Getting ready for that dream surf camp is an exciting rush of adrenaline, but hold on a moment! Before hitting the road, we need to make sure our beloved surfboard travels in our van or car with all the style it deserves. So, here are the tips and warnings for safely transporting your surfboard. We must ensure that the equipment arrives in good condition to make the journey as epic as the waves you’re about to conquer!
The Do’s for a Triumphant Journey:
- Keep it protected: Your surfboard is your best friend and ally when you’re out on the waves – treat it as such! Our recommendation is to use a high-quality surfboard cover to protect it from scratches and dings during your journey, especially if you plan to travel with it to discover amazing waves on unfamiliar beaches. It’s not worth skimping on a low-quality cover to save a little money when your surfboard’s condition and performance are at stake.
- Secure It Firmly: Some people choose to strap their surfboard to the roof rack of their car using tie-down straps or cinches, while others prefer to transport it inside the car. In any case, no abrupt movements! And, above all, make sure it’s securely fastened to prevent unexpected movements. From SurfySpot, based on our experience, we recommend carrying the surfboard inside the car or van if possible. This way, you avoid the need to secure it to the roof rack and the risk of not doing it correctly, which could result in losing your surfboard. However, inside the vehicle, you should place the surfboard or boards to the side and never load anything on top of them!
- If, despite our previous recommendation, you prefer to transport the surfboard on the car’s roof rack, make sure to secure it even more and consider the weather conditions: if in the previous point we recommended avoiding abrupt movements and securing it well, in the case of carrying it outside the car, on the roof rack, you should take even greater precautions. Additionally, you should be aware that you may need to adjust your speed in windy conditions when carrying your surfboard on the roof rack. You wouldn’t be the first person to overlook these factors, and surfboards have gone flying in the middle of the highway. And at that point, it’s not just your surfboard at risk; it becomes a safety issue for everyone on the road with you.
To secure it properly, use thick straps to tie it down securely. If you use a thin rope, it may leave marks on your surfboard. Also, remember to carry it inside a suitable and high-quality cover to protect it to the fullest.
- Pad the Ends: The nose and tail (the tips) are the most sensitive parts of your surfboard when transporting it, so they need special care. To do this, place towels or padding at the ends to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Be Strategic with Space: When deciding how to place the surfboards safely and efficiently, you should differentiate between whether you’re carrying them inside or outside the vehicle. In the case of carrying them inside, it’s best to place them sideways, as we suggested earlier. However, if you’re traveling with multiple surfboards on the roof rack, place the larger ones at the bottom and the smaller ones on top to maximize space and stability.
- Keep a Watchful Eye: Whenever possible, park in a location where you can keep an eye on your surfboard. Safety comes first!
The Don’ts to avoid:
- Don’t Neglect the Covers: Forgetting a surfboard bag or sock when transporting your surfboard is like sending your board on a trip without its passport. Don’t do it!
- Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Extreme heat can cause the wax on your surfboard(s) to melt and end up in your car. It’s not a huge risk or problem, but cleaning the car to remove wax that has dripped onto it can be a hassle. 😤 So, when you want to park the car, look for a good shade. You’ll thank yourself when you return to the car and when you clean it next time!
- No Speeding: Frantic in the water, calm on the road! Avoid excessive speeds that can cause vibrations or abrupt movements. As mentioned in the previous section, if your surfboard is on the car roof rack, high speeds, even if legal, can have disastrous consequences for your boards and the safety of other people on the road.
- Don’t Leave It Loose: Never leave your surfboard loose in the car, even if you think it’s “secure.” It could become a projectile in the event of a sudden stop. One option is to use the seatbelt to secure them.
- Avoid Contact with Hard Objects: Try not to place hard or heavy objects near your surfboard. A simple bump can cause damage.
Find your surf camp in paradise and start the adventure!
With the recommendations in this article, your surfboards will be ready to embark on an adventure filled with epic waves, kilometers of road, and unforgettable moments. So, roll towards that dream surf camp, and may the waves welcome you with open arms!
If you’re wondering how to find your ideal surf camp, we recommend doing so by browsing through SurfySpot for our options of surf camps and lessons throughout Spain, including the paradisiacal beaches of the Canary Islands. Find the perfect surf camp or lessons that suit your needs and get ready to glide on the waves with style and confidence. Your surfer adventure is about to begin!
