Phuket Surf Trip Packing List 2026

Kata Beach is a forgiving beach break. A 7'–9' longboard or funboard is ideal for beginners. Intermediate surfers can bring a 6'4"–7' mid-length. Rentals are widely available on the beach.

Protects your board on the Phuket (HKT) flight. Worthwhile if bringing your own board.

4–6 bars of tropical wax for 27–29°C water. Available in Kata Beach surf shops but bring enough to get started.

For removing old wax between sessions.

Bring a fin key — useful even on rental boards. Spare fins are rarely needed at beginner Phuket breaks but good to have.

Size your leash to your board. At Kata the current is mild but a leash keeps your board close in the shore break.

Essential for Phuket's intense tropical UV. Better protection than sunscreen alone for 2–3 hour sessions.

Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen — Thailand's coral reefs are protected. Reapply every 90 min in the water.

Tinted zinc for extended sessions at Kata or Kalim. Looks less intense than white zinc but provides full protection.

For reading waves and getting between breaks on a motorbike. Wrap-around polarised lenses are best.

For beach walking and motorbike rides between sessions. Phuket sun peaks 10am–3pm.

Cheaply available in every 7-Eleven and pharmacy in Phuket. Good for first-day sunburn.

Phuket is a beach break destination — wipeouts are gentler than reef breaks. Still pack antiseptic, bandages, and blister plasters for motorbike sandal rubs.

Daily warm water sessions can cause outer ear infections. Use drops after each session.

Food is incredible in Phuket but stomach adjustments are common on arrival. Keep loperamide for emergencies.

Tropical heat plus surfing is dehydrating. Electrolyte sachets are cheap at 7-Eleven locally but good to have on arrival.

Ensure your policy covers recreational surfing. World Nomads covers surfing at beginner to intermediate levels.

Thailand is hot and humid. Quick-dry boardshorts are your daily uniform. Bring enough to rotate between sessions.

Lightweight cotton or linen for evenings in Kata, Karon, or Patong. No need for anything formal.

You will wear these 90% of the time. Havaianas or similar quality — cheap flip flops destroy your feet on day trips.

Helmet hire ($1–2/day) is available with most scooter rentals. Bring your own if you prefer a known fit.

Required for temple visits (Wat Chalong, Wat Phra Thong). Can also buy cheap fisherman pants locally for $3–5.

Airalo Thailand eSIM from $5 for 3GB. Works instantly on arrival at Phuket (HKT). AIS has the best coverage across the island.

For beach sessions and motorbike rides in monsoon rain. Thailand downpours are sudden and heavy.

Kata Beach offers great angle shots from the beach. A waterproof action camera is worth bringing for beginners catching their first waves.

Useful for long beach days and motorbike tours around the island.

Thailand uses Type A and Type B plugs. Most UK and European plugs need an adaptor.

For protecting your board on the flight to Phuket (HKT). Airlines to Thailand generally handle boards well with a padded bag.

For motorbike rides between breaks carrying wax, water, sunscreen, and a towel.

For valuables on the beach. Phuket beach theft is uncommon but a dry bag keeps things organised and waterproof in the rain.

Phuket laundry is cheap ($1–2/kg). Pack light and use wash services every few days.