Protecting 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.

The different types available offer different levels of protection. The socks are the most basic. Bags are the next step up and the coffins are the largest and most protective. Their prices differ, so picking the right one for your needs is an important part of the decision. Each one can also be customized with your brand or logo to match the board.

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 bag is another style that has additional padding. This one is made in the shape of a board and can usually only hold one at a time. This will keep the board from getting hot while in the sun. It helps because the wax you build up on the board won't melt when it's not in use. They also come in different colors and designs, but because they're bigger and sturdier they can't be folded up and put away.

The final one is the coffin. They call it this since it is actually pretty large. It is made to be able to transport several boards at once. There is quite a bit more padding and often dividers so the boards don't scratch each other. These also keep them cool in the sun and are great for air travel. A strap is added to make them easier to carry through airports when you're traveling.

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.

There is no question that protecting your equipment is a top priority when you are serious about surfing. Taking the time to wax it is great, but you need to shield it from the heat and sand that accompanies most surfing environments. If you're going to travel by plane, bus, or train, you need to get the more sturdy coffin along with the sock to make sure you're boards are completely protected from damage.




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