What to Pack for a Women's Surf Retreat (Plus 7 Confidence-Boosting Beginner Tips)

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.

What's Already Included (So You Can Pack Lighter)

On the Byron Bay retreat, 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

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" or "I want to catch one whitewater wave." Tiny wins stack fast.

2) Film Is Your Friend

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. Surf confidence is partly mindset, partly comfort.

4) Learn One Ocean Safety Rule: Respect Rips

Avoid rips by swimming/surfing at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.

5) If You Get Caught in a Rip: Stay Calm

Stay calm. Raise your arm and call for help. Float with the current. If you can, swim parallel to shore.

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?" or "What's your surf goal this weekend?"

That's how the sisterhood starts.