Of all the advice bestowed on me by friends and fellow surfers, there is very little that can be brought to mind at will. Essentially what I mean is that it went in one ear and out the other. Something that has always stuck though and seems to hold true is that if you want to mature and really live, you need to travel.

The world is pretty much a big classroom filled with lessons and knowledge. Travelling opens up so much that it is very hard not to come home a better person. What’s even better is the fact that you don’t have to get on a plane to benefit from a trip. Ask anyone who’s driven 50km’s or more on a national road and I’m sure they’ll tell you that South Africa IS A WHOLE LOT OF COUNTRY.

We have so much surf, people, nature and culture that I can’t imagine ever experiencing it all in one lifetime. Although a surf trip falls within the definition of travelling, it most certainly is an experience all on it’s own. I’m sure by now you guys and gals are grinning from ear to ear with thoughts of lonely beaches at the end of long, dusty dirt roads swimming through your mind.

Yep, there’s nothing like a surf trip… if you surf. So what are you doing on a surf trip if you’re not in the line-up? Easy. You’re along for the ride. Whether you’re a girl/boyfriend, husband or wife of a surfer, you’re going to end up missioning up the coast at one point or another and soon enough you come to realise whether or not a surf trip is for you.

For all those first timers though, there’s a few nasty surprises in store. Believe me, if you haven’t been on a trip with surfers yet, you need to read the rest of this. Call this a warning or friendly advice. It doesn’t really matter. Just take these words to heart (because they’re meant for you) and you’ll be just fine on your virgin voyage up the coast.

Pre-trip Planning

99% of the time this doesn’t happen. The ocean is predictable to a certain degree and no further, so things tend to happen on the spur of the moment. It’s kinda like looking for someone on a crowded street. You keep expecting to see them because you know they’re there but it’s when you least expect it that they actually decide to pop up right in your face.

Basically… BE PREPARED AT ALL TIMES!!! There’s also something to be said about spontaneity. Planned trips seldom seem to have the same kind of excitement, adventure and good fortune that last minute trips have in store. Even when there are no waves there’s still that sense of freedom and adventure that's such a big part of a surf trip.

Packing

As long as the boards and wetsuits fit in or on the car, you can get away with packing in anything else that’ll fit. What you want to do is work around the boards. Once they’re in and safe, we surfers usually switch off to the rest.

This is your opportunity. Grab it with open arms. Remember that this isn’t called a surf trip for nothing. If you’re the one who isn’t surfing, make sure there’s something for you to do. Pack books, magazines or even a portable radio if you have to.

On the other hand, it could be a good time to catch up on some sleep, in which case you need to keep your destination in mind. Camping? Get an inflatable mattress. They’re cheap, comfy and easy to store or transport.Other items of importance include sun block (you can forget your thong but not your sun block), a sun hat, beach umbrella, beach towel, clothes for all kinds of weather and shoes as well as sandals.

The longer the trip, the more you’ll need. I know it might sound corny but make a list. It works like a charm - except for me though - it’s written in my destiny to always forget something (lucky for everyone it’s usually the thong).

[Mister M] I've been on a few trips with Mister D and thankfully this is the case, well except for that one time when we used the thong as a spare leash…

The Open Road

This is the part where you start to enjoy the trip. Or it should be anyhow. One thing you’re going to need a lot of is food. I haven’t quite figured it out yet but for some reason I munch like a maniac in the car. Same goes for sitting in front of my pc – but that’s a whole different story.

If anyone out there can explain what makes me hungry when I’m not please feel free to share it with me.

OK enough of that.

So you’re in a car/bakkie/kombi and you’re going to be stuck in it for a while. Logic dictates that you’re wearing something comfy and warm if need be (this of course rules out the thong and if you do decide to wear it watch out for those truckers near Engen One-Stops!).

A good tip is to stretch every time you stop. This helps to make you comfy all the way through and also means you’ll be just that little bit looser when you reach your destination.

The Arrival:

This may come as no surprise but the first thing we want to do when we get to our destination is surf. If you’re the girlfriend/wife on a trip this is make or break for you. Your reaction here sets the tone for the rest of the trip so be careful what you say or do.

This may sound like a biased bit of advice but take it to heart. Let the boys have their surf. Get them in a good mood and then take advantage of it. When they’re happy you know they’ll be doing whatever you want.

You’ll feel like Cleopatra as you say things like “Pitch the tent, start the fire, braai the meat and give me a back rub before we turn in” (or AFTER depending on your intentions, but be warned: a surfed out partner makes for poor entertainment so grab 'em while they're fresh).

So far, so good, you’ve not only survived day one, but you’re styling into day two… If you’ve followed my advice you’re having a good old time on your trip.

Here are some tips to help prepare you for a trip up the coast…

East Coast Tripping

• Let’s start with the N2. There’s not much I can say about road safety that most don’t know. The N2 can get really busy during peak seasons so please be careful.
• Shopping - don’t be fooled by all the “convenient” shops and malls. You’re on a surf trip aren’t you? Try and rough it a little and spend more time on the beach than in the shops.
• Wildlife to watch out for include snakes, baboons (we're not talking about your hairy mate here), mosquitoes and spiders.
  
  Remember to keep your tent zipped up at all times. At least keep the net bit closed. Don’t leave your food lying out in the open. That’s asking for trouble if you’ve got baboons out and about.
• Other than that make sure you put on your sun block and you’ll be just fine.

West Coast Lurking

• Issue One: Thirst. Water is the most vital thing to pack after the boards and 5mm wetsuits are in. The more you can take with, the better. Any place after Melkbos has really bad tasting water and the further you go, the fewer shops you’ll find. The West Coast is dry, hot and challenging in the summer. The rewards on the other hand are just as extreme.
• You’re going to find less people and more wildlife. This means being even more careful with your stuff. Check your shoes before putting them on. Definitely keep your tent closed – the last thing you want to do after a long session is evict an unwanted guest.
• Once again, sun care is of the utmost importance. The West Coast will burn you up, dry you out and send you home a different person if you’re not careful. We could tell you to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, but that’s just so we can have an uncrowded session. So please cover up before you paddle out.

As you can see there’s really very little to worry about so next time you get asked to go on a trip, GO. Personally I find long trips to be a good source of what I like to call ‘quiet time’. No hassle, hustle or bustle.

Take your time or just hurry up slowly - it’s entirely up to you!

By Darryl Brandreth

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