Different Kinds Of Surfboard Socks

By Dennis Scott


Nicks and scratches and dings are notorious with surfboards. Storing and transporting them is precarious since they are often stacked with others. It is important to protect them by providing surfboard socks or other cases to keep them from being damaged. The cover will minimize the damage and keep the board finish looking great. Depending on your needs, there are several options available to make them last longer.

Three types of protective covers dominate the industry. Each one is a step up from the previous. Using a sock is the most basic type of protection and is a step up from using towels for protection. The next two types are bags with varying thickness of the padding. Any of these can protect the surfboard from scratches and some will go even further. The other two types are called bags and coffins.

A sock is the first and most basic version of protective covering. These are made from the lightweight material, making them easy to store. They are basically a step up from using a towel for protection. They are not going to keep boards cool in the sun and care should be taken to make sure the wax doesn't melt inside the case.

The next step up is called the bag. It is lightweight but very sturdy. Most come with a handle making them easy to carry. The material includes a small amount of padding that provides two types of protection. The first is making it better at protecting from bumps and dings. The second and just as important is the ability to keep the board cool in the sun. This will keep the wax from melting and protect the board from fading. If you spend much time at the beach, which you should as a surfer, having one of these will make a big difference.

The last is referred to as a coffin. The shape is bulkier than the other two because it is designed to transport several boards at once. They also have about 10 millimeters of padding for added protection. This type is great for airplane or overseas travel where there is more risk of damage from other people handling it. It also is great at keeping the boards cool in the sun. Combining this with individual socks makes for a great pairing of protection.

Custom designs are available. The sock version has several designs that are typical. You can also order a custom design to personalize your board. Many different outlets offer this option. Company logos are a popular design. Many surfers are also artistic in nature and come up with their own preferred design for their equipment. A matching logo can be placed on both your board and the sock.

Many people are turning to do it yourself options. Since socks, bags, and coffins are not cheap, sometimes it is best to make your own. Some of the sock designs do not use flexible materials which makes it hard to get the board in and out. By using Lycra you can make it a bit more flexible and easy to use. You'll get the same protection and be able to choose your own design.

It is incredibly important to protect your surfboard from the sun and damage due to travel. Having a smooth and well-waxed board makes all the difference on the waves. Protect your investment by providing the right coverage for the environment you are in. If you're traveling, get a sturdy bag to protect the board from baggage handlers. With a little investment, you can protect it and make it last longer.




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