Packing Surf Gear for Luxury Surf Resorts
One of the most common questions we get before a guest arrives is: what do I need to bring? The short answer: a lot less than you think. At our luxury surf resort in Costa Rica, we provide all surf equipment — boards, rash guards, helmets, sunscreen — so you can pack light and focus […]
One of the most common questions we get before a guest arrives is: what do I need to bring? The short answer: a lot less than you think. At our luxury surf resort in Costa Rica, we provide all surf equipment — boards, rash guards, helmets, sunscreen — so you can pack light and focus on the experience.
We keep a collection of around sixty high-quality boards in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from stable beginner boards to performance models for advanced surfers. You’ll be matched with the right board for your level, and our coaches will recommend upgrades as you progress through the week. There’s no need to bring your own unless you have a personal board you’re attached to.
What to Pack for a Luxury Surf Resort
After hosting thousands of guests over more than a decade, we’ve noticed that most people bring too much. Costa Rica is warm year-round — sea temperatures sit around 78°F and you never need a wetsuit — so the essentials are simpler than you’d expect.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Swimwear (3–4 suits) | Quick-dry is best — tropical humidity means things dry slowly |
| Reef-safe sunscreen | We provide it, but bring your preferred brand if you have one. Costa Rica has banned oxybenzone-based sunscreens |
| Lightweight evening clothes | Dinners are relaxed — nothing formal needed. A long-sleeve shirt is useful for cooler evenings at our elevation |
| Surf hat and quality sunglasses | The UV near the equator is significantly stronger than at home, even on cloudy days |
| Reef booties (optional) | Helpful if you’re sensitive to rocky entry points, though most of our beaches are sandy |
| Personal health basics | Any medications you take regularly, plus aloe vera and antiseptic cream for minor scrapes |
What Not to Pack
You don’t need to bring surfboards, wetsuits, towels, or any major equipment. We provide everything for the water. You don’t need formal clothing — our three-course dinners are served in a relaxed, social setting. And you definitely don’t need to overpack. Most guests tell us they brought too much, not too little.
If you’re considering booking surf lessons at luxury resorts, this is one of the advantages of an all-inclusive setup — the logistics are handled, so your packing list shrinks dramatically.
Caring for Your Gear in Tropical Conditions
The tropical climate is part of what makes surfing here so enjoyable — warm water, lush scenery, no wetsuit — but it does mean a few things for your personal items. Rinse everything with fresh water after each session. Let swimwear and rash guards dry properly between uses (your room has a private balcony that’s perfect for this). Apply sunscreen before leaving the resort and reapply after each surf session — our team will remind you, because we’ve seen too many guests lose a day to sunburn when a little extra coverage would have prevented it.
Packing for Different Surf Levels
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, the packing list is essentially the same at Kalon. The difference is in how we coach you, not what you need to bring. About 60% of our guests arrive having never surfed before — they pack light, we provide everything, and within days they’re standing up and riding waves.
For intermediate and advanced surfers who want to bring personal fins or a favorite board, we’re happy to accommodate. Some guests also bring a GoPro mount, though our team films every session for video analysis anyway.
If you’re exploring eco-friendly luxury resorts in Costa Rica, packing reef-safe products is a small but meaningful way to travel responsibly. Costa Rica takes environmental protection seriously, and so do we.
