How to plan a budget surf trip

If you want to make a budget surf trip, you have come to the right place! Planning a surf trip that doesn’t ruin your bank account seems impossible, but with a bit of research and the right tips, you can make your dream trip a reality. Read on to find out how.

Tips for a budget surf trip

Choose the best surf destination

First and foremost, decide where you want to go. Consider your surfing level, the type of waves you want to surf, and the season.

For beginners, beach breaks with sandy bottoms, like those in Portugal or Costa Rica, are ideal. More experienced surfers may prefer the reef breaks in Indonesia.

The year’s seasons are also crucial since the best surfing conditions vary throughout the year, depending on the destination.

This is where it will make a difference when you are looking to save money on your surf trip.

The peak season months, which usually mark the summer in each country, are when prices rise exponentially. After all, half the world takes vacations at that time.

But these may not be the months of the best waves.

To try to escape the peak tourist season, you have three choices:

1. Choose a destination where the peak surfing season doesn’t clash with the summer months. You’ll probably get colder weather, but the prices are lower;

2. Choose a destination that has good waves all year round. That way, you can opt for the off-season months;

3. Choose the intermediate seasons. That’s when the best surfing season is almost over, but there are still good waves, and the high season hasn’t started yet.

Some recommended destinations for a budget surf trip:

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Tips to surf and beyond

Book the cheapest flight

Early booking and flexibility are key to getting cheap flights.

Use comparison sites like Skyscanner to get an overview of prices and set Google Alerts for your interested flights.

Look into connecting to different airports and try to have time to make your trip. A direct flight takes less time but is more expensive than making one, two or more stopovers.

Be open to flying during the week or at odd hours, as these flights tend to be cheaper.

Also, remember that when we buy a flight, we are charged for many extras, whether it’s baggage, seat selection, or cancellation fees.

Finally, find out about the rates charged by the airline for transporting surfboards. There are cheaper flights, but the airline company will charge you an amount for each surfboard you carry. On the other hand, some flights are a little more expensive. Still, the company will consider your surfboards as checked baggage if you stay within the allowance.

Find out in this post how much airlines charge for the transportation of surfboards.

Opt for the cheapest accommodation and meals

Accommodation and meals are the most significant travel expenses after flights.

Surf camps and hostels are an excellent option to save money on accommodation and food. Many surf camps offer packages that include meals, lessons and equipment rental.

Alternatively, consider staying in a hostel to save money on your stay and cook your meals.

Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to save money on your surf trip, but if you want to avoid going to that trouble, choose smaller restaurants with local food or even street food. Asking a local is the best way to find where to eat well and cheaply.

Bring your surfing equipment

Although you can rent a surfboard at the destination you are going to, be aware of the costs. Daily rental fees can make your trip more expensive.

If you are planning an extended surf trip, buying a second-hand board upon arrival and reselling it before you leave is more cost-effective.

If you have your own equipment and think you’ll be doing a lot of surfing, you can take it to save money. Of course, as I mentioned above, it will also depend on whether the airline charges extra for transportation.

Other expenses

As much as you want to make a budget surf trip, there are other expenses that you should take into account:

Travel Insurance

Only go on a surf trip after first getting travel insurance. IATI’s travel insurance is one of the cheapest in the market. It works very well and includes adventure sports like surfing. And I’ll even give you a 5% discount for being a Marlene On The Move reader!

Transportation

If you stay at a surf camp, many organize pick up and drop off at the airport and provide transportation during the time you are with them. But renting a car is the best way to get around if you are travelling without anything scheduled.

Search with Discover Cars to get a vehicle at the best value.

Communications

Having internet is now a must on any trip, so buy a SIM card when you arrive in the country. If you do it at small stores or gas stations, you can get a better price than at the airport. If you don’t want the hassle and expense of getting it on location, buy an eSIM, and you’ll have internet upon arrival. 

Visa

Depending on your surfing destination, you may have to pay for a visa to enter the country. The amount varies a lot, and getting informed is essential to avoid surprises.

Unexpected expenses

You never know what might happen on a surf trip, so remember to take extra money with you for any unexpected expenses.

Like any other trip, preparing for a budget surf trip can be challenging. Still, with careful planning and smart choices, you can do everything you want without going broke.

I hope these tips are helpful to you. If you have more to add, post them in the comment box! I’ll love to hear about it.

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