surf trip truly begins.
This guide is designed to help you organise an easy and light surf getaway. It explores feelings, places with good vibes and everything that makes you want to extend your trip by a couple more days; from destinations based on your level to practical tips for packing your bag without overpacking.
Find your ideal surf trip depending on the season
Choosing the right destination completely changes the experience. You don’t need to go to the other side of the world to find good waves and a surf vibe. Some of the best surf destinations are much closer than you think.
For beginners: Cantabria, Spain
If you are thinking about how to organise your first surf trip, Cantabria is one of those places that makes it easy, with June to September being the perfect months. Wide beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and more accessible waves make learning here feel much less intimidating.
Besides, the north has something special: quiet mornings, small seaside towns and a much more authentic, slow-paced surf culture. Ideal for truly disconnecting.
It is a great option if you are looking for the best beaches to surf when you don’t have a high level yet. Somo, Suances, Loredo or Berria allow you to progress without pressure and find comfortable sessions if you are just starting out.
What to pack? It’s best to opt for comfortable swimwear and oversize t-shirts, along with durable flip-flops for the beach and for walking along the promenade. Our flip-flops work particularly well on these kinds of trips where you spend the day drifting in and out of the beach, improvising plans and walking barefoot most of the time.
Advanced level: Morocco
In this destination, the best months are, conversely, from October to March, as the heat isn’t as intense as during the summer months and you can easily organise a long weekend, always keeping the surf forecast in mind.
Morocco is perfect for surfers looking for more intense sessions and entering the water several days in a row. But it’s also for those who want to reconnect with that simpler side of travel: surf, delicious food and life near the ocean in coastal villages where time seems to pass much more slowly.
If you are travelling by plane, one of the best tips for going on a surf trip is to check the conditions for transporting your board thoroughly. Every airline has different rules, and it is well worth looking into it before reaching the airport. Beyond the board, it’s recommended to bring comfortable, quick-drying clothes, a waterproof bag, and for footwear, a pair of flip-flops for the beach and espadrilles for strolling around; you can find both on our website.
Budget for a surf trip
The cost depends heavily on the destination and the season, but normally what drives the budget up the most is sports equipment baggage, transport and accommodation if it isn’t booked in advance.
Portugal and northern Spain remain some of the most attractive options for those looking for an affordable getaway without compromising on good waves and a great atmosphere.
What to pack in your backpack for a surf trip?
If you are unsure about what to pack in your surf bag to avoid looking like a novice, the answer is quite simple: fewer things and more functionality. Comfortable, lightweight clothing works much better than a suitcase full of ‘just in case’ items, not forgetting sun protection and easy-to-clean flip-flops.
Dawn patrol essentials
The best sessions usually start very early. It’s still cool, the beach is almost empty and you can only hear the sea.
Your checklist for surf mornings should be: an oversize sweatshirt, swimwear ready from the get-go and comfortable flip-flops for sand and rocks.
The men’s flip-flops fit perfectly into those quick journeys between the flat, the beach and the café, where you are just looking for comfort and zero complications.
Post-surf comfort
After several hours in the water, everything changes pace. You no longer want to think too much about what to wear or carry uncomfortable clothes.
What always works are loose t-shirts, relaxed shorts and a tote bag to carry your wetsuit. This is where surf style truly makes sense: light, practical clothing that is easy to wear all day long.
Sunset plans
It’s very common for someone to suggest ‘grabbing a quick drink’ and you end up watching the sunset facing the sea without checking the time.
The beach-to-evening look that never fails is an open shirt or a lightweight sweatshirt for those sensitive to the wind, swimwear repurposed as shorts and minimalist flip-flops.
The women’s flip-flops work particularly well in that moment when the day transitions from beach to dinner without any need to change.
Surfing while caring for the environment
Surf culture has always been linked to respecting the environment. And that starts with small gestures, with something as simple as not leaving rubbish on the beach, carpooling when possible, using less plastic and respecting small beaches and quiet hours.
Because in the end, surfing without impacting the destination simply consists of enjoying the place without acting like you’re just passing through.
The true surf mindset
Over time, you understand that a surf trip is never just about surfing; it’s about living more slowly for a few days, spending hours barefoot, having breakfast after your session without any rush, or needing fewer things to feel good.
Perhaps that’s why the best trips are hardly ever the most expensive or the furthest away; they are the ones that ensure you come back lighter than when you left.
