Are you planning a weekend or a short trip away surfing? A day on the river paddling?
We've created a handy pack list of essentials to ensure you don't forget anything for your adventure trip.
(Please let us know if we've forgotten anything ;)
When packing for an adventurous trip away, we like to start with the biggest items first and go on from there. It seems silly but you never really forget your kayak, surfboard or paddleboard when packing, but how easy is it to forget something so simple yet essential, like your wetsuit or paddle?
"I was once getting ready to ride to a local surf spot approximately 3 miles away, I got my bike surf racks ready, surfboard in the board bag and off I went. I locked my bike up and as I pulled my board out of its bag, one of the fins fell out. Did I pack a fin key to screw it back in, nope. I sat there moaning for about 10 minutes, watching the waves roll in and decided to stiffen up my bottom lip and ride 3 miles back home to get the fin key - a lesson learned. I now keep a fin key in the phone pouch on the handlebars ;)"
Staff member, Charlotte's "whoopsy" experience one day last summer
Equipment/Accessories
Surfboard, Kayak, Paddleboard, Canoe
Fins, leashes, paddles, spray deck, board bags, roof straps/accessories.
Wax, wax comb, fin key, dry bag, changing mat.
GoPro/Camera, spare batteries
Phone, charging cables/plugs
Money/wallet/purse
Activewear
It's important to check the weather forecast to determine what activewear to pack for your trip, for example, is it going to be cold so you'll need to pack a thicker wetsuit or extra layers. Or is it going to be the usual UK blazing hot sunshine, no wind and warm temps (we can dream)
Wetsuit, drysuit, dry top, dry trousers, shorts/boardies, swimwear, longjohns, base layers, water shoes, wetsuit boots, towel, poncho, changing robe.
Personal/Safety Equipment
Safety is of paramount importance, so don't forget these essential items.
Buoyancy Aid, helmet, first aid kit, rescue equipment, throw lines, karabiners, waterproof phone covers, key pouches, map, compass, head torch, zinc, suncream, ear plugs, sunglasses and any medication that needs to be packed.
Clothing
If it's just a day trip, you only need to pack a change of clothing after you've finished your activity. If it's cold don't forget your beanie.
If it's a weekend or a couple of days away, you'll need to pack more clothing, hoodies and jumpers, warmer outerwear for the evenings depending on where you're staying, camping in the van or a lodge/Airbnb with optional heating.
Appropriate footwear.
Palm Mountains To The Sea Sweater
Camping Equipment
Tent, sleeping bag, mat, torches, midgie repellent, toiletries.
Food & H20
Whether it's a day trip or a few days, it's important to pack some snacks/meals to make sure you keep your energy levels up. It's equally important to stay hydrated, so ensure you have your drink bottle/flask with lots of water available, especially in warmer weather. If you're camping, you'll need cooking facilities in the van or portable stoves, etc.
So, there we have it, we think we've covered the essentials you'll need for a trip away. Let us know what item you cannot go without and why.