Planning your dream trip to Roots Surf & Yoga Retreat? We cannot wait to welcome you to the warm waves of Gerupuk, Lombok. Preparing for a tropical surf trip is incredibly exciting. However, many of our guests message us asking exactly what they should pack. It can be hard to know what you truly need if you have never surfed the reef breaks of Lombok before. To help you prepare, we put together this ultimate list of surf essentials. Packing these specific items will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready to score the best waves of your life.
Protect Yourself from the Reef
Gerupuk Bay is home to world-class reef breaks. Our local Indonesian coaches know these waters perfectly and will always keep you safe in the lineup. However, the coral reef can still be very sharp during low tides or unexpected wipeouts.
Because of this, we highly recommend packing a quality pair of reef booties. Lightweight options work best. They give you extra confidence during low-tide walkouts and protect your feet from cuts.
You also need to think about protecting the marine environment. Standard sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that bleach and kill coral reefs. Please pack a high-performance, natural surf zinc instead. There are several brands that create amazing formulas that stay on your face during long sessions while keeping our oceans healthy.
Beat the Tropical Sun
The Indonesian sun is incredibly powerful, especially when it reflects off the water. Proper sun defense means you can surf twice a day without getting burned, dehydrated, or exhausted.
First, leave your standard bikinis and boardshorts for the beach lounge. In the water, you want a high-quality, long-sleeve rash guard with UPF 50+ protection. Several Surf Brands have excellent options. A good rash guard prevents painful surfboard wax rash and saves your shoulders from severe sunburn.
Next, consider bringing a secure surf bucket hat. Look for one with a sturdy chin strap so it stays on your head when you duck dive. A hat saves your eyes from the midday glare and prevents sun headaches after a long morning paddle.
Stay Comfortable Between Surf and Yoga Sessions
Your time out of the water at Roots is all about deep relaxation and muscle recovery. Packing the right apparel for your land hours makes a huge difference.
We love a good microfiber surf poncho. It is lightweight, dries instantly, and is perfect for the boat rides back from Outside Gerupuk or Don Don. It also makes changing out of your wet gear incredibly easy.
Do not forget that we blend our surf coaching with restorative yoga classes to stretch out your tired muscles. Pack a few sets of lightweight, breathable yoga wear. Loose shorts and breathable leggings handle the tropical Lombok heat much better than thick cotton clothing.
Small Medical Essentials to Pack
Lombok has plenty of shops, but specific surf care items can be difficult to find in small coastal villages like Gerupuk. Bringing a tiny first-aid kit in your luggage will save you a lot of hassle.
We always suggest packing a bottle of swimmer's ear drops. Tropical water can sometimes trap moisture in your ears, and a quick drying solution keeps you comfortable.
Finally, throw a small tube of antiseptic cream, like Betadine, into your bag. If you do get a minor reef scratch, cleaning it instantly ensures it heals quickly so you never have to miss a day in the surf.
Ready for the Lineup?
The best advice we can give you is to pack light, focus on sun defense, and leave the logistics to us. Our local Indonesian guides have absolutely everything else covered for you.
Have questions about your upcoming trip to Lombok? Message Roots Surf & Yoga Retreat today to finalize your booking details!
