May 19, 2022 8 min read

Taking your surfboard on holiday can be an absolute nightmare. Not only does it add a significant amount of weight and bulk to your luggage, but it can also become a hassle if you have to leave it behind.

In addition to this, transporting a surfboard can take a long time. Plus, waiting around to pick it up from the airport can be frustrating! Luckily, there are some ways to make the experience a little easier.

Buying a Beater Board

When travelling with a surfboard, one of the best things you can do is to buy a beater board. This type of surfboard is ideal for beach breaks and other shore break situations, and its foam core is safe. They also come in a variety of sizes and weights.

If you are a beginner, a beater board is ideal, as it doesn't have any weight limitations and can be easily inflated with water. When traveling with a surfboard, it is important to buy a beater board to reduce your packing cost. These boards come with fins and a leash.

Most beater board deals include fins and a leash. The Catch surf also sells a 6'' Beater board, which is similar to a beater board. They also share the same retro look and feel. Traveling with a surfboard is tricky, but you can make it easier by buying a beater board. This way, you can easily pack it in a beater board bag and store it in a cool place. You can also use a regular surfboard bag, but be sure to keep your beater board away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent it from warping.

different surfboards

While buying a new surfboard is a great option for those who are traveling with a surfboard, the process can be lengthy and expensive. Buying a new board will require you to spend valuable surfing time onboard shopping. You may even have to spend a day or two looking for the perfect board. Another option is to rent a surfboard. But remember that this option comes with a price, subpar equipment, and the hassle of searching for rentals.

Renting Surfboards

There are many advantages of renting a surfboard, rather than traveling with your own surfboard. It can save you money and time! The most obvious benefit of renting a surfboard is the fact that you will not have to buy it.

Many surfboard rental services offer a wide range of options, including beginner foam boards, longboards, stand-up paddleboards, bodyboards, and more. Some rental services even deliver the board to your destination so you can surf whenever you like.

Depending on your destination, a surf shop may require a deposit for rental equipment. This deposit is held by the surf shop while you are renting the equipment. It protects the shop from liability in the event of breakage or theft. However, some shops may refuse to rent surfboards to campers if they don't have a lock. You can minimize the risk of theft by returning your rental equipment each day.

If you do decide to rent a surfboard, make sure you ask for a deposit. Many surfboard rental companies require a caution deposit based on the price of the board. You can expect to pay around $20-300 if the board is damaged or stolen. Be sure to follow the rental company's exchange policy, as it is responsible for your safety as well as your business.

Packing a Surfboard

If you're traveling and intend on taking your surfboard with you, there are some tips that will help you pack it safely. Airlines are notorious for damaging boards, so there are plenty of ways to protect your board. You can purchase airline-approved surfboard bags, but they can be quite expensive. A more affordable alternative is to use a soft day bag and add a layer of padding inside it. Ensure that any hard zips are pointing away from the surfboard, as this will minimize the chance of damage.

When choosing a bag, make sure it holds the same number of boards as your board and has ample space to add padding. Be sure to leave at least four inches of space between boards and bags to prevent them from becoming smashed. Also, make sure to leave space for additional padding, and write your name and contact information clearly so that baggage handlers can contact you if they find any damage to your board.


When packing a surfboard for travel, it's best to wax the board before leaving, as this will help protect it from scratches while in transit. Additionally, waxing your board will prevent it from losing its shape, as well as ensure it fits within TSA requirements. Finally, it's important to remove old wax, as this will make it look gross when stacked. Then, pack a surfboard sock for extra cushioning.
Investing in a High-quality Surfboard Bag

A high-quality surfboard bag is essential for traveling with a surfboard, both for convenience and protection. These bags come in many sizes and shapes, so it can be difficult to find the right one for your board. A good bag should fit the entire board, protect it from the elements and slide into a backpack. There are also plenty of travel-size bags available, so you'll be able to find the right one for your board.

Surfboard travel bags come in two types: day and travel. Day bags are lightweight and are great for daily use, while travel bags are stronger and designed for travel. Investing in a good travel-size bag is worth the extra money, as these bags will protect your board in the long run. Even if you're just using the bag for daily use, a travel-size one will keep your surfboard protected and safe from damage.

A high-quality surfboard bag can protect your board from weather, external impacts, and even dents. Its sturdy construction and foam-packed interior can protect your surfboard from hard impact and prevent your board from separating from its accessories. In addition, a surfboard travel bag is designed to protect the wax from your surfboard, ensuring that it doesn't get damaged during transit.

Taking Extra Care of Fins

Take extra care of your fins when traveling with a surfboard. While traveling with your board, the airline staff should take extra care of it, so you should be polite and not make a scene. Besides, you don't want your fins to be broken off during the trip. Therefore, you should carefully wrap them in bubble wrap and store them in the bag with the surfboard. You can also use fin protectors made of polystyrene. These plastics can fit over your fins and will raise the end of the board if necessary.

If you must travel with your surfboard, take extra care of the fins. You can either remove the fins or pack them separately. This will prevent them from damaging the board. You can also purchase a foam fin protector, or even cover glassed-on fins with tennis balls. However, we recommend that you use a travel-friendly surfboard bag that is made of hard-shelled material.

traveling with surfboard

Before packing your surfboard, remove the fins. Wrap them tightly in bubble wrap, a t-shirt, or a cloth towel. Place the fins inside the board bag. This will protect them from any rough handling during travel. You can also use a bag designed specifically for the fins. Taking extra care of your fins when traveling with a surfboard ensures that your board is in top shape when you arrive.

Flying With a Surfboard

For some, flying with a surfboard may seem like an unnecessary hassle. Taking the time to pack your board and protecting it before you leave for your trip will ensure that it arrives safely. While some airlines allow surfboards as carry-on luggage, others may refuse to accept them.

Whether you need to fly with a surfboard on a regular plane or a charter flight, there are a few things you need to know before you begin packing your board.

When choosing an airline, be sure to choose one that is surfboard-friendly. Some airlines, such as Wizz Jet, do not charge you for bringing your board on board. They do ask that you remove the skeg/fin from the board before boarding, make sure it's padded and securely packed, and be sure to check the weight and length of the board. Wizz Jet is one of the cheapest airlines in Europe and primarily serves Eastern Europe. In addition to being surfboard-friendly, they often offer discounted fees on onboard rental.

surfboards on the bus

Depending on the size of your surfboard, airlines vary on how they accept your board. Airlines such as Air Canada will accept surfboards as carry-on luggage for $50 a piece, but you will need to provide the board with its own transport bag.

For domestic flights, you can choose between two options: check a bag or a carry-on. If you have a large surfboard, you may want to consider renting a board. You may even find a surfboard rental shop nearby.

To Wrap it Up

If you're planning on hitting the waves on your next vacation, you'll need to know how to pack your surfboard.

Here are a few tips on how to travel with a surfboard so you can enjoy the waves worry-free. To start, you'll want to get a surfboard bag that's specifically designed to protect your board while you're travelling.

These bags usually have a padded interior and some even have a strap or handle for cool carrying of surfboard. Next, you'll want to make sure your surfboard is securely strapped to your car. If you're flying, you'll need to check with the airline to see their specific guidelines for travelling with a surfboard.

If needed, you can also carry your surfboard on bike.

Questions and Answers

Can you take surfboard fins on a plane?

If you're planning a surfing trip and want to bring your own board, you may be wondering if you can bring the fins with you on the plane. The good news is that you can! Most airlines allow you to bring surfboard fins as part of your carry-on luggage. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to check with your airline to make sure they allow surfboard fins. Second, pack your fins securely to avoid damage. And third, be prepared to remove your fins at the security checkpoint. With a little planning, you can bring your surfboard fins on your next flight!

Can I take a surfboard on the bus?

If you're looking to hit the waves but don't have a ride to the beach, you may be wondering if you can take your surfboard on the bus. The answer is yes, in most cases! Most buses have racks on the front or back that can accommodate a surfboard, but it's always a good idea to check with your bus company beforehand to be sure. When loading your board, be mindful of other passengers and be sure to secure your surfboard so it doesn't fall and injure someone.

Can you take surfboards on trains?

You can take surfboards on trains, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the surfboard is properly padded and secured so it doesn't damage other passengers' luggage or the train itself. Second, be aware of the size restrictions for luggage on the train you're taking - some trains have stricter limits than others. Finally, be prepared to pay a bit extra for your surfboard as most trains charge a fee for oversized luggage. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip with your surfboard in tow.

Author - Aleksandra Djurdjevic
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Djurdjevic          

Senior Content Creator

Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering surf, kayak and various watersports activities. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the ocean / rivers, getting out waves, season after season, seeking epic adventures across the globe helps her continue to be a top expert at CSG.


Sign up for our Newsletter

Spin to win Spinner icon