The wait is finally over! The surf trip that you booked 6, 12 or even 18 months has arrived. Time to turn off the emails, stretch out in the sun, spark up a Gudang and go score some real waves.

 

Your flight leaves tomorrow morning, and let me guess... you've packed absolutely nothing? You don’t know what boards your bringing, how many leashes to pack, which boardies to wear and you’re probably short on wax. Well let me tell you this, you’re one step closer to forgetting your passport, and we don’t want that.

 

Whilst I’ve found myself in this exact predicament, I’ve managed to find the time to write a brief list of all the key ingredients & essentials you’ll need for success on an Indo surf mission. If you’re battling to get your stuff together, stressing out because the taxi is on its way and you’ve got that horrible gut feeling that you’re missing something, this list is for you!

 

Keep in mind, I’m heading to Northern Indonesia for a 2-week stint at some remote islands. Most of the waves on offer are tubing reef breaks and the odd point break, ranging from 2-8ft.  

 

 

PRIORITY – PASSPORT. Guard the thing with your life. No barrels for you if you forget this. Also, good to check that it has at least 6 months validity. Won’t be let into Indo if it's nearly expired.

 

First things first, I need a board bag to carry the precious cargo. Something padded & protective that fits 4+ boards and has interior and exterior straps - Channel Islands CX4 Coffin Board Bag.

 

Boards - I've decided to bring along 4 of my best boards. Boards that will hopefully cover all bases and be able to tackle anything that Indonesia throws at me. For reference, im 5'11 tall and weigh 74kg. 

 

• 1 x Small Wave Shortboard - Channel Islands 2.Pro (5'9 x 18 7/8 x 2 5/16)
• 
• 1 x Good Wave Shortboard - Channel Islands CI Pro (5'10 x 18 5/8 x 2 5/16)
• 
• 1 x Step Up - Christenson Carrera (6'2 x 19 x 2 3/8)
• 
• 1 x Twin Fin - Christenson Lane Splitter (5'6 x 19 1/2 x 2 7/16)
•  
• 

 

 

• Futures AM2 HC Tri Fins (Large). These go in my CI 2.Pro & CI Pro for additional drive off the bottom and less release in the bigger, faster conditions.
• Futures Legacy Series Neutral Tri Fins (Medium). These are my go to fins. I’ll throw these in just about any board, and they do everything I want them to and more. Couldn’t think of a better all round fin for any thruster shortboard.
• Futures Legacy Series Neutral Quad Rears. For when the waves beef up a bit and I want additional drive in my Christenson Carrera. The quad unlocks another level of speed and hold in bigger conditions. The tube day set up.
• Captain Fin Co. Especial Christenson Signature Twin. The perfect twin fin for the Lane Splitter, designed by Chris Christenson himself. It has an upright profile for pivot while still delivering the speed and skatie feel that you love in a twin fin.

 

Leashes: The more the merrier. Don’t get emotionally attached to these, as its unlikely you will be returning home with all of them. 

• 2x Channel Islands Dane Reynolds STD Leash
• 1x Channel Islands Standard 7ft Hex Cord
• 1x FCS All Round 6ft Essential Leash

 

• Channel Islands Fin Wallet. Keep all your surf bits and pieces protected, and in one place. No fins going rogue, and wax melting in the bottom of your bag. 
• Fin Keys - As many as possible. Always lose those bloody things.
• Leash Strings. Same as above, as many as you’ve got. Make sure that knot's tight!
• 4x Sex Wax Tropical. Warm also works just fine. 
• Solar Resin - Sun Cure Epoxy Fibrefill. Epoxy version works for both PU & Epoxy boards. 
• Sunscreen – Salt & Stone Mineral Sunscreen 50+ Lotion + Tinted Face Stick | Don't go light on these. Sitting on the plane back home with a peeling back and sweating forehead is definitely not a fun time.

 

 

- Boardies | Think comfort over style. Not there to impress, there to surf. Minimise rash and chaffing with good quality boardies. 

• Former Malfunction 18.5 Control Trunk
• Patagonia Hydrolock Boardshorts
• Patagonia Stretch Hydropeak Boardshorts

- Short Sleeve Tee's x4. 

- Thongs | Something comfortable. 

- Towels x 1-2

- Cap x 1

- Wide Brim Hat x 1

- Sunglasses (Essential). You forget these, you eyes will be as dry as an egyptian fossil. Im bringing my trusted Epokhe Memphis Sunglasses. 

 

 

- Phone charger + portable charger

- Handycam/ GoPro/ HD Camera. Whatever takes your fancy.

- Fishing gear | If you're into it that is. Definately comes in handy if when the supposed "3 meals a day" included in your accommodation quote doesn’t quite hit the spot (high possibility if you're traveling on a budget). 

• Telescopic fishing rod (Fits well in the boardbag).
• Reel
• Fishing lures, tackle and other accessories.

- Binoculars | For scouting hidden spots.

- First aid kit | Trust me on this one, you’ll use it a lot more than you think. Make sure that thing is packed with all sorts of bandages, betadine, splinter probes, tape, and anything else you can fit in there. Also, a good idea to throw a lime in there - This won’t be used for beers unfortunately.

- Hydroflask Water Bottle

 

 

With the boards stacked neatly one on top of the other, a combination of bubble wrap and towels make good use for rail, nose & tail protection. I then throw all other surf accessories in the corners and crevasses of the bag, do up the straps and hope that the bag doesn’t exceed my luggage limit. I’d suggest keeping the board bag below 22kg as this is usually the ballpark number for weight limits on the regional Indonesian airlines.

 

And for all the other stuff, well considering that clothes, fishing gear, cameras and binoculars are either quite heavy or fragile, I pack these neatly into a medium sized backpack. This will be used as my carry-on luggage.

 

And there you have it. I’ve probably left some stuff out, but from my knowledge, this list includes everything I’ll need for a tropical surf trip to the outer Indonesian Islands, or any tropical surf destination. If you have any queries or comments on what else I should be bringing along, or questions about packing for your next trip, shoot an email through to archie@onboardindustries.com.au.

 

Cheers, and enjoy the Bintangs!

 

 

 

 

Written by Archie Elliott