So you’ve finally done it. You’ve booked your first surf trip with The Surf Tribe.
Nice one.
You’re about to swap office chairs for surfboards, schedules for tides and shoes for sandy feet. And that's good news. But with any surf trip, especially your first, there's always an underlying hum of apprehension.
Will the waves be big? What type of people will I meet? And what on earth do I do about surf gear?
We can't control the waves (although we always ensure that the conditions are suitable for your skill level). And of course your fellow Tribers will be cool too.
We’ve even got your surf gear covered.
That’s right… you needn't buy any surf gear for your trip. We have everything. This saves you both money and the stress of travelling with surf equipment. Which can actually be a nightmare.
Oversized board bags, extra luggage fees, sticky wax in all the wrong places. It’s definitely not a vibe.
So kick back and let’s run through the surf equipment that’ll help you catch your first waves.
Why surf equipment matters
Surf gear does more than just look good.
It keeps you safe, comfy and confident in the ocean.
The right board, the right wetsuit, the right fins... they all work together so you can focus on having fun instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
Good equipment means fewer wipeouts and more “Whoa, I actually did it” moments!
It’s how you learn faster, stay warm and feel ready to ride. And while we all want premium surfboards, brand new wetsuits and to look like the surfers from magazines during our first trip, beginners really only need the basics.
What’s provided when you book
At The Surf Tribe, we keep it simple.
All the essentials are included when you book with our partner surf schools. You won’t need to buy, pack or borrow any surf gear or equipment. They’ll even monitor surf forecasts for you!
Just turn up with a towel and bathers and a big grin. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the beach during your first lesson.
Surfboard
We’ve got you covered with big, floaty, beginner-friendly boards that make standing up and completing your first pop-up a breeze.
These premium soft-top surfboards are built to forgive your early mistakes and help you find your balance. They’re smooth movers in the water and they make learning fun! Trust us... one ride on these babies and you'll be keen to level up and explore the world's best surf breaks, whether they be in Africa, the Maldives or further afield.
- Beginner soft-top: Stable, safe and super forgiving
- Longboard: Smooth, cruisy rides with easy paddling
- Performance shortboard: Fast, responsive, built for sharp turns.
- Mid-length: Balanced blend of glide and control
- Fish: Short, wide, fun for smaller waves
Legrope (leash)
This little legend keeps your board attached to your ankle. Lose your footing? No worries.
Your board stays close. Ready for another wave. It’s the simplest way to stay safe and avoid a game of “Find the board” in the ocean. You also eliminate the risk of your surfboard hitting another person, their board or any rocks.
Note: your legrope should roughly match the length of your board... that’s the golden rule!
- 6ft legrope: Best for shortboards
- 7ft legrope: A popular all-rounder for fun boards and mid-lengths
- 8ft legrope: Perfect for longboards
- 9ft legrope: For classic longboards and logs
Surf wax
The sticky secret weapon that keeps your feet stuck to your surfboard. Surf wax helps your feet grip the board, keeping you steady while you pop up and ride.
It’s the difference between sliding off and looking like you’ve been doing this for years. And while not all surfboards require wax (most soft-top boards have a grippy deck), we're happy to share ours if need be.
Note: Wax is graded based on the water temperature it should be used in.
- Cold-water wax (below 15˚C): For chilly spots like Portugal in late autumn, winter and early spring
- Cool-water wax (16˚C-19˚C): For Morocco
- Warm-water wax (20˚C-23˚C): For the Canary Islands
- Tropical wax (24˚C and above): For places like the Maldives and Indonesia
Wetsuits
We’ve got wetsuits for every season and location.
From thin, stretchy summer suits to thick winter wetsuits that keep you toasty on the south coast. You’ll stay warm, comfy, and flexible no matter the surfing conditions. All our wetsuits are chosen for performance, comfort and sustainability. Because we like to protect the playground we love.
- Warm water wetuits: 2mm–3/2mm
- Cool water wetsuits: 4/3mm–5/4mm
- Wetsuit sizes: We’ve got plenty. From extra small to medium tall and extra large. Our team will help you find the perfect fit
What you do need to bring
Honestly, not much. Just: swimwear, a towel, water, and sunscreen. That’s it. Everything else (board, fins, wax, wetsuit, good vibes) is handled by us.
Why you don’t need to buy anything
We know the surf shop temptation. You walk past racks of shiny boards and think, “Maybe I should buy one"!
Not yet. When you surf with us, you’re using gear picked by people who actually surf every day. Our surf school partners have tried it all, tested it and stocked the stuff that really works for beginners.
There’s no need to spend a fortune before you even know what kind of board you like. Save that for later when you’re hooked and ready to choose your own setup.
What to expect at your first lesson
Here’s how your first surf session will go:
- You’ll meet your coach and get fitted with the right gear from their huge range of surf equipment... all designed to help you learn fast and have fun
- Then it’s off to the beach to get familiar with your board, soak up some sun and get ready for the action
- You’ll learn the basics: carrying your board, waxing for grip, attaching your legrope and finding your balance
- It all starts on land. You’ll move into the sea once you’re confident
- The vibe’s relaxed, supportive and full of laughs... zero judgment or ego. Just good advice and even better energy
- You’ll meet new friends and feel part of The Surf Tribe community before you even catch your first wave
- By the end, you’ll be standing, smiling and properly stoked
FAQ: Your surfing equipment questions answered
Q. Do I need to bring my own board or wetsuit?
Nope. We’ve got everything covered. Just bring yourself.
Q. What if the wetsuit doesn’t fit right?
Our surf school partners will sort that before you hit the sea. They've got plenty of sizes and styles to make sure you’re comfortable.
Q. Can I buy my own gear after the trip?
Of course. Once you’ve fallen in love with surfing (and you will), we can point you towards great surf stores and brands. After that you can explore Europe’s best beginner surf spots or travel the world on your own!
Q. Is surfing safe for beginners?
Absolutely. With good instruction, the right equipment and respect for the ocean, you’ll be in safe hands.
Final thoughts
Your first surf session is supposed to be fun. And with The Surf Tribe, it is. We’ve taken care of all the gear so you can focus on the good stuff: the sunshine, the sea, the feeling of your first wave under your feet.
So pack light, bring your towel and get ready to join a community that lives for the ocean.
You’ll laugh, you’ll smile and you’ll probably swallow a bit of seawater too. But you’ll also feel alive. Welcome to The Surf Tribe crew.
