What to pack for a women’s surf retreat (plus 7 confidence-boosting beginner tips)

28 May

Packing for a surf retreat should feel exciting—not stressful.

This checklist is designed for women coming to a beginner-friendly surf retreat (like Club Shakas), where the goal is to feel prepared, comfortable, and confident—without overpacking your entire wardrobe.

If you’re heading to the Club Shakas Byron Bay Surf+ Retreat, you can also cross-check what’s already included on the Byron Bay retreat page.

What’s already included (so you can pack lighter)

On the Byron Bay page, Club Shakas includes:

Surf lessons with experienced instructors
Video surf analysis
Surf photography/videography
Chef-prepared vegetarian meals (dietaries catered)
Recovery facilities (sauna, ice bath, magnesium pool)
Yoga + sound healing
All equipment
All transport

So your packing job becomes: comfort, sun safety, and a couple of confidence items.

The surf retreat packing list (beginner-friendly)

Surf essentials

Swimmers (2 pairs if you can)
Rash vest / surf top (sun + rub protection)
Reef-safe sunscreen + zinc (face always)
Lip balm with SPF
Microfibre towel (dries fast)
Water bottle

Clothes for the retreat vibe

Comfy activewear (for yoga / stretching)
Warm layer (early mornings can be chilly)
Easy outfits for dinners and lounging
Slides/thongs + a pair of trainers

Recovery + wellness extras

Journal or book
Hair oil/conditioner (salt + sun = thirsty hair)
Rehydration sachets/electrolytes
Any personal recovery tools you love (tennis ball, mini roller)

Admin + just-in-case

Medications (including basic pain relief)
Reusable tote for beach runs
Small dry bag or zip pouch for phone/keys
Travel insurance that covers surfing + cancellation (recommended on the Byron page)

If you’re unsure about anything logistics-wise, the FAQ is a great place to start.

7 confidence-boosting beginner tips (that actually work)

1) Pick one tiny goal per surf

Instead of “I want to stand up,” try:

“I want to paddle out calmly.”
“I want to catch one whitewater wave.”
“I want to practise my pop-up on the sand.”

Tiny wins stack fast.

2) Film is your friend (even if it feels scary)

Club Shakas includes video surf analysis in Byron Bay. That means you can see what’s working (and what’s not) without guessing.

3) Wear what makes you feel like you

If a long-sleeve rashie makes you feel confident—wear it. If bright swimmers make you feel powerful—go for it. Surf confidence is partly mindset, partly comfort.

4) Learn one ocean safety rule: respect rips

Rip currents are one of the biggest hazards on Australian beaches.

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s advice is simple: avoid rips by swimming/surfing at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags and know the signs (darker water, fewer breaking waves, debris moving seaward).

5) If you get caught in a rip: stay calm, conserve energy

Surf Life Saving Queensland advises:

Stay calm
Raise your arm and call for help
Float with the current
If you can, swim parallel to shore/toward breaking waves to escape

(Your instructors will also keep sessions safe and appropriate for conditions.)

6) Your job is not to “keep up”

A women-only retreat is powerful because you’re not trying to prove anything. The Club Shakas culture is fun first, surf second—progress is personal.

7) Make friends on day one (even if you’re shy)

The fastest way to feel at home is to ask one easy question at dinner:

“What made you book?”
“What’s your surf goal this weekend?”

That’s how the sisterhood starts.

Ready to pack, paddle, and laugh a lot?

If you want a women-only surf retreat in Byron Bay that blends surf progression with luxury comfort and community, start here: Byron Bay Surf Retreat.

And if you want help choosing a room option or booking, reach the team via Contact.