The Importance Of Surfboard Socks And Other Equipment

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 many different styles available. But, there are just a few basic types that can be used. The sock provides basic protection. Each level up is designed to provide even more and should be used in conjunction with the sock to make sure the adequate level is provided depending on the circumstances, such as traveling to the local beach or hopping on an airplane for longer distances.

Socks are the least protection you need to have. They are designed as the first defense against sun, sand, and bumps. They fit snugly and protect it from basic elements. There is no padding, but when the board is not in use, the sock should be covering it. Using towels or some other item will not provide enough protection because they can easily slide off.

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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