Through my experiences, I´ve learned that when travelling on a surf trip or to a competition it´s a good idea to pack an emergency travel kit...some tools and supplies that might be helpful in an unexpected situation, as well as a first aid kit. With each trip and competition, I have refined my travel kit...adding items and removing items to maximize the efficiency of the kit. I, usually, stick them in my board bag and once I´ve reached my destination I place my travel kit in my backpack which I always have with me. Over the years, my backpack/ emergency travel kit has earned the nickname of "The MacGyver Bag"...ever since I began travelling with it, it has come in handy on every single trip I have ever been on!
First and foremost, is the FIRST AID KIT. Making sure you have a standard first aid kit is always a good idea...band aids, gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic, latex gloves, scissors, and tweezers. Most kits also come with packets of ibuprofen and anti-diarrheal tablets, an ice pack, and a survival wrap (reflective foil blanket). I always add several extra items to my first aid kit:
-a whistle...for signaling help.
-a small reflective mirror...for signaling rescue aircraft.
-safety pins
-dental floss...believe it or not, you can use dental floss and a safety pin to make a fishing line in an emergency. Trust me, I´ve tried it and it works!
-bug spray
-SPF lip balm
-sunscreen
-eye drops
-a bandana
For my TOOL KIT, I like to use an insulated lunch/cooler bag. I can put my tools in it, or I can empty it out and actually use it as a cooler bag. Here is a list of items I generally have in my kit:
-two screwdrivers...one flat head and one phillips head
-a small monkey wrench
-allen keys...one standard set and one metric set
-a wratchet set
-a box cutter
-one pair of work gloves or mechanic´s gloves
-a waterproof match container with wooden matches and a strike pad
-a magnesium strike pad...helps with starting a campfire
-glow sticks
-an LED flashlight
-a compass
-binoculars
-swiss army knife
-multi-tool (pliers, wire cutters, saw blade, can opener, knife blade, etc. all-in-one)
OTHER SUPPLIES:
-small bottle of Gorilla glue...this stuff will fix just about anything!
-duct tape...you know the old saying, "If you can´t fix it with duct tape, it can´t be fixed."
-zip ties...a necessity for hanging contest banners, but they are also pretty useful in random situations.
-biodegradeable plastic bags...to keep trash in or, in case it starts to rain, put your electronics in.
-a small hammer
-parang (a small machete)...for those adventurous treks through heavy brush and/or jungle terrain.
-a tube of wetsuit repair
-epoxy repair stick...a two-part, hand-kneadable epoxy mix that can be used and applied underwater.
-an extra set of fin strings
-extra leash strings
-2x extra bodyboard leash plugs
One of the great things about keeping a travel kit with you, besides being prepared in an emergency situation, is that it is very easy to put together and customize for your destination. Hopefully, I´ve been able to give you a few useful ideas for the next time you head off in search of waves. Good luck and safe travels! Until the next time, I´m Steve "Action" Jackson. I´ll see you in the water...YEEEWWW!!!
