A surfboard bag is a backpack or duffel bag designed specifically for carrying surfboards.
They come in various sizes and shapes, depending on the type of surfboard you plan to carry.
We look at surfboard bags in closer detail and help you work out what size you should buy for your surfboard.
What Is A Surfboard Bag?
A surfboard bag is a specialized bag that’s designed to hold a surfboard. It can be used as a day-to-day bag, but it’s also ideal for traveling with your board.
The main purpose of a surfboard bag is to protect your board from damage while keeping it safe and dry.
The best surfboard bags are made of durable materials like nylon or polyester, have plenty of pockets to store accessories, and are easy to clean.
Surfboard bags are great because they keep your board protected when you’re not surfing.
If you leave your board in your car during the summer months, it could get really hot inside the vehicle.
This causes moisture to build up inside the foam core which makes it more likely to crack.
You don’t want this happening because it will ruin your board. By using a surfboard bag, you can keep your board safe and dry until you need to use it again.
If you travel frequently, then a surfboard bag is an essential item. It helps protect your board on the road, whilst also giving you something to carry it in if you are walking down to the beach.
Some even include straps so they can be worn over the shoulder and this makes it convenient for carrying around heavy boards when traveling on your own.
When it comes to cost, most surfboard bags cost around $40-$100. However, prices vary based on brand, quality, and features.
Types Of Surfboard Bags
There are two types of surfboard bags: hardshell and softshell. Hardshell bags are made of thick plastic or canvas material.
They offer protection against water damage and keep your board safe by preventing it from getting scratched or damaged.
Softshell bags are made of thin fabric and are lighter than their hardshell counterparts. They provide less protection, but they’re easier to pack and transport.
Surfboard Bag Sizes
Surfboard bags come in different sizes and often, they will hold more than one board.
Here is a list of common standard sizes and how many boards each one will fit:
- Small – 2-3 boards
- Medium – 4-6 boards
- Large – 7+ boards
However, you not only need to know how many boards a bag will fit, but the most important thing to note is that you will need to buy a bag that fits your board’s measurements first.
This will depend on the dimensions such as the length, the thickness, and the width of the board you want to carry.
Board Measurements
An ideal fit for a surfboard bag is that it easily can store and protect your board. You do not want it too tight but you don’t want it loose either.
Your board needs to fit snugly into the bag without any gaps between the board and the sides of the bag.
To work out which bag is going to be best for your surfboard, you need to check the dimensions which include the length, width, and thickness.
Starting with the length of your board, this will determine the size of your surfboard bag.
Bags are listed by their length and this makes it straightforward when it comes to buying a new one.
For example, a 6’4” board will need at least a 6’4” bag.
Width and thickness affect the style of the bag more than anything and this is important for working out which kind will suit your board best.
Surfboard bags come in shortboard, funboard, or traditional longboard styles.
If it isn’t obvious which style of bag your board will fit snugly in, you can use the width and thickness measurement to help with your decision.
It’s also important to remember that different bag manufacturers cut their bags differently, meaning some are made much shorter or longer than others and some are wider or much narrower.
This means you should always read reviews and work out how the brand’s sizes run before buying.
Sizing Surf Socks
Socks are usually more accommodating than bags, especially with surfboards that are much wider or thicker.
With a sock, however, we always recommend you stick with the larger size if you’re unsure as a sock that is too big is not going to be as annoying as a sock you can’t fit your surfboard in at all.
In terms of cut and brand, socks often run true to size, however, so don’t be tempted to size up or down just because you are buying from a different company.
Tips To Remember When Buying A Surfboard Bag
- Choose a bag that has enough space inside for all of your gear and use your board measurements to ensure you have a snug and protective fit.
- Make sure there are no holes or tears in the bag.
- Look for a bag that has plenty of compartments for storing your stuff.
- Consider the weight of the bag. If you’re going to use it as a travel bag, make sure it doesn’t weigh more than 10 pounds.
- Check if the bag has an adjustable strap. This makes it easier to wear over your shoulder.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed this article and have gained a better understanding of what a surfboard bag is and how it can benefit you by protecting your board, and making traveling with your board so much easier.
We hope the information on board measurements will help you know which size surfboard bag to buy and which style would be best for your board.
We promise they are a great investment and if used properly, can prolong the overall lifespan of your board meaning you not only get to keep your favorite board for longer, but you won’t have to replace your board as often, saving you money in the long run.
Happy surfing!