Protect Your Equipment With Surfboard Socks

By Angela Perry


Those who are extreme surfers know the importance of protecting their equipment. If the board is left out in the sun or on a sandy beach, it can be damaged from the exposure. When you travel or transport it, you can damage it even more severely. By having surfboard socks or other types of bags, you can protect it and keep it in good shape regardless of the conditions it is exposed to. Traveling on airplanes can be especially dangerous to the boards.

There are several different types that are available. They range from socks to bags to coffins. You can even make them yourself or have custom ones made with your own logo or design. Many professional surfers have matching designs on the bag and the board. If you're seeking to be a professional competitive surfer, you can get your sponsor to pay for the designs.

The basic style is the sock. The fabric is made to be similar in shape to the board. The end may have a drawstring to close it off once you have it wrapped up. This will protect it from the elements such as the sand and direct sunlight, but it will not keep it cool if it sits in the sun for long periods. This could be a problem of melting the wax. They're great for storing and transporting the boards to local beaches. They can also be folded and put in a bag while they're not in use. They are usually washable as well.

The next step up is called the bag. It comes with a small amount of padding and can hold a single board. The nice thing about this one is that it can keep the board cooler while it sits in the sun. This will keep the wax from melting inside the bag, which could create a mess otherwise. The colors and designs can be made to match the boards. Since they're made from more dense material, they usually have to be hand cleaned.

The third type is the coffin. It's called this because it is pretty big and can hold several boards. These are great for traveling on airplanes because they have thick padding. They'll keep several boards protected from dings and damage. It will also keep the boards cool so the wax doesn't melt off. They all come with a strap and handles to carry the larger bag over your shoulder as you traverse the airport looking for your terminal.

Custom bags and designs can be made. Logos and brands are the most obvious level of custom creation. However, the bags and coffins themselves can also be redesigned if you're competing commercially and want to really show off.

Making a bag yourself can be worth it. The larger bags and coffins are a bit more difficult, but the sock can be made by buying Lycra at the store. This is a more flexible material that will better stretch and hug the board. Using cotton is not suggested because it doesn't stretch as much and if the size isn't perfect it may not fit your board.

Protecting your board is important whether you are traveling or just going to the local beach. When you take time to care for it by waxing it before and after use, it is a good idea to go to the next level and protect it from the sun and from damage while traveling. Those getting on an airplane should invest in the coffin to keep travel damage from happening.




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