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 sock is the first type. This one is the most basic but is actually the most recommended. Even with the other bags for protection, the sock is a good basic form fitting protection. Many surfers will put these on before they put them in the more sturdy bags. They can also be folded up and put in the bigger bag. They will protect from basic scratches, but won't keep the board cool in the sun.

The next step up is the bag. This is the first one that has padding to keep the dings and damage from happening. They'll also keep the board cool if it is sitting in the sun on the beach or on top of your vehicle. The reason this is important is that the wax may melt and cause a mess if it doesn't stay cool. The very least suggestion is to have both the sock and the bag.

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.

If you want, you can design your own bags. Some may want to make them fit the shape of the board, others will only be interested in the colors and designs matching their brand. Whatever custom ideas you can come up with, the manufacturer can usually help out. Having your brand on your bag allows you to express yourself even when you're not surfing.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment