Who doesn’t dream of having their own camping van for the surfing lifestyle?
If you have already fulfilled this dream or still planning it, here is the ultimate equipment list for your van. So everything is thought of!
Cooking Equipment
- Compact camping stove (gas or electric)
- Camping utensils (lightweight, stackable pans, pots, plates, cups)
- Folding washing-up bowl and draining rack
- Reusable storage containers (for dry food, snacks)
- Camping cutlery (folding knives, forks, spoons)
- Cool box or mini-fridge (for fresh food and drinks)
- Water canister with tap (for drinking water and cooking)
- Folding table and chairs
- Multifunctional chopping boards (with integrated drainer)
- French press or hand coffee grinder (for coffee lovers)
Bathroom Essentials
- Solar shower (for outdoor showers with hot water)
- Dry shampoo and biodegradable soap
- Compact toilet solution (portable chemical toilet or folding toilet)
- Foldable washbasin (for personal hygiene or washing up)
- Hanging toiletry bag (with compartments for dental care, soap, shampoo)
- Quick-drying microfiber towel (takes up less space and dries faster)
- Biodegradable wet wipes (for quick freshness)
- Washing lines and clothespins (for drying towels and clothes)
- Toilet paper for outdoor use (biodegradable)
- ·Light mirror (small and light for make-up or personal hygiene)
Sleeping Essentials
- Comfortable sleeping mattress or air mattress (adapted to the size of the van)
- Bedding that can be easily stowed away (e.g. roll-up sleeping bags or blankets)
- Pillow with memory foam (for comfortable sleeping on the road)
- Thermal blanket (for cool nights on the beach)
- Mosquito net or magnetic curtains (for the van entrance and windows)
- Blackout curtains or insulating mats (for the windows to block heat and create privacy)
- Foldable bedroom organizer (for personal items and clothing)
- Compact fan (for hot nights in the van)
Surfboard and Accessories
- Board holder for inside or outside (space-saving in the van on the ceiling or wall)
- Portable surfboard wax heater (to keep the wax soft before the session)
- Board leash (safety leash for the surfboard)
- Rashguard or wetsuit (depending on the weather conditions)
- Neoprene shoes and gloves (for cold water)
- Wax for different water temperatures
- Waterproof board bag (to protect the board and as storage space)
- Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (waterproof and environmentally friendly)
- Surf rack for the van roof (to secure the board when the interior is full)
- Portable wetsuit dryer (to dry the wetsuit quickly)
Fitness Equipment
- Travel yoga mat (thin and easy to stow away)
- Resistance bands (for an intensive outdoor workout)
- Small dumbbells or kettlebells (for strength training)
- Sandbag (can be filled with sand from the beach for flexible weight training)
- Compact fitness ball (inflatable, for balance exercises)
- Folding fitness roller (for muscle relaxation after surfing)
- Skipping rope (for quick cardio sessions)
- Training manual or app (for guidance for workouts in confined spaces)
- Pull-up bar for the van (if space is available)
- Swimming fins and snorkel (for water training)
Games & Entertainment
- Travel games (card games, backgammon, chess in compact form)
- Beach games (frisbee, beach volleyball, spikeball)
- E-reader or Kindle (to take books with you to save space)
- Bluetooth speakers (for music on the go or while relaxing after surfing)
- Ukulele or other portable instruments (for musical evenings around the campfire)
- Travel journal or sketchbook (for recording experiences and ideas)
- Camera or GoPro (for capturing the best surfing moments)
- Compact hammock (for relaxing between sessions)
- Portable projector (for movie nights in the van or outside)
- Hiking guide or maps (for new adventure destinations)
First-aid
- First aid travel kit (plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes)
- Wound disinfectant and healing ointment
- ·unscreen and aloe vera gel (for sunburn)
- Insect spray or mosquito repellent
- Travel tablets and charcoal tablets (for stomach upsets)
- Sea salt nasal spray (for relief from salt or pollen exposure)
- Electrolyte powder (for quick recovery after intensive surf sessions)
- Painkillers (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Anti-itch cream (for insect bites or skin irritations)
- Blister plasters (for foot protection after long hikes or surfing sessions)
- Waterproof bandages (in case of injuries in the water)
