10 Beach Supplies for a Surfer’s Summer Backpack

Summer’s here and the time is right—to spruce up those beach supplies in your summer pack. Here 10 of my solid standbys I never leave home without:

1. Avasol Surfer’s Barrier Stick—I never leave home without Avasol! This is a year-round must-have, but since the northern hemisphere is getting its full bronze on, any surfer knows that sunburns are a thing and with so many options out there, it’s a good idea to trust Avasol’s Surfer’s Barrier Stick. A big supporter of this product since 2012-13, I recommend this sunscreen because Avasol products are made of clean ingredients. Avasol makes it easy to pick the right sun protection that’s not only going to protect the dome, but also the environment in which the dome duck dives, swims, snorkels, wakeboards, hikes, and snowboards, mountain bikes and tans. This product is noted for containing environmentally safe ingredients. If it goes on clear, you probably shouldn’t use it. Don’t forget the ears, hands, lips and neck!

 

2. Dakine 25L Backpack—I don’t know what it is, but Dakine backpacks keep coming back to haunt my shoulder blades while trekking down to Trestles. I’ve tried many different types of backpacks, but Dakine’s design handles a salty bod squished up against an even saltier wetsuit and keeps me coming back for more. No matter if half the ocean leaks into your pack from your soaked 4 mil wettie, Dakine’s backpack will carry it all the way back to the parking lot for ya.

 

3. Surf Soap Rehab Balm—I don’t care if you’re a guy or gal, this stuff is the shit. And it smells anything but the aforementioned adjective. Just think—would you rather your locks smell like those salmon-esque leftovers from wiping out in that bait ball-infested kelp patch? Or perhaps coconut, vanilla and lavender are better scents that rep your locks. Designed to be reef and ocean safe and free of fillers, silicones, parabens and all that other nasty junk, Surf Soap’s Rehab Balm is for your pre- and post-surf sesh and won’t wreck your playground or your mop. A little goes a long way! Slather it on before and after your surf to avoid finding Nemo in your locks.

4. Bikini #2—Done shredding or gliding? Wardrobe change! Lord knows I have enough bikinis ’til kingdom come, and I always love the opportunity to show them off. Or you might not want to walk all the way back to your car with a soggy bottom—unless you’re a fan of that one song (“In constant sorrowwww…”), for which you will be unless you have a cute ‘kini to change into and perhaps dry off and score some vitamin D before the trek. Might I recommend a custom-built kini? Check out Alanna Dawn Swimwear to design your own. You won’t be in constant sorrow.

5. Clean Chonies—If you are a person on the go, skip the ‘kini bottoms and stick with breathable cotton for your post-surf trek back home.

6. Sand Cloud Towel—This one is a no-brainer, especially if you plan to stick around after your sesh or, more importantly, you don’t want to flash your beach community. Sand Cloud towels are the perfect answer to soaking up some rays and not towing half the beach back to your car—these towels easily repel sand, have killer designs, don’t take up too much space and the company donates 10% of all profits to marine conservation.

7. Surf Wax—Because you’re not asking that cute surfer to borrow some, are you? You’re a strong, wax-independent person. 😊

8. Snackies & Water–We all need to enjoy our snacks and re-hydrate after a sesh. Just remember to pack it in and pack it out! Or pack it in reusable bags and bottles.

9. Wax comb—because no one likes using sand to exfoliate that wax job…for your board that is…and your tummy…and your legs…and your naughty bits… 😲

10. Shades–We need to protect those peepers, especially if you stare at a screen most of the day. Might I recommend Woodroze’s wide variety of fabulous specs? While recovering from your epic shred sesh, your eyes can learn to #practicesafespecs.

Any other products I missed? Reach out!