Traveling to the beach for the weekend or a long-term vacation can be exciting. If you like water sports, you might also be an avid surfer. Traveling with surfing equipment, like your surfboard, can be challenging since your equipment takes up space. If your destination is only reachable by train or you want to take the rail for the experience, keep reading this article for a few reminders to keep your trip as smooth as possible.
Learn About Baggage Rules
Before packing your surfboard on a beach trip, remember that different train operators have varying surfboard rules. For instance, suppose you’re going on a surf trip to La Jolla or Misson Beach and taking the train from LA heading to San Diego. Some LA to San Diego train operators allow surfboards, while some don’t.
Researching the train operator you’re taking is critical to know if they allow you to bring your surfboard or other equipment. The fastest way to find out is to call or email the train operator to ask if they have special rules about getting a piece of larger equipment on the train.
Some operators consider surfboards as special items, so they can charge a fee of USD$10 to board the train. Train operators will accept the size and weight of your surfboard, depending on baggage policies.
For example, some operators take surfboards not exceeding 6’4″, while others can go up to 7′. The height requirements of the surfboard sometimes apply differently as a carry-on or checked luggage. Surfboards can reach up to 50 lbs., and you can carry them in some trains. Others will only allow you to bring them to the luggage area.
Passengers must also pack surfboards in a carrying case. Otherwise, staff can remove them from the train. Other train operators won’t allow unpacked surfboards or you can’t hold them responsible if you brought the surfboard along without its bag. The operator’s personnel can also stop you from taking the board if they pose a risk.
Steps To Pack Your Surfboard For Train Travel
Once you get the confirmation that you can bring your surfboard onto the train, you must pack your surfboard properly before getting on.
- Inspect Your Surfboard
Before packing your board, check it to see if it needs repairs or cleaning and re-waxing. Bringing your board with nicks and cracks risks your surfboard for further damage. Inspection applies to surfboards to help you maintain their good condition. The last thing you want is to pack it and find out later that it has damage you haven’t checked. You won’t be able to use your surfboard if the damage is too severe.
- Use An Appropriate-Sized Board Bag
Whether you’re allowed to carry it inside the passenger car or it needs to go to the luggage area, you must always use a board bag that fits your surfboard properly. A bag board can help you avoid damage to your surfboard. And because the train you booked tickets with has baggage policies, you must do your best to follow those rules, such as size guides, if you want a headache-free trip.
The bag board must be six inches longer than your board. If you have multiple boards, find one that’s longer than your most extended board. This bag should provide additional space and cushion for your surfboard.
Some surfing equipment brands also offer board bags with enough room for more than one surfboard. Consider how many surfboards you want to bring to your destination and get an appropriate board bag.
You should also consider factoring in the kind of luggage you have. Carrying your surfboard using a trolley or a bag with wheels makes your life easier. You can also use a plastic hardcover bag to protect your surfboard. However, it can be bulky luggage to keep with you. It’s better to use it when your surfboard needs to go to the luggage area.
- Add Wrapping Layers
When you have the appropriate board bag, you can also add protective layers to your board. Use plastic bubble wrap to cushion your board. You can also use beach towels to help it protect from cracks.
If your surfboard has removable fins, detach them and pack them separately to avoid collision with other passengers and objects. You must ensure to pack your board without protrusions. For example, fins can get in the way of the comfort of other passengers and yours. Also, get polyethylene foam pipe insulation to shield the nose, rails, and tail.
You can also get stickers that say “Handle with Care” or “Fragile” stickers to help remind train staff to take extra care with your surfboard. Your surfboard needs care while traveling. Packing it properly avoids the effects of bumps and falls that damage the board.
Here is also a comprehensive general “how to pack a surfboard” guide.
Conclusion
Boarding any form of transportation with a surfboard or other surfing equipment means you need to remember the baggage policies. When you follow rules, you keep your board, yourself, and other passengers safe. Remember that a surfboard takes up space, which is why train operators treat them as a special item with specific requirements. Packing your surfboard properly keeps it safe, especially when you can’t keep an eye on it the whole time.