Surfboard Travel: How to Pack and Travel with a Surfboard

When you do your surfboard travel, rather than agonize the whole flight about how your board is faring and whether or not the vacation ahead is set to be a good one, the answer lies in packing the board well. The first thing you need to do is get a surfboard travel bag to increase the odds of ding-free travel. Here are some other tips and surfing accessories you’ll need for stress-free surfboard travel:

1. For surfboard travel by car, attach your boards to the vehicle’s racks securely. Straps that wrap around the rack and surfboard must be examined for weak or worn spots. Place the surfboard with the fin(s) up and forward on the rack. Wrap the straps through the side-rails of the rack and over the top of the surfboard. Give the board a solid shake to ensure it will not move in the rack.

2. For surfboard travel by plane, call the airlines before you book a ticket. British Airways and some other airlines simply refuse to transport surfboards, while others will charge extra for carrying your board. If your airline of choice will allow it, find out if there are any size and weight restrictions. Ensure that you turn up at the airport with enough extra time in case officials want to examine the inside of your bag.

3. If your surfboard fins are removable, take them off. Wrap them securely in a towel and pack them with your surfboard. Don’t forget to take your fin key with you so you can put them back on when you reach your destination. If they are not removable, get a commercial fin protector. Also called a fin box, a protector fits over the top of your fins, is fairly cheap, and you can get it in most surfing shops.