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Surfing Indonesia: What a Week at DHM Surf Camp Looks Like
Thousands of surfers visit Indonesia every year for warm water and reliable waves. Many spend...
The most common packing mistake for a Lombok surf trip is bringing too much clothing and too little surf protection. Lombok’s equatorial climate means you live in boardshorts or a swimsuit for 90 percent of the time, but sun protection, reef safety, and the right board travel kit require more thought.
This list is built specifically for the Kuta Lombok surf camp context. For the full picture of what your trip will look like once you arrive, including daily schedules, accommodation, and what is included in each session, see the DHM Surf Camp: What Is Included page.
Surf Equipment
Board (or Let DHM Provide)
If you are a beginner or early intermediate, DHM Surf Camp provides boards appropriate for your level, so bringing your own is unnecessary and adds logistics stress. For advice on transporting boards from Bali to Lombok, see our guide on Planning a Surf Camp: Why Bali to Lombok Should Be on Your List which covers airline and fast boat surfboard policies in detail.
Fins
Pack a spare set of your preferred fins even if travelling light on boards. Local fin availability in Kuta is limited and expensive. FCS and Futures are both available but size selection is narrow.
Leash (Leg Rope)
Bring two. Leashes break at the worst moments. A broken leash in decent surf at Gerupuk means a long swim back to the jukung. A spare leash in your bag is 10 minutes of inconvenience prevented.
Wax
Pack 6 to 8 bars of your preferred tropical wax (temperature-rated for 24 to 30 degrees Celsius water). It weighs nothing and saves a shop visit on arrival.
Rashguard (2 minimum)
Non-negotiable. Lombok sun at the equator will burn exposed back and shoulders through two consecutive 90-minute sessions even with sunscreen. Long-sleeve rashguards provide UPF 50 protection. Bring at least two so one is always dry.
Sun and Skin Protection
- Zinc or sunscreen SPF 50 or higher, water-resistant. For 7 days, bring at least 2 large tubes (300ml each).
- Reef-safe sunscreen labelled for coral reef environments.
- Lip balm with SPF because lips burn in surf and wind.
- After-sun aloe vera gel for any burns or skin dryness after long sessions.
Medical and Safety Kit
- Reef first aid: antiseptic spray or cream, waterproof bandages, saline solution for rinsing cuts.
- Reef booties if you plan to surf reef breaks. Not essential at Selong Belanak but strongly recommended before surfing Gerupuk or Mawi.
- Rehydration sachets (ORS) because dehydration is a real risk surfing in equatorial heat.
- Personal prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
- Travel insurance documents. Ensure your policy covers water sports.
Clothing
- Boardshorts: 2 to 3 pairs (they need to dry between sessions).
- Swimsuits: 2 to 3 if swimming in addition to surfing.
- Light T-shirts and loose shorts or linen pants: 3 to 4 outfits for evenings.
- 1 warmer layer (lightweight fleece or long-sleeve) for air-conditioned restaurants or bus journeys.
- Sandals or flip-flops: the primary footwear for 95 percent of your time.
Documents and Money
- Passport valid for 6 months or more beyond travel dates.
- Indonesian e-Visa on Arrival (eVoA), apply at evoa.imigrasi.go.id before departure. Costs approximately 35 USD.
- Travel insurance policy document and emergency contact number.
- Emergency cash in USD because many rural areas around Kuta have limited ATM access.
What Not to Bring
- Wetsuit: water temperature is 27 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round. Completely unnecessary.
- Multiple pairs of shoes: sandals are the footwear of Kuta Lombok.
- Formal or heavy clothing: there is no occasion in Kuta Lombok that requires anything beyond neat casual.
Once your kit is sorted, browse current surf camp packages and book your stay on the DHM Surf Camp packages page.
