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Road Tripping: Part 1, Day Tripping

© Nathan Myers

A surf trip is like a work of art. Each one is different and special in its own way. No one can tell you how your trip should be; it's yours, and it should be an expression of yourself. There are however, advantages to be gained from knowledge and experience. The following articles are a collection of bits and pieces I have collected from years of road tripping. Maybe you already know these things, maybe you even know better, but then again, maybe it wouldn't hurt to read this anyway, after all, what are you doing staring at this computer screen?

GET READY the night before. Contact your buddies and make sure they're getting ready too. Don't plan a trip with too many people. Two and three person trips are best. Solo is a good adventure, and four people gives you some clout in the water, but any more starts asking for trouble. Trust me. Watch the weather report. Check the online surf forecasts. By doing this consistently, you will learn what swell direction, buoy readings and weather systems equal what type of surf when you actually get to the break. Be optimistic. If there's a chance, go for it. Avoid bringing people along who have to be somewhere later on. Let them drive their own car. Deadlines suck. The day trip can accommodate them, but do you really want to? Your surf trip should account for your whole day. Also, don't meet anyone at the break. It sounds like a good idea at first, but then you get there to see perfect surf, and you're stuck waiting for your buddy to show up, wondering if he'll show at all. Freaking out! Get your stuff ready the night before so you don't have to find it when you're still half-asleep. Set your alarm and get some sleep.

USE A CHECKLIST to pack with, even if it's just a mental one. There are some things you will need every single trip: One Board. Not two. You have an idea what the waves will be like, so choose your best board for those conditions. You don't want to worry about you other board cooking in the car or getting stolen while you're out in the water. Bring just one board, per one person. Wetsuit. Booties and a hood? (Christ, I must live in Nor Cal.) Water, snacks and water. That's right. Bring plenty of drinking water, and then bring some water to douse your salty melon when you get out of the water. Ahhhh. Some healthy snacks will give you energy, like donuts, I mean, bananas. Okay, both.

The copyright of the article Road Tripping: Part 1, Day Tripping in Surfing is owned by Nathan Myers. Permission to republish Road Tripping: Part 1, Day Tripping in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.