What to pack for a surf retreat in Imsouane

First, check the equipment you can leave at home

The Essentially Gem programme includes surf equipment for the full day on each coached surf day. Before packing your own wetsuit or arranging to travel with a board, ask what will be available in your size and at your level. If you have a favourite piece of equipment, explain what it is and check the practical arrangements for bringing it.

Surfing England's equipment guidance emphasises a board suited to your ability and a wetsuit that fits properly, with thickness chosen for the conditions. That is a reason to ask the local team, rather than buy a particular thickness from a generic packing list. Hardboard and longboard upgrades at this retreat cost extra and are subject to coach approval.

Pack a small repeatable surf-day bag

Think about getting changed, keeping your dry things dry and carrying wet things back afterwards. Two sets of swimwear can be handy when you have consecutive surf days. A simple bag for damp kit keeps the rest of your things separate; you do not need to buy a specialist version if you already have something suitable.

Ask which towels are provided and which can be taken to the beach before deciding how many to bring. If you have practical questions about changing or leaving belongings during a lesson, ask Gema in advance so that your first morning does not become a last-minute search through your suitcase.

• Swimwear you are comfortable moving in, with a spare set if useful.
• A beach towel or changing towel, after checking what is supplied.
• A bag for wet swimwear and a separate dry pouch for small belongings.
• Easy footwear and a comfortable change of clothes for after your session.

Bring clothes for the rest of the day

A surf retreat is not spent entirely in a wetsuit. Pack comfortable clothes for breakfast, downtime and wandering around the village, plus a jumper or light outer layer for when you want more warmth. Check the forecast close to departure instead of packing around a guaranteed temperature.

There is one Pilates class in the programme, so include something you can move and stretch in. Comfortable shoes and clothes you do not mind getting sandy are also useful for the Timlaline excursion. Ask the organiser about any activity-specific requirements; a packing list cannot replace the instructions for your actual session.

Keep the beach basics simple

A reusable bottle, a hat, sunglasses and your usual sun protection belong in the same small day bag. These are practical things for time ashore, rather than a prediction of the week's weather. Surfrider's beach guidance also encourages reusable containers and taking your rubbish away when you leave.

Bring a reusable tote for small errands or carrying your things, and keep lightweight packaging out of the wind. You do not need a new set of travel products for the trip. Using items you already own is a straightforward way to keep the bag smaller and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Make room for the ordinary useful things

Pack your normal toiletries, chargers and any personal items you rely on every day. A notebook or a note on your phone can be useful for recording what your coach asks you to work on. A small laundry bag helps separate worn clothes from what is still clean during a seven-night stay.

Think about your room choice, too. If you have booked a shared room, an eye mask or earplugs may be useful if those are things you normally use. If you prefer a private room, choose that for the space it offers rather than trying to solve every preference with more luggage.

Before you close the bag, confirm the plan

For 27 Feb – 6 Mar 2027, keep the address of Shaka Ashore, your booking information and your confirmed arrival arrangements somewhere easy to find. The retreat is seven nights, with check-in from 16:00 on arrival day and check-out by 12:00 on departure day. If your timings need luggage storage, confirm that with Gema.

Airport transfers are not included. Gema can help coordinate arrivals from Agadir or Essaouira, but matching flight times and a shared fare cannot be guaranteed. Make sure you know the arrangement agreed for you. If you are still deciding whether to join, request the brochure or view the room options on the booking page. Gema can answer any packing questions specific to your stay before you reserve.