What Surfboard Should I Bring on a Surf Trip? A Practical Guide

Choosing what surfboard to bring on a surf trip is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before traveling.

It’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Every year, surfers travel across the world with boards that look good on the beach but work against them in the water. The waves might be great, the destination perfect, yet frustration builds because the equipment doesn’t match reality.

This guide will help you choose the right surfboard for a surf trip so you can actually enjoy the waves you traveled for.

The Most Common Mistake When Choosing a Surfboard for a Surf Trip

The biggest mistake surfers make when packing boards for a surf trip is bringing the board they wish they surfed, not the board they actually surf well.

Trips amplify everything. Fatigue, wave frequency, unfamiliar lineups, different breaks. A board that feels manageable at home can quickly become exhausting abroad.

When in doubt, more volume almost always beats less.

Why Volume Matters More on a Surf Trip

On a surf trip, you usually surf more days in a row than at home. That alone changes the equation.

More volume means easier paddling, earlier wave entry, and less fatigue over multiple sessions. It also means you adapt faster to new conditions.

Low-volume boards demand perfect timing and constant effort. Over a full surf trip, that effort adds up and limits how much you can actually surf.

If you’re questioning whether a board has enough volume for a trip, it probably doesn’t.

The One Board Most Surfers Should Bring

If you could only bring one board on a surf trip, for most surfers the answer is simple.

A mid-length board or fish with generous volume.

These boards paddle well, generate speed easily, and work across a wide range of conditions. They allow you to surf more, recover faster, and adjust to unfamiliar waves.

They may not look as “high performance” as shortboards, but they perform where it matters: wave count and consistency.

When Bringing a Shortboard Makes Sense

Shortboards have their place on surf trips, but only in specific situations.

If you are surfing powerful, consistent waves and you are confident in your fitness and timing, a performance board can be the right choice.

For most traveling surfers, however, shortboards become limiting. They require more effort, more precision, and punish fatigue quickly.

If you bring one, make sure it has slightly more volume than your everyday shortboard.

Why a Longboard Can Save a Surf Trip

Many surf trips include days with smaller or weaker waves than expected.

This is where a longboard becomes priceless.

When conditions are soft, crowded, or inconsistent, a longboard keeps you surfing while others sit and wait. It turns “average” days into fun sessions instead of rest days.

If your destination is known for variable conditions, a longboard is often the smartest second board to bring.

How Many Boards Should You Bring on a Surf Trip?

More boards doesn’t always mean better.

For most surfers, two boards is the sweet spot.

One versatile board you can surf every day.
One backup or condition-specific board.

This setup covers most scenarios without overcomplicating travel or decision-making.

Don’t Forget About Fins and Setup

Boards get all the attention, but fins matter just as much on a surf trip.

Different fin setups can adapt the same board to different conditions. More hold for power, more looseness for smaller waves.

Bringing at least one alternative fin set gives you flexibility without adding another board.

Renting vs Bringing Your Own Surfboard

In some destinations, renting a surfboard makes sense.

However, rental boards are often generic and heavily used. They work, but they rarely feel dialed in.

If progression and comfort matter to you, bringing at least one board you know well usually leads to a better experience.

If you rent, choose volume over performance.

Final Takeaway

A surf trip is not the time to experiment with ego-driven equipment choices.

The right surfboard lets you surf more, adapt faster, and enjoy the experience you traveled for.

Choose volume over image.
Consistency over perfection.
Enjoyment over expectation.

Your surf trip will be better for it.