There’s nothing as exhilarating as feeling the ocean’s power beneath your feet. And for a lot of folks, chasing swells in Oahu, catching waves in Pichilemu, or surfing the massive whitecaps off of Torquay are bucket-list events. But what happens if you face a flight cancellation or a wipeout injury?

See how Adventure Travel Insurance protects you and your trip, then choose the best plan for you.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Surf Trips

Surfing is one of those adventures that no matter how much you plan, something can go wrong that’s entirely out of your control. Bad weather or a forest fire closes the beach. Your plane gets delayed or cancelled. Your board gets lost or stolen in transit. A bad wave or broken reef causes a broken ankle or wrist. If you plan to surf in a remote, high-risk location with limited medical access, the need to protect yourself is even greater.

Travel insurance can reimburse you when things go sideways. If an unforeseen event happens -- like a canceled flight or a rented board gets damaged -- you can get reimbursed for the prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Insurance also allows you to recapture the lost experience of a bucket-list trip if a disaster wipes out your plans.

Pro Tip: Stay updated with the latest U.S. government travel advisories and updates when traveling internationally.

What Type of Coverage Should You Have?

The right surf trip travel insurance will help protect you no matter your destination. Keep in mind that the coverage and benefits will vary based on the plan you choose. Regardless of your trip’s intensity, travel insurance should be on your pack list. Here are some of the ways Detour covers adventure travelers:

• Trip cancellation or interruption: Surf trips can be expensive, and you’ll want to protect yourself if you need to cancel or your trip gets delayed for any of the following reasons:

  • Bad weather (hurricanes, tropical storms, etc)
  • Beach closures or other unforeseen problems
  • Illness or injury before the trip
  • Family emergency that requires cancellation or delay
  • Plane or transportation cancellations or delays

• Emergency medical: A wipeout against the rocks or another surfer can leave you with more than bumps or bruises. Marine life in certain areas can also pose a risk and require medical attention. Adventure travel insurance can:

  • Cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and medication
  • Evacuate you from remote locations and transport you to a proper medical facility

• Baggage protection: Surfboards, wetsuits, and GoPros aren’t cheap. Travel insurance can:

  • Reimburse you for damaged boards and other equipment
  • Cover lost or stolen bags and equipment
  • Cover plane or transportation cancellations or delays

• Sports equipment rentals: If the longboard you're renting is lifted or damaged, this coverage will help cover the cost.

How Adventure Travel Insurance Protects Your Surfing Trip

Imagine you’ve finally booked your dream surfing trip to Costa Rica—crystal-clear water, perfect reef breaks, and a week of nothing but sun and waves. On your second day, you take a hard fall on the reef and slice your foot open. It’s deep enough that you need stitches, and the nearest proper clinic is an hour away by boat.

Without travel insurance, you're on the hook for hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in medical costs, transportation to the clinic, and missed lodging. But with the right policy, you're covered: emergency medical transport, treatment, and even the extra night at the hotel while you recover are all reimbursed.