The single biggest packing mistake people make before a surf camp in Spain: they overpack. They bring too many clothes, too much gear, and drag a suitcase that's impossible to navigate when you're hopping between surf spots. This guide tells you exactly what you need — no more, no less.
The second biggest mistake: they bring surf equipment they don't need. Every quality surf camp in Spain — including Ondas Novas — provides all surf gear as part of the package. Boards, wetsuits, leashes, board wax — it's all there. You fly with a carry-on, they sort the rest. This guide is built around that assumption.
Do not bring your own surfboard or wetsuit unless you have very specific requirements or are an experienced surfer with gear perfectly calibrated to your style. Surf camps provide quality equipment and travelling with a board bag adds expense, hassle, and risk of airline damage.
What Your Surf Camp Already Provides
Before you start packing, know what you don't need to bring. At Ondas Novas and most quality surf camps in Spain, the following are included in your package:
- Surfboards (beginner soft-tops and performance shortboards)
- Wetsuits — correct thickness for the season
- Leashes and fins
- Board wax
- Rash vests / lycras
- Transport to and from surf spots
- Professional photo and video equipment (at Ondas Novas)
- Yoga mats and wellness equipment
This means your packing list is really just clothing, toiletries, and personal items. You should be able to manage this in a 40L backpack or a carry-on suitcase for a one-week camp.
Clothing — North Coast (Galicia, Basque Country, Cantabria)
The north coast of Spain is not the Mediterranean. Galicia especially is known for its changeable, Atlantic weather — warm and sunny one hour, cool and drizzly the next. Don't let the word "Spain" mislead you into packing for a beach holiday. Think layers.
In Summer (June–August)
- 3–4 pairs of board shorts or bikini bottoms
- 3–4 lightweight t-shirts or rash tops
- 1–2 mid-layer fleeces or hoodies (evenings can be cool)
- 1 light waterproof jacket (Galicia will rain at some point)
- 1–2 pairs of casual trousers / jeans for evenings out
- Flip flops — essential for beach and camp
- 1 pair of trainers or casual shoes for town
- Underwear for every day (obvious, but)
- Compact microfibre towel — quick-dry, beach-friendly
In Autumn / Spring (September–May)
- 2–3 pairs of board shorts or bikinis (you'll still wear them under your wetsuit)
- 3–4 long-sleeve baselayer tops (wear under wetsuits for extra warmth)
- 2 mid-layer fleeces — one for after surfing, one for evenings
- 1 waterproof outer layer — non-negotiable in Galicia in autumn
- 1–2 pairs of warm casual trousers
- Flip flops and 1 pair of closed shoes
- Thick socks for cold evenings
- Beanie hat for early sessions in October+
- Microfibre towel
Wearing a thin long-sleeve baselayer under your wetsuit adds noticeable warmth in cooler months and prevents wetsuit rash. Lycra rash vests work well in summer. Thermal baselayers (neoprene or polypropylene) are worth it for November–March. Your camp will advise on the day based on conditions.
Clothing — Canary Islands & Andalusia
The Canary Islands are a completely different packing proposition. The "eternal spring" is real — temperatures of 20–26°C year-round, very low rainfall on the western coasts, and warm water that doesn't require a thick wetsuit.
- 4–5 pairs of board shorts or bikinis — you'll wear them constantly
- 4–5 lightweight t-shirts and tops
- 1 light hooded sweatshirt for cooler evenings
- No heavy jacket needed (a light cardigan or windbreaker is plenty)
- Flip flops and 1 pair of trainers
- Casual wear for evenings — the Canaries have a social scene
- Microfibre towel
Surf-Specific Items to Bring
Even though your camp provides the gear, there are a few personal surf items worth packing:
- Surf ear plugs — repeated cold water exposure causes "surfer's ear" over time. Cheap and worth it.
- Nose clips — optional, but some beginners find them helpful in wipeouts
- Your own wetsuit boots — if surfing in October+ on the north coast, your own boots that fit perfectly are more comfortable than camp-provided ones
- Traction pads / grip socks — for intermediate surfers who prefer extra grip
- A small waterproof bag — for your phone, wallet, and keys at the beach
Skin & Health Essentials
This category is consistently underpacked. Surfing is an outdoor sport in a high-UV, salt-spray environment. Your skin and body take a beating if you're not prepared.
- SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen — buy a surf-specific brand that stays on in water. Reapply constantly. Galicia in summer has strong UV despite the clouds.
- Lip balm with SPF — your lips will crack within days without it
- After-sun lotion — soothe skin every evening
- Anti-chafe cream — wetsuit rash is real, especially on the neck. Vaseline or specific surf anti-chafe cream prevents it.
- Ibuprofen — surfing is physical. Muscle soreness from paddling, especially days 2–3, is universal among beginners.
- Antihistamines — useful if you react to jellyfish stings (occasional in summer)
- Standard first aid kit items — plasters, antiseptic wipes
- Prescription medication — always in hand luggage, never checked
- Travel insurance documents — essential, not optional
Do not assume cloud cover means no UV risk. Galicia's overcast skies do not block UV effectively, and many first-timers get badly burned on day one before the sun even appears. Apply SPF 50 every single morning, waterproof, and reapply after each surf session.
Tech & Useful Extras
- Universal travel adapter — Spain uses Type F plugs (two round pins, 220V)
- Portable power bank — for charging on the go between sessions
- Waterproof phone case — for beach use
- Earphones — for travel and downtime
- E-reader or books — evenings in camp, especially quieter nights
- Camera or action cam — Ondas Novas provides pro photo/video, but your own footage from the beach is still worth having
- Headtorch / torch — for early morning pre-dawn sessions
What NOT to Bring
This list will save you space, weight, and airline fees:
| Item | Why to Leave It |
|---|---|
| Your surfboard | Camp provides boards. Airline board bag fees are expensive and damage risk is real. |
| Your wetsuit | Camp provides the right thickness. Wetsuits take up enormous bag space when wet. |
| Formal clothing | You will not use it. Galicia is casual. Pack for activity, not occasion. |
| Heavy boots or shoes | One pair of trainers and flip flops is enough for any surf camp. |
| Full-size toiletries | Buy locally on arrival if needed. Saves massive bag weight. |
| Excessive cash | Cards are widely accepted. Keep €100–150 cash for emergencies only. |
| Cotton towels | Heavy and slow to dry. Microfibre only. |
The Complete Packing Checklist
Print this, check it off, and travel with confidence.
🏄 Surf (personal items only)
- Surf ear plugs
- Waterproof bag for beach valuables
- Optional: personal wetsuit boots (Oct+, north coast)
👕 Clothing (North Coast, Summer)
- 3–4 board shorts / bikini bottoms
- 3–4 lightweight t-shirts or surf tops
- 1–2 fleeces or hoodies
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1–2 casual trousers
- Flip flops + 1 pair trainers
- Underwear × daily
- Microfibre towel × 2
- Beanie (autumn camps)
🧴 Skin & Health
- SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen (250ml+)
- SPF lip balm
- After-sun lotion
- Anti-chafe cream (Vaseline)
- Ibuprofen / pain relief
- Any prescription medication
- Small first aid kit
- Travel insurance documents
🔌 Tech
- Type F travel adapter
- Power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- Earphones
- Camera / action cam (optional)
📄 Documents
- Passport or ID
- Travel insurance documents
- Booking confirmation (Ondas Novas)
- Flight / transport tickets
- Health insurance card (EHIC/GHIC for EU/UK)
If you can't carry it yourself through an airport without stopping to rest, you've packed too much. A surf camp is an active week — travel accordingly.
Get the Full Season-by-Season Packing Guide
Our free destination guide includes a printable packing list for every season and destination — including specific recommendations for Ondas Novas camps at Pantín Beach, Galicia.