The Ultimate Surfboard Travel Guide: Everything You Need Before You Chase Waves

There’s nothing better than packing your boards, escaping the routine, and chasing perfect waves in a new part of the world. But as exciting as surf trips are, they can quickly turn stressful without the right prep. From board protection and travel accessories to wax and wetsuits, here’s your comprehensive guide to travelling with your surf gear—featuring some essentials inspired by our favourites available at Welcome Boardstore.

1. Travel Board Bag: Your Quiver’s Best Friend

If there’s one piece of gear you must get right, it’s your surfboard travel bag. Airlines are notoriously rough on luggage, and a dinged or snapped board on day one is every surfer’s nightmare. Look for a multi-board coffin-style bag with padding at least 10mm thick and a reinforced nose and tail area. Bags from brands like Creatures of Leisure, Ocean & Earth and Channel Islands offer trusted durability and travel features like compression straps, stash pockets, and heat-reflective lining.

Don’t forget to pack some bubble wrap or foam pipe insulation around rails for extra protection—and always tape your fins if they’re fixed.

A day pack isn't a bad idea either!

2. Fins, Leashes & Spares

Make sure you bring removable fins (FCS II or Futures), and take a backup set—there’s nothing worse than snapping a fin and finding out the nearest surf shop is hours away or super pricey. The same goes for leashes—pack a spare or two in case of reef breaks or leash snaps in bigger surf. Compact fin wallets like those from FCS and Futures help keep everything tidy and accessible when you need it most.

3. Wetsuits & Rashies: Know the Water Temps

Check the forecast for water temps before you go. Tropical destinations will only need boardshorts and rash vests, while southern hemisphere winter spots (like NZ, Chile or South Africa) may require a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit. Brands like Patagonia, Ripcurl, and O'Neill make reliable, travel-ready suits. Always rinse your wetsuit and dry it out of direct sun—consider packing a wet bag for post-surf transport.

4. Wax, Sunscreen & Surf Accessories

These seem small, but they’re often forgotten. Bring wax for the appropriate water temps (cool, warm, or tropical), and consider a wax comb, small ding repair kit (Seacured is a classic), and reef booties if you're hitting sharp breaks. And don’t skip on surf zinc and high-SPF sunscreen—sunburn on day one is the fast track to surf misery for the rest of the trip.

5. Travel Documents

Double check airline board bag fees and baggage size limits too—some charge extra for anything over 6’6”. And if you’re renting a car or van, make sure roof racks or tie-downs are sorted (many tie-down straps fit easily into your board bag, so bring your own!).

6. Bonus Must-Haves

• Multi-tool with fin key and wax comb

• Microfibre towel for quick-dry convenience

• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated between sessions)

• GoPro mount or surf camera if you want to capture the action

• First aid kit (reef cuts and fin slices happen) Important!!

Final Word

Whether you're heading to Bali, Byron, or beyond, travelling with your surfboard can be the most rewarding part of the surf lifestyle—if you’re prepared. With the right travel gear, smart packing, and a little planning, your surf adventure will be smoother, safer, and way more fun. 

Need help kitting out your travel quiver? Drop into Welcome Boardstore—our crew has travelled far and wide, and we’ve stocked everything you need to make your next surf mission the best one yet. 🌊🛫🏄

Shop All of this at Welcome Boardstore! Just Click the Links!