Is it worth bringing your own board?
Surf schools and shops along Europe's Atlantic coasts rent boards of every size, so beginners rarely need to bring their own. For experienced surfers, though, a familiar board can make all the difference, particularly on a short trip where you do not want to spend sessions getting used to new equipment.
Portugal's coast, including spots reachable from Lisbon and the western Algarve near Faro, is popular year-round. Ireland's west coast attracts surfers looking for colder, quieter waves.
Packing to avoid dings
Use a padded travel bag rather than a day bag. Remove the fins and pack them separately, then wrap the rails, nose and tail with extra foam, pipe insulation or towels. Many surfers wrap a wetsuit around the board for added protection, which also saves space in your suitcase.
If you are carrying more than one board in a bag, put padding between them and make sure they cannot slide against each other. Mark the bag clearly as fragile and with your contact details.
Booking your board
On AeroVista, surfboards fly as sports equipment at 45 euros per item per flight when booked online. Register them at least 24 hours in advance. Very long boards can be harder to handle, so if you ride a longboard, check the dimensions when you register.
Remove wax before packing or keep it to a minimum, especially if your trip heads somewhere warm, where it can melt onto clothes.
Getting to the waves
Plan the last leg before you fly. Not every taxi can take a board bag, so a pre-booked transfer or a rental car with roof bars is often the easiest option. If renting, ask whether roof racks or soft racks are available, or bring your own soft racks in your luggage.
When you arrive, check the board over carefully before your first session. A small ding left unrepaired will soak up water, and a pocket repair kit is a sensible addition to your luggage.
Leave a little time on arrival day for the board to adjust if it has been in a cold hold, and avoid leaving it in direct sun inside a hot car, where the board and any remaining wax can suffer. A shady spot and a board sock go a long way.
Good to know
- Pack fins, leash and fin key in a separate pouch so nothing scratches the board.
- Bring soft roof racks; they fold small and fit most rental cars.
- Take photos of your board before and after the flight.