Types Of Surfboard Socks And Other Protection

By Steven Johnson


Serious surfers and professionals take care of their equipment. They know that the investment they made in a top quality board, the time they put into polish and wax it, and the practice on the waves is all for naught if they do not provide surfboard socks and other types of protection when it is not in use. The sun, the sand, the vehicles, and even getting it in and out of the van could cause damage that makes it unusable. Investing in the board means investing in protection for it as well.

There are a couple of types available. The first is the sock that provides basic protection and can be used in conjunction with the other types. The bag is a step up and has some padding. The most protective device is called the coffin because of its size. Using them for the various levels needed is a good idea to protect your investment.

Socks are basic and provide the first level of protection. This is like putting on sunscreen. The first level of protection keeps it clean and is exactly how it should be stored. When on the beach it can also keep the sand from caking on to the underside wax build up. Though these can be used for nearby transport it is recommended that you have a second level of protection if the board is going to be sitting in the hot sun for hours.

Bags are the next step up in the evolution. They include padding that keeps the board from being damaged in daily forms. Putting the board in your vehicle for transportation to the beach is a common time when damage occurs. Another time is from being in the sun. Since wax is usually built up on the board to help it slide through the water, the bag, with its padding, helps keep it cool and shaded from the sun so the wax doesn't melt. This is a feature that just the sock will not provide.

The largest and most protective type is the coffin. It's big and can hold several boards at once. This is why they call it the coffin. You still need to have each board covered in its own sock. The coffin has nice, thick padding that will help protect them from airport baggage handlers and situations where they could really get hit hard. Traveling long distance without this almost ensures it will arrive with dings and scratches.

Logos and other custom designs are very popular amongst professional surfers. The sponsors will usually pay for the larger bags and coffins and include their logo along with the design for the surfer. Those that are not professional can also have their own brand included to show off how cool and serious they are about surfing.

Self-designed sock styles are a great way to make your own statement. The shape is pretty basic, so you just need to pick the material. Those who make them usually choose Lycra since it is a durable and stretchy material. Plus, it doesn't have to be exact for it to be fitted over the end of the board.

There is absolutely no reason to keep your board in a way that is unprotected. Even if you're just lounging on the beach while you wait for the surf to get going, you should protect it from the sun and sand. Making the investment will give a much longer life to your board and protect it while you travel.




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