What to Pack for an Overseas Women’s Surf Retreat

Women Soulful Surf Women's Surf Retreat - Sri Lanka.

This is What We are Packing for an Overseas Women’s Surf Retreat

(AKA: the list you’ll screenshot and reuse forever)

Alright ladies, pack her bags because it is officially surf retreat season. (Ok, let’s be honest… every season is surf retreat season.)

Our overseas women’s surf retreats are kicking off for the year, and we’ve done you a solid:

a packing list so you don’t have to spiral-Google “What do I need to pack for a women's surf retreat to Lombok / the Philippines / Sri Lanka / the Maldives” at midnight. You’re welcome.

We’ve hosted a LOT of overseas women’s surf retreats across Indonesia (hello Lombok), 

the Philippines, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka,  and this list covers boat trips, land stays, solo days and full retreat life. Save it. Bookmark it. Send it to your surf group chat.

Click here for your very own Surfer Gal Essentials Guide

for all the codes and links we mention throughout. Future you will be grateful.

Surfer Gal Essentials Guide - What to Pack for a Women's Surf Retreat Overseas.

Note: If you’re travelling solo (not on retreat with us), you may need to add a few extras, but this is your holy grail base list.

The Surf Gear and Accessories we are taking on our Surf Retreats.

(The non-negotiables)

What boards you bring depends on the destination, but if you’re joining us in Lombok, the Philippines or Sri Lanka, most surf gear (boards, leg ropes, wax) is provided. Still, here’s the dream setup:

• 2 surfboards — one longer, one shorter (different conditions = different moods). We love travelling with Salt Gypsy boards, from Global Surf Industries.

• Spare leg ropes + fins (because something always goes missing).

• Wax tropical / hard wax only. Anything else is betrayal.

• SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin and the ocean.

• Zinc, we rate Sol Sista Co.

• Surf booties are highly recommended for the Maldives.

• Duct tape fixes boards, fins, and occasionally emotional damage.

• Surf hat shoutout to Sunward Bound and Cord&Roy.

• Dry bag: we love Meraki Supply. 

  
  

The Swimwear we wear while on a Surf Retreat (and clothing)

(The real priority)

Let’s not pretend swimwear isn't the main character.

• Bring surf-tested swimwear you trust. Our go-to: Elation The Label (yes, there’s a discount when you shop through us).

• Longer styles matter: Thin rash tops, long sleeves, surf tights. We’re in the water 2+ hours a session, and that tropical sun does not play nice.

• Modest clothing for destinations like the Maldives (Muslim-predominant). Think linen, loose fits, light layers, sleeves recommended.

• Light rain jacket or poncho, tropical weather loves a plot twist. Depop is great for pack-light finds.

• Shoes: sandals only. No hikes, no runs, no pressure. (Unless, of course, you want to in your free time)

• Underwear, yes, enough of it. (We said what we said.)

🧺 Laundry: Most land-based stays have laundry nearby. Boats do not. On boats, don’t overthink it, you’ll live in swimwear and one emotional-support T-shirt for days. No judgement.

Toiletries

(Dealer’s choice)

Bring what you love, but hydration is key for hair and skin. Salt + sun + zinc = thirsty everything.

Also:

• Female sanitary items overseas options can be very different. Bring your own.

  
  

First Aid Essentials

(Especially important for boat trips)

Most destinations have chemists close by, except the Maldives, where access is limited.

Be prepared.

We recommend:

• Sea sickness tablets (multiple strengths, more than you think)

• Antihistamines (sea lice is rude)

• Antibiotic cream or powder + Betadine

• Panadol

• Bandaids

If you’re taking sea sickness meds, be aware of side effects (constipation or diarrhoea,  choose your fighter).

👉 Don’t stress, for emergencies, we always carry a first aid kit on retreat. 

Other Little Luxuries (Worth It)

• Surf watch, knowing the tide and the time hits different (we love Maxum Watches)

• Waterproof jewellery, yes, you can still drip in jewells in the lineup (Atolea)

• Skin saviour, something to remove all the zinc, your face will thank you (SAMI)

• Reusable drink bottle. Okay, this one isn’t a luxury; it’s a non-negotiable. We’re here because we love the ocean, so travelling with a reusable drink bottle is one of the simplest ways we can give back. All of our retreat locations provide safe drinking water to refill throughout your stay.

  
  

You don’t need everything. You just need the right things and a surf retreat that’s got your back. 

See you in the water 🌊