Why it's practical
When you travel to the other side of the world in search of the perfect wave, nothing beats having your own board. Why? Because it's tailored to you, your surfing style, and your habits. And above all, because it saves you from having to rent unfamiliar, sometimes poorly maintained, and often expensive equipment. Traveling by plane with your surfboard means choosing peace of mind… provided you're well-prepared.
Don't worry, we'll go over all the essential points for flying with your surfboard.
The cost of transporting a surfboard by plane
When travelling by plane with a surfboard, it's important to know that transport fees can vary significantly from one airline to another. Some airlines include this type of equipment in their standard baggage allowance . provided the board meets the permitted dimensions and weight limits. Others apply fixed fees for sports equipment, without really taking into account the weight and size of your board bag.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises at check-in, it is strongly recommended that you consult your airline's specific terms and conditions before departure. This will allow you to anticipate any potential additional costs and plan your trip with complete peace of mind.
Some examples of fees charged by airlines at airports:
What is the price for a Newave folding surfboard?
|
Company |
Price for a board |
Regulation |
|
Air France |
Between €65 and €100 |
300 cm (L + L + H) and 23 kg maximum |
|
EasyJet |
€72 |
32 kg maximum |
|
Ryanair |
€60 |
20 kg maximum |
|
Transavia |
€60 |
32 kg and 360 cm (L + L + H) maximum |
|
Volotea |
€80 |
32 kg maximum |
|
Swiss |
€80 and over |
32 kg and 315 cm (L + L + H) maximum |
The 300cm rule
Not all airlines treat surfboards the same way, and it's essential to understand their criteria before booking a ticket. Most carriers apply a limit based on the sum of the dimensions of the boardbag: length + width + height ≤ 300 cm .
This rule is often misinterpreted: it doesn't mean you can take a 3-meter board with you, because once packed with the bag, rails, foam padding, and fins, you easily exceed this limit. In practice, a shortboard (between 5'6" and 6'6", or about 170 to 200 cm) generally fits within the limits, even with a well-padded bag. On the other hand, a 9'0" longboard (≈ 274 cm) almost always exceeds the 300 cm limit once packed, even if it seems "short" in terms of pure length.
As a result, many airlines simply refuse longboards or impose very high fees, sometimes even requiring special freight transport. That's why it's essential to check the length of your board, as well as the width and thickness of your entire bag, before setting off, especially if you're traveling with a bulky model.
NEWAVE BOARD vs CLASSIC BOARD
NEWAVE Longboard: 110*55*25 cm , or 190 cm
CLASSIC LONGBOARD: 276.0 cm x 57.0 cm x 66 cm, or 399 cm
Air travel is sometimes complicated
Flying with a surfboard offers true freedom once you arrive at your destination, but this choice isn't without its drawbacks. Indeed, air travel often presents surfers with its share of mishaps. Before packing your board bag, it's best to be aware of the main risks involved in order to better prevent them.
Here are some examples:
Brutal manipulations
Board bags are often carelessly tossed onto conveyor belts under other heavy luggage (ski bags, golf bags, etc.), which can cause cracks or even break the nose or tail. The resulting damage will require repair time and money, so you won't be able to use your board.
Limited support from companies
Without a rigid board bag or immediate claim upon arrival, airlines often absolve themselves of all responsibility in case of breakage.
Complete breakdown
Surfers have had several of their boards broken in two after being stolen. This type of damage is not uncommon, even with reinforced security measures.
The proof is in the picture:
- Professional surfer Alex Gray found four of his five surfboards broken after a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles. He shared a video on social media of opening his board bag upon arrival.
- Jérémy Flores , a professional surfer, found his board completely broken in its bag upon arrival. He shared a video of his board in such a state.
- John John Florence , borrowed from the company JetBlue and also found himself with damage upon arrival of his boardbag.
Traveling by plane with your skateboard: a few tips
When you frequently fly with your board, you eventually learn a few tricks to avoid getting hassled at the check-in counter. One classic: discreetly slip your foot under your board bag during the weigh-in. This can shave a few kilos off the scale, and sometimes it's what saves you from unexpected fees. Another tip that works well: don't mention how many boards you're carrying. Many airlines charge "per board," but if you pack two boards neatly into a single bag, it's easily passed off as one.
Also avoid flashy bags, those with "SURF" written in large letters or brand logos. It's best to be discreet to avoid raising suspicion. And of course, always pack your wetsuit, towels, and clothes around your board: it cushions the impact and frees up space in the rest of your luggage. Be aware that some airlines may ask you to open your bag, and others don't allow clothing or anything else in addition to your boards. Read their terms and conditions on the website before going to the check-in counter! So yes, it's still a bit of a gamble at every check-in… but with these little tips, you'll avoid a lot of hassle (and extra money).
Renting or buying locally: an option to consider
It would be dishonest not to mention other possible solutions when travelling to surf, including renting or buying a board directly on site.
Renting a surfboard can be very convenient, especially if you're staying at a single spot or going on a short trip. It's a stress-free option, with no logistics to manage and no airfare costs. However, the boards available for rent are often standard models, and the quality can vary from one surf shop to another. The cost can also quickly add up, with prices ranging from €20 to €40 per day in the most touristy areas.
The other alternative is to buy a board locally. This can be a good option if you're staying for several weeks, especially in Asia or Latin America where you can sometimes find great deals. The advantage is that you can find a model suited to local conditions and keep it for the entire duration of your stay. However, you have to be prepared to spend some time on it upon arrival and resell the board before leaving, which isn't always easy.
For certain types of travel, these solutions can really be worthwhile, provided they are planned well in advance.
Traveling with your NEWAVE board
Newave and the removable board
At Newave, we know these hassles well. In fact, that's what motivated us to embark on the adventure of creating collapsible surfboards , designed to simplify travel (and storage), especially on airplanes.
- Newave boards can be disassembled into two or three pieces depending on the model.
- Once packed in a specially designed wheeled bag to protect the boards during transport, they comply with the weight and dimensions allowed on airplanes.
- You transport your board in a suitable bag that is accepted by the companies.
- No more crossing your fingers about the condition of your board upon arrival.
Discover Newave's demountable boards by clicking here!
Traveling by plane with a A removable board is also an economical and practical choice. No more transport hassles or expensive rentals on site. You travel with peace of mind, with your own compact and easy-to-carry equipment, avoiding unexpected problems. It's the ideal solution for surfing more often, without sacrificing comfort or performance.
And our boards are modular ! That means you can interchange the parts to create new shapes, depending on the waves, your style, or your desires!
Conclusion
Taking your surfboard on a plane is a great opportunity to travel further and discover the world's most beautiful surf spots. However, airline regulations and standard surfboard dimensions can sometimes complicate the adventure.
The solution? Anticipate by choosing suitable equipment… like a Newave folding board, compact, high-performance, and designed for your air travel.
Find us
📍2 Titouan Lamazou Alley
85340 Les Sables-d'Olonne
Or contact us
📞07.82.86.43.84
✒️contact@newavesurf.fr