🏄‍♀️ To fly or not to fly with your surfboard ✈️

👋 Happy New Order! We’re mixing it up this week—less heavy opinions, more fun stuffs, and newsworthy drama. A poem. What could possibly go wrong? 😜

🏄‍♀️ Let’s surf:

• To fly or not to fly with your surfboard ✈️

• Hydrofoilers have all the fun 🤩

• Just go left at Mavericks 👈

• Need room to surf? 🏠

• Even more surf news 🗞️

• Meet Olo 🐓

• From the perfect wave 🔜 the watery grave

^SURFODRAMA

😱 To fly or not to fly with your surfboard ✈️

First of all, if you’re reading this—congratulations! A surf trip is in your future.

To fly or not to fly with your surfboard… it’s not a simple yes or no. There are so many things to consider. But the most important one isn’t whether—it’s why.

Why do you want to fly with your surfboard?

I see surfers falling into two camps: the performers and the pragmatics.

⚖️ Your “to fly or not or not to fly with your surfboard” camp
Some surfers strongly believe that confidence in the surf comes from familiarity and wouldn’t be parted from their boards for fear of missing out on better performance in good waves.

Especially if local rentals are a bit of a shitshow. If time is of the essence, having a board you’re familiar with and comfortable on means you won’t be wasting any of your sessions adapting. And there, of course, is the unquantifiable: if you have a fancy, non-beginner board, the locals may look at you with silent admiration rather than disdain. If you’re driven by performance and have a bit of a regular surfer ego, you will fly with your surfboard.

Other surfers are more pragmatic. They may be primarily concerned with airlines breaking their boards or having to pay extraordinary fees for transport. Is the stress and hassle of it all worth it? Possibly not, and it’s fun trying new boards even if the cost works out higher than bringing your own.

We’re here to make it easier for you to make these decisions. Let’s tackle it one by one. But before we begin, let me say it, and then repeat several times in this story: always check your airline’s surfboard policy.

Do not rely on any information that you read on any website that is not your airline’s official website (i.e. Surfline has a guide from 2024 or Google’s AI overview), because these policies change pretty often. Better still, call customer service so you have proof of their advice on record—I would, but then again I am slightly paranoid and generally over-prepared.

😂 Can you even?
Before we jump into the actual financial consideration of transporting your board across the world versus renting one, consider a simpler question: can you even get your board on the plane?

If you’re a shortboarder, carry on. But if your board exceeds certain parameters, the airline you fly with may not allow it at all. Typically, airlines limit the overall size of a board to 115 linear inches (that’s your length + width + height).

Most surfboards are 20″–23″ wide and 2.5″–3.25″ thick, so it’s the length that will tip you over. If you’re surfing a six footer, it will easily fit under 115 linear inches, but a 7’6” in a bag (oh yes, it’s the board in the bag that counts) may trigger oversized fees or you may not even be able to fly at all. I don’t want to think about you having to make a decision between not flying at all or flying out without your board and leaving it with the agent, who then decides to adopt it. Check the airline policy.

🚗 How will you get it to and fro?
Minor point, and hopefully you have friends who can help, or robust public transport that will allow you to get the board and all your luggage easily to the airport and from the airport to your destination

If you’re not hiring a car and bringing your surf racks, this may complicate things further.

🤷‍♀️ Wouldn’t it be just easier to rent?
If you’re not one of the performance-driven surfers, it may sometimes be cheaper to rent a board than fly your surfboard over. Providing, of course, there are rental places nearby and they offer a selection of boards to your satisfaction at a reasonable cost.

The advantage may be that you get to try out a few new boards. Also—if you’re staying in a hotel that doesn’t provide board storage—it may be less hassle to get a board on an hourly or daily basis.

But make sure you check the opening times if you’re into dawn patrols or nighttime surfing. This may be a make or break whether you fly with your surfboard.

If only your own board will do then…

🤑 Can you handle the cost?
Throughout history, there have been a few surfboard companies that have attempted to make collapsible or foldable surfboards, with a simple pitch: now you can stick it in your suitcase and take it anywhere. Anyone here lucky enough to own a foldable surfboard? Precisely.

There are nice airlines that let you check in your board bag as checked luggage and there are not-so-nice airlines that will charge you oversize fees. The same airline’s niceness may differ depending on the route or whether a flight is direct or has a stopover.

We’re talking about anything from zero dollars (if you get your checked luggage for free) to a hundred-plus dollars. Reminder: always check your airline’s policy and make sure your board bag is within the measurement and weight limits.

Because if you decide to fly with two surfboards (usually the limit), it may tip you over the weight limit, typically 50 lbs. Your board bag can be heavier than the limit, but then it will drift into the oversize territory.

Lest we forget about the cost of a delayed or lost board. You may recoup it down the line, but the risk of getting your vacation ruined still exists. But, but, but…

👩‍🔧 Can you live with dings?
You know how when your suitcase gets badly damaged during air transport you are entitled to compensation? Now try to file a claim for dings or scratches or even a break. Who’s to tell that the board wasn’t broken before you put it in the bag?

Your beloved board is damaged, or you don’t even have a board to surf on and have to rent one anyway. Okay. It doesn’t happen that often.

Based on our research, there are plenty of surfers who traveled with their boards and never experienced any issues. This may also be dependent on what your board is made of. I once had an epoxy board that was simply indestructible and most likely terrible for the environment. Some boards are more delicate. Which brings us to…

🧳 How do I pack this thing?
Volumes have been written about how to pack your board for its flying adventure. I have flown across the Atlantic with both guitars and surfboards, and nothing gives you more peace of mind than a super sturdy bag or case.

And these board bags can get really expensive. Like, surfboard-price expensive in the $300–$600 range. The big plus is the extra space for wetsuits, extra fins, and overflow soft luggage items.

The airlines require that the fins are removed before checking in your bag. Then it’s the issue of wrapping your surfboard into a cocoon to prevent any damage. Inflatable pool noodles are very popular for protecting the rails, as well as foam pipe insulation. Bubble wrap at will: the nose and tail, the top and bottom, and finally encase your board in extra clothes.

🤔 Or you could…
Flying with a surfboard or renting a surfboard are not the only options at your disposal. You could also buy a board at your destination and either sell it after you’re done with it, leave it with a new friend (big karma points), or fly back with it. If you’re certain you will be flying back with a surfboard, plan ahead and bring your board bag with you.

Honestly, only after you’ve flown a few times with a surfboard will you know for sure what works for you. Because the cost/risk analysis will depend on every destination and airline. Our advice to beginners—treat this as your opportunity to try something new. No need to check in your Wavestorm. We know you wouldn’t.

^{SURF STORY OF THE WEEK}

🤩 Hydrofoilers have all the fun

Not fair. Why do hydrofoilers get to have all the fun?

A hydrofoil surfer in Hawai’i, Eric Sterman, had one of those moments that is equal parts “this is why I surf” and “I’m never going in the ocean again.”

He was filming himself riding when a massive whale suddenly breached right next to him—close enough that you can hear the sheer disbelief in his voice as he yells, “Are you kidding me?” The whale slaps its tail, sending a huge splash through the water, and then just… disappears back into the ocean like nothing happened.

😬 This happens every day…not
What’s wild is that Eric said seeing whales out there isn’t unusual for him. It’s actually pretty common. What’s not common is catching something like this on camera, especially in choppy conditions where visibility is limited and you’re mostly just trying to stay upright and not eat it.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t that fun. Just a reminder that these animals are enormous and mostly invisible until they’re suddenly not. Whale tail slaps are thought to be used for communication or to stun prey.

Dealer’s choice in this scenario. But the video is positively insane.

^{SURF PIC OF THE WEEK}

👈 Just go left at Mavericks

We were today years old when we learned that you can go left at Mavericks thanks to a pic of Will Skudin—a pro surfer from Long Beach, New York—captured by Fred Pompermayer.

It seems that every surfer on earth wants to surf Pipeline, but still, there are very few shouting from the rooftops that they want to surf Mavericks in Northern California.

If you’re into learning more about Mavericks, may we recommend a story featuring yours truly and Gerard Butler.

👉 Read “I loved how you almost died at Mavericks”

^{ALL THINGS SURF DIRECTORY}

🏠 Need room to surf?

All Things Surf Directory is growing—we just added the surf-side lodging listings!

We got upcoming surf retreats and events, recommended surf businesses and community listings. Browsing is free, posting is free.

We’re aiming to make it the number one destination for all things surf. You know, aiming low. 😜

👉 Check out the directory

^{THE WIPEOUT WEEKLY SURF NEWS ROUNDUP}

🗞️ Cyclone in Aus. Hawaii goes high school. Maverick’s Zoe. More Waco. Surfing in Gaza.

🌊 Cyclone swell incoming for Australia
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is sending a long, clean, multi-day swell to Australia’s east coast, with waves building from fun to seriously pumping.

🏄‍♀️ Hawaii makes surfing a high school sport
Hawaiʻi has officially launched its first statewide high school surfing championship, bringing the sport into the formal school system at scale.

🌊 19-year-old charging Maverick’s the right way
Zoe Chait is rising through the big wave ranks with a grounded, earn-your-place approach that’s getting serious respect on the North Coast.

🏠 Wave pool living is now a thing
Waco Surf is building a $1.6M surf community around artificial waves, pushing surfing further into the “live here, not visit” territory.

💔 Surfing in Gaza is barely surviving
War has devastated Gaza’s surf community, leaving only a handful of surfers and boards while some still risk everything to get in the water. The Intertia has a big feature on it.

👉 Read the full news roundup

^HOUSEKEEPING

🏄‍♀️ Ads or stickers? No need to decide now. Just meet Olo.

There are no ads in The Wipeout Weekly. No subscriptions either. Publishing a listing on the All Things Surf Directory is also free.

That’s why we wax lyrical about Da Merch. But you know… whenever you’re ready. And then, use a promo code for 20% off: SURFGOOD

For now, meet our mascot—Olo the Rooster 🐓

Olo—confidence incarnate.
Not your average Hawaiian rooster.
Claims he rode Pipeline once—no photos.
Says he taught Duke the headstand trick.
Doesn’t wear a leash, but a total stickler for lineup rules.

👉 Click here. Be our hero

^{SURF POEM OF THE WEEK}

🌊 The perfect wave 🔜 the watery grave (figuratively, we hope)

This is a fun wee poem by Shel Silverstein—who, it turns out, was evidently obsessed with riding the perfect wave.

It goes like this:

Dave McGunn was a surfin’ bum, half–crazed by the blazin’ sun.
From Waikiki to the Bering Sea, he rode ’em one by one.
Now he hung offshore ’bout a mile or more, out where the dolphins played,
And his wild eyes gleamed as he schemed and dreamed
To ride the perfect wave.

👉 Keep reading—it’s worth it

^{ALL THINGS THE WIPEOUT WEEKLY}

_{The Wipeout Weekly—our home and digital magazine.
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The Wipeout Weekly podcast—daily surf stories and weekly* guests.
All Things Surf Directory—surf retreats, learn to surf, classifieds, surf-side lodging, you name it.
Girls Who Can’t Surf Good—an 86k-member-strong private group on Facebook.}
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⬆️ Aaaaaaand that was the last wave of the week!
If a friend forwarded this and you liked it, hit subscribe & join us! We will see you all next week! 🌊