Jack's Surfboards carries surfboard bags from Creatures of Leisure, Migra, Manera and Alton, from simple board socks and padded day bags to double travel bags and a coffin bag that holds three or four boards. Day bags are the most affordable, and travel bags cost more for extra padding and room for several boards. Migra's travel bags come with a 10-year warranty, and Creatures covers its bags for two years.
What is the difference between a surfboard day bag and a travel bag?
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Board sock: a stretchy knit cover that keeps sun, sand and wax off your board, but has no padding. Alton makes one shaped for fish.
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Day bag: one board, light foam padding (around 4 to 5mm) and a shoulder strap, for the drive to the beach and storage at home. Think Creatures' Longboard Icon, Alton's day bags or Migra's adjustable Popsicle.
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Double travel bag: fits two boards with thick foam (Migra uses 15mm on the sides, nose and tail) and an internal divider, made for road trips and flights. Creatures' Shortboard Double Titanium uses 10mm foam and a lightweight build to help avoid excess baggage fees.
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Coffin bag: a big, boxy travel bag for three or four boards. Migra's 7.0 coffin bag has 22mm foam, removable dividers, compression straps, a TSA travel lock and sliding feet.
What size surfboard bag do I need?
Pick a bag at least as long as your board, and a few inches longer is fine. Check the width too, since fish and mid-lengths are wider than shortboards. Each listing shows the maximum board size, like Migra's double bags, which list both length and width (for example, two boards up to 6'3" x 22 1/2"). A bag that's too big lets the board slide around, so don't go a foot or more over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a surfboard bag necessary?
If you drive to the beach or store your board at home, yes. A bag protects against dings in the car, keeps the sun from yellowing the board and keeps wax off your seats. For flights, a padded travel bag is a must.
What is the best board bag for surfing?
For everyday use, a padded day bag like Creatures' Longboard Icon or Migra's Popsicle. For travel, a double bag with thick foam, like Migra's double bags or Creatures' Shortboard Double Titanium.
What is a coffin surfboard bag?
A large, box-shaped travel bag that holds several boards stacked inside, with heavy padding and dividers. Migra's 7.0 coffin bag fits three or four boards up to 7'0" x 22 1/2".
Does it matter if a surfboard bag is too big?
A little extra length is fine, but too much lets the board slide and bang around inside. Aim for a bag that's your board's length or a few inches longer.
What is the best way to store a surfboard?
Indoors, out of the sun and away from heat, in a bag or sock. Lay it flat or on a rack, deck down or on its rail, and never leave it in a hot car, which can soften the wax and damage the board.
How do you pack a surfboard for a flight?
Use a padded travel bag, take the fins out, and wrap the nose, tail and rails with extra padding like towels or pipe insulation. Put a towel between boards in a double bag. Check your airline's surfboard rules and fees before you book, since they vary.
Can I bring my surfboard on a plane?
Usually yes, as checked baggage in a travel bag. Every airline sets its own size limits and fees for surfboards, so check before you book.
Do you have bags for fish surfboards?
Yes. Alton makes a board sock shaped for fish, and wider day bags and travel bags fit fish and mid-lengths. Check the width listed on each bag.
