When it comes to protecting your surfboard, are surfboard bags worth it or a waste of money? This is a question a lot of new surfers have. Yes, they are 100% worth it! Let’s get into the arguments for the benefits and possible downsides of getting a surfboard bag.
The Argument For Surfboard Bags
Protection from Damage
One of the main reasons anyone uses a surfboard bag is for the safety of your surfboard. Surfboards, as study as they seem, can be kind of delicate. A good surfboard bag provides against stuff like:
Sun Damage: Too much time in the sun can damage your board’s surface, causing it to yellow or delaminate. Many surfboard bags come with UV-resistant materials to protect against sun damage.
Wear and Tear: Loading and unloading your board into the car or strapping down on top can ding up your board. Trying to store it in the garage, might result in minor damage. A surfboard bag brings down the risk of damage and can extend the life of your surfboard. I got my first surfboard bag after a rock slammed into my board as I was flying down the highway. The cost of getting my board fixed was about half what I paid for my first surfboard day bag.
Travel Damage: When you’re flying off to a tropical destination, travel can be tough on your board. Baggage handlers aren’t known for their loving and tender care of baggage. A good-quality travel surfboard bag can absorb shocks and prevent dings and cracks.
The above points are the kind of things you are going to deal with for as long as you have a board. In my mind anyway, these reasons completely make surfboard bags worth it.
Convenience and Organization
A lot of board bags come with some sort of storage option, that makes it easier to keep your gear organized. Many bags feature:
Pockets: Great for fins, leashes, wax, and other essentials you need in one place.
Straps: Padded shoulder straps make it easier to carry your board. Straps make life way easier, especially when you’ve got a long walk with your board down to the beach.
Resale Value
Taking good care of your surfboard helps keep it looking good. If you decide to upgrade or sell your board, a well-preserved board will probably get you a little more money. A surfboard bag is an investment in maintaining your board’s condition.
The Argument Against Surfboard Bags
The Price Of A Surfboard Bag
High-quality surfboard bags can be expensive. With that said, even so-called cheap board bags can be a little pricey. Depending on the brand, size, and features, it can cost you over $200. For surfers on a tight budget, this expense might seem unnecessary.
Are Surfboard Bags Worth It Or Overkill for Beginner Surfers?
For those of you who are beginner surfers with a soft top surfboard, I would say a bag is not needed. Some might argue that you still need one, but for a cheap soft top, you’ll be ok without one. If you’re really into surfing you’ll be upgrading to a hard board soon enough!
If you happen to live close enough to the beach to walk or ride a bike so you can surf, you may think you don’t need a board bag. Until one windy day when you lose control and you drop your board on a curb and crack the hell out of it.
Maybe you’re planning to keep your surfboard stored safely and out of the way in a shed or a garage. Sounds like a good plan until the unexpected happens.
How Much Do Surfboard Bags Cost?
This is a little bit of a complicated question because it depends on the size of your surfboard for the most part. Price can vary depending on brand, size as well as time of year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other “big” sales days of the year you can find some BIG discounts.
Here are a couple of low-cost brands and a few premium surfboard brands that make surfboard bags.
Ho Stevie Day Bag:
Available in sizes between 6′ ($85) and 9’6″ ($95)
Check them out at the Ho! Stevie Amazon Store
Oceanbroad Day Bag:
Available in sizes between 5′ ($60) and 10′ ($100)
Check them out at Amazon.com
FCS Day Bags:
Available in sizes between 5′ ($90) and 10’2″ ($220)
Check out board bags at FCS.com
Creatures of Leisure Day Bags:
Available in sizes between 5′ ($105) and 10’6″ ($250)
I managed to find a clearance sale and picked up a bag for my 9’6″ for $125 and I love it!
Check them out at creaturesofleasure.com
Dakine Surfboard Day Bags:
Available in sizes between 5’8″ ($105) and 11′ ($180)
Check them out at dakine.com
This list is of course only to give you an idea of what a day bag is going to cost. There are at least a ton of other brands making day bags for surfboards out there. Now let’s take a quick look at how much a surfboard travel bag costs.
Prolite Board Bags:
1-2 Surfboards – Available in sizes between 6’0″ ($230) and 9’6″ ($305)
2-4 Surfboards – Available in sizes between 6’6″ ($355) and 10’0″ ($530)
Check them out at prolite.com
FAQs
Do I really need a surfboard bag?
A surfboard bag is a smart investment if you travel frequently or want to keep your board in excellent condition. It protects your board from damage during transport, ensuring it stays in top shape.
How do I clean my surfboard bag?
The best way to clean your surfboard bag is to rinse it with fresh water after each use and let it dry completely before storing it. This practice helps prevent mold and keeps the bag’s zippers and materials in good working order.
How do I choose the right surfboard bag for my needs?
When choosing a surfboard bag, consider how often you travel, the size of your board, and the level of protection you need. If you surf locally, a lightweight board sock may be enough. For frequent or long-distance travel, a bag with extra padding is the best option.
What should I do if my surfboard bag gets wet?
If your surfboard bag gets wet, rinse it with fresh water as soon as possible to remove salt and dirt. Then, let it air dry completely before using it again or storing it. This will help prevent mold and keep the materials in good condition.
Can I use a surfboard bag for other types of boards?
Yes, many surfboard bags can be used for other boards like paddleboards or even snowboards. However, be sure that the bag is the right size and shape for your board, as some bags are designed specifically for surfboards.
Are there eco-friendly options for surfboard bags?
Some brands offer surfboard bags made from recycled or sustainable materials. If eco-friendliness is important to you, look for products that focus on sustainable production and environmentally safe materials.
Conclusion – Worth It or Waste of Money?
So, are surfboard bags worth it or a waste of money? The answer, for me anyway, is a surfboard bag is totally worth it. The protection, convenience, and potential resale value is worth the cost.
For those of you who have read this far and don’t believe a surfboard bag is worth it, I get it. Remember though, surfboards and surfboard repair are both pricey. So do yourself a favor and get protection before something happens to your board.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Let us know what you think! Drop a comment below or shoot us a message on the contact page to share your story with us.
