Equipment & Setup: Tech Checklist for Remote Work at Driftwood
Working remotely from a surf camp sounds like the dream — morning barrels, Zoom calls with a view, and sunsets after work. But paradise only works if your setup does. A solid tech checklist for remote work surfing Indonesia can mean the difference between a seamless workflow and a dead laptop before deadline.
At Driftwood Mentawai, reliable Wi-Fi, strong power supply, and comfortable workspaces make it possible to blend focus and freedom.
Core Tech Essentials for Remote Work
Before you board your boat to the Mentawais, make sure you’ve packed these essentials:
Laptop + chargers with surge protection.
USB-C power bank for back-up juice during outages.
Universal adapter (for Indonesia’s Type C/F plugs).
Noise-cancelling headphones to focus even when the reef is calling.
External SSD or cloud backup for files.
VPN subscription for secure connections.
Let’s be real, digital nomads who surf need the same tech reliability as city coworking spaces — just with a better view.. This is the foundation of any remote work gear for surf trips.
Connectivity & Internet Reliability at Driftwood
Driftwood’s setup is designed for connection without compromise. The camp runs on high-speed Starlink internet to ensure work sessions stay smooth.
Wi-Fi coverage extends across common areas and cowork-friendly zones, and bandwidth is strong enough for Zoom calls and uploads.
Pro Tips:
Test your connection on arrival.
Bring a local SIM card (e.g. Telkomsel) as hotspot backup.
Keep offline copies of key work docs.
For a first-hand look at life between waves and Wi-Fi, read our blog on How to Balance Surfing and Remote Work in the Mentawais.
Workspace Setup & Productivity on Nyang Nyang Island
A well-designed workspace keeps you in the zone. Driftwood’s communal desks face the ocean, with shade, outlets, and enough space to spread out gear.
Essentials for a remote workflow:
Laptop stand or second screen for ergonomics.
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Lighting for evening calls or content editing.
Portable speaker for mellow post-work sessions.
Adopt a surf-first, work-second routine: morning sessions when the tide’s right, then focus blocks after breakfast. It’s the sweet spot of cowork surf tech Indonesia living.
Tech for the Surf Side Too
The digital nomad kit doesn’t end at your desk. You’ll want tech for capturing sessions and keeping gear safe:
GoPro or surf-cam with waterproof housing.
Drone (for licensed pilots only) to film reef setups.
Dry bag + charging hub for boat missions.
Board bag with laptop compartment for travel.
For packing insight, check the Digital Nomad’s Surfpacking List.
Photo from witchsrocksurfcamp.com
Backup & Security Measures
Tropical locations are inspiring — and hard on electronics. Protect your workflow:
Backup files to cloud + SSD.
Use VPN and two-factor auth.
Lock devices when you’re in the water.
Pack spare chargers and cables.
Nothing kills a deadline faster than a fried adapter in the humid season.
Final Checklist Bfore You Go
Before leaving for your digital nomad surf camp tech adventure:
Laptop, chargers, power bank
VPN + backup SSD
Noise-cancelling headphones
Waterproof tech bag for surf missions
Surf gear + reliable internet plan
Travel insurance covering electronics
When you’re prepared, you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time chasing sets.
Ready to work from paradise and surf your downtime? Book your remote-work + surf stay now!