Surf camp checklist: organise everything without last-minute gaps

A surf camp combines travel, accommodation, lessons, camping, meals and water safety, so small omissions can cause problems quickly. Start with registrations and dietary requirements, then confirm the surf lesson, accommodation and transport before you prepare equipment and supplies. On arrival, allow time for check-in, camp setup, safety instructions and wetsuit handout before anyone enters the water. This checklist keeps the planning sequence clear, including the tasks people often leave until the final day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant list
Book a surf lesson
Reserve accommodation
Arrange transport
Check the weather forecast
Send the program to participants
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Pick up surf equipment
2 people
Check surf equipment
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Prepare meals
3 people
Set up the campsite
4 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up the reception table
2 people
Prepare safety equipment
2 people

Event

Check in participants
3 people
Explain the camp rules
2 people
Explain surf safety
2 people
Hand out wetsuits
3 people
Assist with the surf lesson
4 people
Rinse surf equipment
3 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Support the evening program
2 people
Carry out the night check
2 people
Prepare breakfast
3 people
Serve breakfast
3 people
Hand out surf equipment
3 people
Assist with the morning surf
4 people
Hand out lunch packs
2 people
Serve lunch
3 people
Guide the afternoon activity
3 people
Lead the afternoon training session
4 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Support the evening activity
2 people
Guide the final surf lesson
4 people
Check out participants
3 people

Aftercare

Rinse Off Surfboards
3 people
Let wetsuits dry
2 people
Take down tents
4 people
Clear away furniture
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean campsite
4 people
Inventory surf equipment
2 people
Return surf equipment
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Surfboardsqty 24
Surfboard leashesqty 24
Wetsuitsqty 24
Surfboard finsqty 24
Surfboard waxqty 12
Beach volleyballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 3
Waterproof phone casesqty 4
Whistlesqty 4

Camping

Camping tentsqty 8
Sleeping matsqty 24
Sleeping bagsqty 24
Headlampsqty 24
Waterproof storage bagsqty 24

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Party tentsqty 2
Picnic blanketsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Gas burnersqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 4
Large cooking potsqty 3
Frying pansqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Rechargeable lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 12
Tea towelsqty 12
Towelsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life ringsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a firm registration deadline at least 10 days before camp starts. Use the final participant list to confirm dietary requirements, sleeping arrangements and transport numbers before buying food.
Book the surf lesson and accommodation before sending the final programme. Keep the programme specific about meeting times, lesson times, meals and what participants need to bring.
Check the forecast 24 hours before departure and again on the morning of the first lesson. Poor conditions can affect transport, camping setup and whether the planned surf session can run safely.
Inspect every board, leash, fin and wetsuit before participants arrive. Pack spare leashes, fins, wax and waterproof storage so minor equipment problems do not stop a lesson.
Set up tents, sleeping areas, reception and coolers before check-in begins. Give yourself at least 60 minutes for camp setup, then explain camp rules and surf safety before handing out wetsuits.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a surf camp?: Start planning at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially if you need accommodation, transport and a surf lesson. Close registrations 10–14 days before the camp so you can confirm numbers, dietary requirements and equipment.
What should I check before a surf camp starts?: Check the participant list, weather forecast, accommodation, transport and surf booking 24 hours before departure. On the equipment side, inspect boards, leashes, fins, wetsuits and safety equipment before loading them.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a surf camp?: Plan three meals per person per full day, plus snacks and water for each surf session. Finalise quantities after registrations close, then shop 1–2 days before camp so fresh food is ready without being stored too early.
When should surf camp participants receive the programme?: Send the programme at least 5–7 days before arrival, including meeting points, transport times, meal arrangements and the surf lesson schedule. Send a short weather or timing update again the day before departure if plans may change.

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