What I Bought (and Regret Not Buying) from a Surf Shop in Barbados
Let’s start with a confession: I packed for a Barbados surf trip like someone who’d never seen the ocean.
Seriously. Three pairs of jeans (??), zero reef booties, and an old towel I "borrowed" from my gym. I thought I was ready. I was not.
So when I finally landed on the island—sun blazing, waves pumping—I made a beeline to Surfin Barbados, one of the best surf shops in Barbados. That stop saved my trip...mostly.
Here’s what I bought, and the stuff I really should have grabbed while I had the chance.
What I Actually Bought (and Nailed It)
The Bajan sun does not play. I grabbed a reef-friendly, broad-spectrum sunscreen at Surfin Barbados, and my skin is forever grateful.
Spoiler alert: the wax you use back home won’t work here. The wax aisle alone was worth the stop.
The breathable, quick drying ones. I now understand why every surfer wears these all the time. Even to dinner.
Forgot my fin key. Almost lost my mind. Bought one. Crisis averted. Same goes for the leash; never trust a rental board’s leash until you’ve seen it.
What I Regret Not Buying (and Paid for Later)
One session in a sleeveless tank and I was fried like a flying fish. Always buy or pack a rash guard. It’s not just sun protection, it’s also rash protection (who would've guessed?).
Barbados reefs are beautiful but sharp. I stepped on one. Limped for three days. You win, booties.
Thought I could wing it with a towel wrap. Next time: a padded, no-nonsense board bag.
Packing Tips So You Don’t End Up Like Me
Pack light, but smart. Bring the essentials: rash guard, tropical wax, sunscreen, boardshorts.
Leave space to shop. Local surf shops like Surfin Barbados actually stock what works here.
Skip jeans. Bring two swimsuits instead. Yes, even if you “don’t plan to surf every day.” You will.
lastly
You can definitely pack better than I did, but if you don’t, at least Barbados has your back. Or rather, Surfin Barbados does. Great gear, solid prices, and staff who won’t let you leave with the wrong stuff (unless you’re stubborn, like me).
Trust me......shop like a surfer, not like a tourist.
