Summer is approaching and with it the water sports season. Are you planning a holiday at the Polish seaside or abroad? Have you bought a surfboard online and want it delivered to your home? Or are you planning a move and want to transport your board to your new flat? In any of these cases, you will face the challenge of transporting your surfboard. How do you go about it so that neither your equipment nor your wallet suffers?
If you are planning a trip to the seaside in your own car, you can choose to transport the board yourself - either inside the car or on the roof. This solution will certainly help you cut costs, but it requires proper preparation. If you do not secure and fasten your board correctly, not only your equipment, but also your fellow passengers and other road users may suffer.
Advantages
+ lower costs
+ no need to purchase additional equipment/ fastenings (transport in the car)
+ constant control over transport
Disadvantages
- need to drive slower (transport on the roof)
- Risk of damage to the board from sand, stones etc. (transport on roof)
- Exposure to adverse weather conditions
- Danger to passengers and other road users in the event of an accident
- Risk of theft when stationary (transported on the roof)
- risk of an improperly secured board becoming detached and endangering others on the road (roof carriage)
Because an unsecured surfboard poses a serious risk in the event of an accident (both to passengers and other road users) we advise against transporting the board inside the car.
If you decide to transport your board on the roof, please make sure that the board is properly secured, that the protective cover is in place and that the board is properly positioned on the roof.
A good quality roof rack with a mounting for a surfboard costs several hundred pounds. Remember, however, that it is not worth saving on safety, especially as it is a one-off expense, which will be compensated by trouble-free travel with your board :).
A protective cover will shield your equipment from sand and stones, as well as from harmful weather conditions (rain, snow).
On the other hand, when it comes to placing your board on the roof, remember to transport it with the top side down. This will minimise air resistance during the ride.
Instead of transporting the board yourself, you can have it transported by a company. This will ensure that your board is protected from the weather and theft and will not create a hazard in the event of an accident. The price of transportation will be higher than if you transport it yourself (when you are travelling the route anyway and the board only "accompanies" you), but costs can be optimised so that everyone can afford it.
Advantages
+ a properly secured board
+ much lower risk of theft
+ protection from bad weather conditions
+ no need to worry about the technical details of transport
+ the board does not pose a risk in the event of an accident
Disadvantages
- higher cost than transporting it yourself
Having your board transported by a transport company will relieve you of the responsibility of properly securing your equipment - by choosing a professional, experienced company you can be sure that your board will arrive quickly and in good condition.
Transporting your surfboard by car requires proper preparation to prevent possible damage and ensure it arrives safely at its destination. Here are some steps to take to professionally and effectively secure your surfboard:
Surfboard cover
Investing in a quality cover (also known as a bag or case) is the first step to protecting your board. Covers can be soft or hard; both types provide protection from the sun, scratches and smaller impacts.
Board nose and tail protectors
These special foam protectors can be placed on the tips of the board, protecting them from damage during transport.
Protectors for the rails (sides of the board)
Special protectors for the sides of the board are available to protect the edges of the board from abrasions and impacts.
Removable fins
If your board has detachable fins, remove them before transport and store them separately in a special case or bag.
Using a roof rack
If you are transporting your board on the roof of your car, it is best to invest in special surfboard holders. These will ensure that your board sits firmly on the roof, minimising the risk of it moving while you are driving.
It is important to secure the board firmly and evenly with the straps, but at the same time not to overload it, which could cause damage.
Additional protection
If you don't have a specialised cover, you can wrap the board with an old blanket or towels, especially in the areas where it is most vulnerable (e.g. nose, tail, rails).
For longer journeys, it is a good idea to protect the board with an extra layer of bubble wrap.
Caution when loading and unloading
Always be careful when putting your board in and taking it out of the car. Avoid placing it on hard or rocky surfaces which can scratch or damage it.
Transporting your surfboard requires attention and proper preparation. Properly securing your board will ensure its safety and allow you to enjoy surfing without worrying about its condition.
Surfboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit individual surfers' needs and sea conditions. Here are the most popular types of surfboards along with approximate dimensions and weight:
Shortboard
Dimensions: Approximately 1.8 m to 2.4 m in length. Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg to 4 kg.
Characterised by a sharp nose and tail. This is the most popular board and is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to ride steep waves.
Longboard
Dimensions: Lengths from 2.7m to over 3m. Weight: Approximately 6 kg to 9 kg.
It has a rounded nose and is wide. It is ideal for beginners due to its great stability, but also for advanced surfers who appreciate a stylish, classic style of riding.
Fish
Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 m to 2.1 m in length. Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg to 3.5 kg.
It is short, wide and thick. Designed for surfing in smaller, less energetic waves. Good for intermediate surfers.
Funboard
Dimensions: 2 m to 2.7 m in length. Weight: Approximately 4 kg to 7 kg.
Is an intermediate option between a shortboard and a longboard. It is quite wide and long, which makes it stable, but at the same time it retains some of the characteristics of a shortboard, making it suitable for a variety of conditions.
Gun
Dimensions: 2.1m to over 3m in length. Weight: Approximately 4 kg to 7 kg.
Specifically designed for big wave surfing. It has a narrow and long shape, which allows it to ride fast and ride big waves more easily.
It is worth noting that weights and dimensions can vary depending on the manufacturer, the materials used and the individual needs of the surfer. Choosing the right type of board depends on the skill of the surfer, the type of waves they intend to surf and their individual preferences.
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