How to Pack Your Surfboard for a Surf Trip
Updated: Sep 16
Surfing is a passion that can take you to amazing places around the world and if you are like me you like to take your trusted custom surfboards with you on your travels, so, taking into account that you probably invested a lot of your money on your surfboards and also that you will need them to surf in your destination, it is important to pack them properly because they can be easily damaged during transportation.
In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for packing your surfboards for airplane travel. I'll cover everything from the right bag to use to the best wrapping solutions to protect your boards including taking more than one board.
But first things first, so, a general rule in life is to always let your dog help you.
Travel Board Bag vs. Daily Use Bag
Before we dive into the details of packing your surfboards, let's talk about the difference between a travel board bag and a daily-use bag. A travel surfboard bag is designed to protect your boards during long journeys. It usually has extra padding and might have additional features such as internal straps to lock the surfboards in place, wheels, handles, and external straps to make it easier to carry. On the other hand, a daily-use bag is designed for short trips to the beach. It's not as padded and doesn't have all the extra features of a travel bag.
If you're traveling by airplane, I highly recommend investing in a travel board bag. It may cost a bit more, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your boards are well-protected during transit.
The bag used in this article and video is an FCS travel bag for 2 boards similar to this one:
They come in different sizes and board types. If you need to carry more boards and bigger boards it might be better one with wheels because the extra weight might make it more difficult to carry.
In my experience, it is always better to get a travel bag that carries more boards than you might need because as you start traveling more and more you will likely want to take more boards with you.
Where are a few more examples from different brands:
Remove Wax so it Does Not Melt During Travel
The next step is to remove the wax from your surfboard as wax can melt during air travel, leaving a sticky mess that is difficult to clean. To remove the wax, use a wax comb or scraper to scrape off as much wax as possible, then use a rag or paper towel to wipe off any remaining wax. You can also use a wax remover solution to make the process easier.
Remove Fins and Leashes So They Don't Damage Your Boards and Carry Them in a Separate Luggage
Remove your fins from the fin boxes because not only when they are attached to the board they occupy more space in your travel bag as they may more easily break the fin boxes when mounted.
Also, remove your leash because since it's a hard object it may cause pressure dings on your board as the board bag may be pressed during travel. The same as your fins, and any other hard object, try to carry them in a separate bag from your board bag as anything that is solid may damage your board if it gets pressed against them.
If you need to carry them inside your board bag then try to also wrap them in bubble wrap to help prevent board damage.
Different Board Wrapping Solutions
This next topic is also very important in securing your boards for travel as it helps you add extra layers of protection to your boards, even more especially if you carry more than one board inside the same bag.
There are different board wrapping solutions that you can use to protect your surfboard during transportation.
Bubble wrap is my favorite choice, as it provides a good level of protection and is easy to use. You can buy it at your local hardware or bricolage store or online.
You can also buy ready-made cardboard solutions for surfboards. Ask at your local store or online:
Another solution, that may be helpful if in your destination you need to carry your board around, could be to cover your board in your daily bag inside the travel bag.
You can also use a sponge for the rails and a camping or yoga mattress to add extra padding to the bottom or top of the bag or between boards. Cardboard can also be used to reinforce the sides of the bag.
Here is another ready-made solution to secure the rails of your board during travel:
In any case, just ensure each board is individually wrapped to prevent them from pressing into each other.
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Always Protect the Nose, Tail, and Rails of the Board
The nose, tail, and rails of the board are the most sensitive areas and are prone to damage during transportation. It is important to always protect them by adding extra padding or using specialized rail protectors as we've seen before.
To protect the more sensitive areas of the board, such as the tail and the nose, you can use towels, clothes, board shots, extra bubble wrap, pillows, sponge, or even your neoprene shirt or jacket, or wetsuit. These items provide additional padding to absorb shock and prevent damage.
The nose and tail become even more important to add extra protection in case the board bag is placed vertically or falls vertically, so don't forget to add extra cushioning between the nose and tail and the board bag walls.
The last tip is if the travel board bag has straps inside secure them tightly to make sure your boards are not moving inside the bag as its being carried.
Consider Using a Code or Key Locker to Close Your Bag but Remember that Border Control Might Need to Open the Bag
Consider using a code or key locker to secure your bag as it prevents it from being opened and your items getting stolen but remember that as your board bag gets through the several airports the border control might need to open the bag to see what’s inside and if they cannot open the locker then they may have to rip your bag apart to check what’s inside.
I always lock my bag with a locker and have never had any problems with it but it’s a consideration you must have when making the choice to use a locker or not.
Place your Name, Address, and Contact on the Outside of the Board Bag in Case it Gets Lost
This one is pretty obvious as It might help you locate your bag in case it gets lost in travel or airport transportation.
I hope this information has been helpful to you.
Comment or send me a DM if you need more help.
Check our surf trips on our website or if you are in Portugal and need surf guiding then check this page.
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