Do you dream of surfing exotic waves with your favorite surfboard, but the cost of shipping and the risk of breakage make you hesitate? Surfboard travel isn’t a luxury reserved for the pros: this guide explains how to turn this headache into a simple formality. Discover the secrets of trouble-free transport, the coolest airlines (with their hidden costs), and an innovation that’s revolutionizing surf trips – you’ll leave with pro reflexes, an infallible checklist and the adrenaline rush of being ready for your next wave.
- Your dream surf trip is waiting for you: how to travel with your surfboard without the hassle?
- Preparing your board: the first step to a successful trip
- Why not leave your board at home? alternatives to transport
- Road and rail: transporting your board by land
Your dream surf trip is waiting for you: how to travel with your surfboard without the hassle?
Imagine riding a perfect wave, surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, your board under your foot. Many people share this dream, but few know how to make it come true without one unpleasant surprise after another at the airport.
Transporting your board is a headache. According to an analysis of the French surf press, the covers of magazines like Surf Session never cease to celebrate long-distance travel, but never mention the risks of having your precious board confiscated at check-in. Yet unexpected costs or size limitations can ruin the experience.
Fortunately, everything can be avoided with careful preparation. This guide gives you the keys to turning this obstacle course into a formality. You’ll learn how to choose the right boardbag, decipher airline regulations (Air France, Transavia, etc.), and even opt for modular boards to avoid abusive fees.
Not convinced? You should know that 1 in 3 surfers have had their boards damaged for lack of protection. What’s worse? Additional costs of up to €100, depending on the company. By preparing your trip, you gain in serenity and freedom – two pillars of the surfing spirit.
Ready for a stress-free trip? We’ve got you covered. And if you’re short of inspiration for your next surf trip, get ideas here.
Preparing your board: the first step to a successful trip
Choosing the right travel bag to protect it
To avoid unpleasant surprises, a suitable cover is essential. The sock cover is suitable for short trips or storage, but does not protect against shocks. The classic surf bag (5 mm thick) is ideal for regular travel, thanks to its reinforcements and secure closure. For air travel, however, you’ll need a travel bag (10 mm foam or more), reinforced at the rails, nose and tail. Some even include PVC panels or compression straps for added security.
Here’s a tip? Choose a cover that’s slightly larger than your board so you can slip on extra protection, such as bubble wrap or special pads (e.g. Stay Covered Foam Travel Blocks).
Essential tips for packing your board like a pro
Before storing your board, dewax it to avoid stubborn stains in the cover. Next, dismantle the daggerboards (especially with the FCS II system, which allows tool-free removal). Store them in a dedicated pocket to avoid losing anything. Then protect the sensitive areas: nose and tail. Use bubble wrap, a pool fry cut in half, or commercially available rigid foam protectors. Finally, add padding with clothing or towels, but check your airline’s rules some airlines don’t allow extra items in the bag.
A clever solution? The Flexi Hex system, a cardboard sock that conforms to the shape of the board for optimum protection.
A checklist of essentials before you leave
- Suitable, sturdy travel case
- Nose and tail protectors (foam or specific blocks)
- Daggerboard key and storage pouch
- A loaf of wax for the destination
- Spare leash (you never know!)
- Solar repair kit (solarez) for minor injuries
Keep this list handy to avoid oversights. A detail can change everything: a badly stowed daggerboard or a lack of padding and it’s guaranteed breakage. By following these steps, you can start your trip with peace of mind, even if your board travels in the hold.
Before booking, always check the conditions on your airline’s official website. Fares and dimensions may vary according to destination and period, and the above list is given as an indication only.
| Airlines | Indicative costs | Max. weight limit | Max. size limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France | 65€ – 100€ | 23 kg | 300 cm (L+W+H) |
| EasyJet | 72€ | 32 kg | Not clearly specified |
| Ryanair | 60€ | 20 kg | Not clearly specified |
| Transavia | 60€ | 32 kg | 360 cm (L+W+H) |
| Volotea | 80€ | 32 kg | Not clearly specified |
| Swiss | 80€ and more | 32 kg | 315 cm (L+W+H) |
Do you dream of perfect waves but dread the hell of air travel? This guide reveals the rules to avoid unpleasant surprises. Travelling with your board means keeping your bearings, but beware of logistical constraints. Anticipating is better than playing the daredevil. Especially when your equipment represents a considerable investment.
Understanding the (often vague) rules of the airlines
Each airline has its own rules. Air France charges between €65 and €100, with a limit of 23kg and 300cm of combined dimensions. EasyJet is more flexible on weight (32kg) but vague on sizes. Ryanair charges €60 for up to 20kg. Transavia accepts up to 32kg with 360cm dimensions, an advantage for longboards. Swiss remains costly, with fees in excess of €80.
The sum of dimensions (length + width + height) traps longboards. A bare board measuring 2.74m exceeds 300cm when packed. Shortboards (1.70m to 2m) generally fit. As an exception, Air Tahiti Nui offers free transport for boards under 50kg and 2.28m, but such generosity is rare in the airline industry.
Our tips for stress-free recording
- Anticipate: Book your transportation online before the airport. You’ ll save up to 20%.
- Inspect your board immediately: an undeclared crack voids all compensation.
Protect your investment with a rigid boardbag. Wrap your wetsuit and leash around the board to absorb shocks. Avoid packing clothes in your bag, as some companies prohibit this. For longboards, freight is sometimes essential, despite the high costs (up to 800€ for Air China!).
Must-have checklist
- Check charges on the airline’s website: avoid unpleasant surprises
- Measure your packed board with a 5cm margin
- Inserts a piece of paper with contact details in the boardbag
- Remove fins and store in a separate bag
- Prepare an emergency repair kit (glue, adhesive tape)
Transporting a board is a risky business. For long trips, opt for a dismountable modular board. It respects standard dimensions and fits into a standard bag. You’ll save time and money with your ideal equipment. Even with this solution, check the terms and conditions: policies often change, and a damaged board costs more than a changeable ticket.
Why not leave your board at home? alternatives to transport
Renting or buying on the spot: good or bad idea?
Transporting your own board isn’t always the best option. Rental boards are ideal for short stays or beginners. Expect to pay between €20 and €40 per day, depending on the model (foam, performance or wetsuit). It’s practical to avoid excess baggage charges, but the equipment is often basic and not really suited to your style. If you’re a beginner planning your first trip, this is a simple solution.
It’s worth buying locally for longer stays (several weeks). You’ll find a board suited to the local waves, but you’ll need to allow time to look for it on arrival and sell it on your return. A new board costs between 300€ and 800€, but you can often find good deals on the marketplaces.
| Option | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Rental | No excess baggage fees, no logistics | High long-term costs, standard equipment |
| Purchase | Boards adapted to local waves | Time-consuming search and resale, initial investment |
The innovation that changes everything: the removable surfboard
Dismountable boards are a revolution for travelers. They divide into 2 or 3 parts and fit into a standard-sized bag, avoiding excess baggage charges. No need to pay up to €100 per flight for a traditional board. Their assembly system, often in recycled carbon (like the offcuts from Airbus A380 production), guarantees solidity and precision.
Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- Fits into a train bag or carry-on bag
- Avoids exorbitant air fares
- Modular: changes configuration with the waves
Models like Newave’s weigh just 500g to 700g more than a conventional board. You assemble it in less than two minutes, without tools. For slow-touring train enthusiasts, it’s the ideal ally.
Road and rail: transporting your board by land
By car: solutions for a safe journey
For car journeys, there are two legal and secure methods available to you.
Rigid roof bars ensure optimum fastening. Although the investment starts at €30, they offer maximum security. Center the boards, daggerboards up, and tighten the straps by crossing the knots. For several boards, remove the daggerboards to reduce drag. Check the maximum load authorized by your vehicle (on the registration document) and adjust tire pressure.
Flexible galleries (from €50) are economical. Fastened by straps passing through the windows. Quick to assemble/dismantle, but less robust in high winds. Perfect for short trips or car rentals. Uses foam bar protectors to prevent chafing.
A method to be avoided: sliding the board inside is illegal if it obstructs visibility or threatens passengers. A fine of €150 may be imposed.
On the train: mission possible?
The train remains an environmentally-friendly option, but the constraints are strict. The SNCF classifies boards as special luggage. For TGV InOui or Intercités, the limit is 90 x 130 cm in a labeled bag. OuiGo applies an XL supplement. Longboards often exceed these dimensions, requiring the “Mes Bagages” service (€50 minimum). For TER trains, check the rules in advance.
| Method | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid bars | Maximum safety | High cost, consumption +10%. |
| Flexible galleries | Quick to install | Less robust in high winds |
| Train | Ecological | Restrictive and onerous rules |
“I gave it a try with my board on the TGV to Biarritz… it was a real hassle! Between the ticket inspectors who weren’t sure if it was authorized, the cover that wouldn’t fit between the seats and the glares from passengers, I quickly realized that traveling with a whole board isn’t for trains. As a result, I had to wedge it between two carriages and pray that it wouldn’t move. Since then, I’ve opted to rent one on the spot, which is a lot less stressful.” Pierre
So, are you ready to embark on your next surfing adventure? Travelling with your surfboard is all about preparation. Properly equipped and informed, transportation becomes an easy step to master. The hardest part isn’t transporting your surfboard, but choosing where you’re going to surf your next waves. You can find your next dream destination while preserving the spots you love.
Traveling with your board is all about preparation. When you’re properly equipped, the miles are no longer an obstacle. The hardest part? Choosing your spot. Get inspired for your destination, and embark with peace of mind.
FAQ
Can you fly with your surfboard?
Yes, but beware of rules that vary from company to company! What really makes the difference is to check the fees and authorized dimensions in advance. For example, Ryanair charges €60 for up to 20kg, while Air France charges between €65 and €100 with a threshold of 23kg and 300cm (length + width + height). For longboards, beware of surprises: even if your board is 274cm bare, the cover and protections may exceed the 300cm regulation. Our advice? Anticipate by contacting your company before you book!
How do you transport your surfboard by car?
You’ve got two main options! On the roof, opt for rigid bars (or “soft racks” in an emergency) and strap the board securely in place, fins up. Inside, it’s possible for shortboards: just slide the board in on the passenger side, taking care never to obstruct visibility. And if you opt for simplicity, removable boards are a safe choice to avoid acrobatics. The secret? Good organization, like a well-secured cover and DIY foam protectors.
Is it possible to take the train with a surfboard?
It’s possible, but beware of strict rules! The SNCF accepts “nautical” boards up to 90x130cm for TGVs, which limits the options. For standard boards, the removable solution is ideal. Otherwise, plan a detour via the SNCF’s “mes bagages” (my luggage) service (€53.90 without ticket) with an additional 48-hour delay. Our advice? Find out before you book, because in Spain, for example, boards longer than 130cm are forbidden on France-Spain TGV trains.
How do you pack your board for a trip?
Prepare like a pro! Start by removing the wax and daggerboards (store in a bag). Protect the nose and tail with bubble wrap or a pool fry. Then, opt for a thick cover and add clothing around it to cushion shocks (check if the company allows it). The killer detail? Label your bag with your contact details, especially on trains, to avoid misunderstandings. And don’t forget: prevention is better than carrying a broken board!
What is the budget for registering a board with Ryanair?
Ryanair charges a flat rate of €60 for transport, but with strict limits: 20kg max and vague rules on dimensions. If your board exceeds this limit, you risk additional charges. Plan B? Dismountable boards, which can be carried as standard luggage. For purists, you should know that some airlines like Transavia offer more flexible conditions (32kg and 360cm sum of dimensions), to be compared according to your destination.
What is the average weight of a surfboard?
It all depends on the model! A lightweight shortboard weighs around 2 to 3kg, compared with 4 to 6kg for a longboard. Add the cover (1 to 2kg), the protections and you quickly reach 8kg. For travel, check airline limits: 20kg with Ryanair vs. 32kg with EasyJet. The tip?
What’s the best position for transporting boards in the car?
Two tried-and-tested solutions! On the roof, place the boards parallel to the direction of travel, with the drifts upwards, and tighten the straps to avoid vibrations. Inside, use the trunk (if spacious) or slide them along the passenger seat. The secret? A thick cover and good padding with towels. And if you’re traveling with other surfers, coordinate: one board per person on the roof, and accessories in the passenger compartment.
How do you protect your board during a trip?
Your top priority? A thick travel bag, ideally with reinforcements on fragile areas. For sensitive areas, use bubble wrap or protective covers. When flying, avoid flashy boardbags (“SURF” in large letters is a magnet for extra costs!). And if you want to be discreet, pack your board in a neutral bag. The crucial reminder? Always check the condition of your board as soon as it arrives in the hold, and report any damage immediately.