Surfboards are more than just equipment; they’re high-value items that need careful handling. But when it comes time to ship them, you may not know where to start.
Whether you’re shipping a personal surfboard or have an online surfboard business, we’ve got you covered. We’re experts at shipping heavy and bulky items, and surfboards are no exception.
Below, learn how to ship a surfboard safely, from preparation and packaging to choosing the right carrier. Let’s ensure your board arrives intact and ready to hit the waves.
PRO TIP: If you sell surfboards or other large products, partnering with a 3PL that specializes in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment—like Red Stag Fulfillment—can save you money (especially on shipping surcharges for large items) and let you focus on what really moves the needle in your business.
To learn more about how we can handle the heavy lifting of your fulfillment operations, reach out today.
A step-by-step guide to shipping your surfboard
Navigating the surfboard shipping process doesn’t have to be daunting. Follow these steps to ensure your board arrives safely at its destination.
Prepare and inspect your surfboard
01
Proper surfboard prep is crucial for a safe shipping experience.
Start by removing the fins—they’re delicate and prone to damage during transit. If you’re unsure how to remove them, consult your board’s manual or watch this quick tutorial:
Once removed, clean and store the fins separately.
Next, follow these steps to clean the surfboard so it arrives in perfect condition:
01
Use a wax comb to strip off old wax, working from nose to tail.
02
Clean the entire board with surfboard cleaner or warm, soapy water.
03
Let it dry completely before packaging to prevent moisture damage and mold.
04
Carefully inspect your board for any pre-existing damage. Look for dings, cracks, or other issues.
PRO TIP: Take clear photos of the surfboard before shipping, paying special attention to any existing dings or cracks. This visual record will be invaluable in case you need to file a claim later should any damage occur during shipping.
Decide if you want to handle the packaging
02
When it comes to packaging your surfboard, you have two options: tackle it yourself or entrust it to shipping experts.
Both UPS and FedEx offer professional packaging services that eliminate the frustration of DIY packaging.
Carriers provide appropriate boxes and expertly pack your surfboard, potentially offering better protection during transit.
Here’s how it works:
01
Bring your surfboard to a UPS or FedEx location.
02
The staff will select a custom box for your board.
03
They’ll expertly pack the surfboard for maximum protection.
04
Your board is then shipped to your destination.
If you’re willing to pay packing fees in exchange for convenience and expert handling, this option is worth considering.
Gather packaging materials
03
Prefer a DIY approach? While the best protection for your surfboard is a padded board bag, you can still package it safely with the right materials.
You’ll need the following materials to ship boards:
A sturdy cardboard box that fits your board (with about 2″/5 cm extra space on each end)
Bubble wrap or foam padding
Packing peanuts or air cushions
Pipe foam and electrical tape
Packing tape
Large plastic bag
Packing foam sheets (optional)
Utility knife
Expect to spend around $30 to $40 on supplies.
If your box is too long, follow these steps to resize it:
01
Measure your board and cut off excess box length, leaving about 2 inches of space on each end.
02
Keep the folding flaps on one end of the box.
03
Cut new folding flaps on the shortened end.
Wrap and protect your board
04
Properly wrapping and protecting your surfboard is crucial for safe shipping. Follow these steps so it arrives undamaged:
01
Slip the surfboard into a plastic bag to prevent adhesive residue.
02
Secure both ends of the plastic bag with tie wraps or knots.
03
Use packing tape to firmly wrap both ends of the bagged board.
04
Wrap the board with bubble wrap or foam padding. Start at one end and work your way to the other, overlapping as you go to ensure complete coverage.
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Reinforce the nose, tail, and rails with extra bubble wrap or foam padding layers.
06
Cut pipe foam to the length of your board’s rails using a utility knife. Carefully wrap the rails with it for added protection.
07
Cover the entire wrapped board with another layer of bubble wrap, ensuring no areas are left exposed.
08
Secure all the wrapping with electrical tape. Make it snug but not so tight that it compresses the protective layers.
09
Add an extra layer of protection by wrapping the board in packaging foam sheets. Focus on the most vulnerable areas.
PRO TIP: Reapply a thin layer of wax before packing. It adds protection and prevents sticking.
Shipping multiple boards? Here are a few extra tips:
Create barriers between boards using folded foam sheets.
Wrap each board’s rails with additional foam.
Add extra protection to the nose and tail of each board.
When stacking, match boards with similar rocker profiles to prevent pressure points.
Box your surfboard
05
With your surfboard thoroughly wrapped, it’s time to box it up safely:
01
Slide the board into the box: Gently place your wrapped surfboard into the box. It should fit snugly without bending.
02
Pack multiple boards together: If you’re shipping more than one board, create a “board sandwich” by taping them together before boxing. This method is similar to how skis are often packed.
03
Fill empty spaces: Use foam or bubble wrap to stuff both ends of the box, protecting the nose and tail. Add padding along the sides to keep the board centered and secure.
04
Aim for a snug fit: The goal is to prevent your surfboard from moving during transit.
PRO TIP: After packing, gently shake the box. If you’ve packed it securely, the surfboard shouldn’t move around inside.
Seal and label the package
06
Now, it’s time to put the final touches on your surfboard shipment.
Use high-quality packing tape to securely close all seams of the box or bag, making sure no gaps remain.
Create a sturdy tape handle across the top for easier carrying.
Add extra protection to the nose and tail of each board.
Attach any required customs forms for international shipments.
Print and securely attach the shipping label with complete sender and recipient information.
Add “Fragile” and “Handle With Care” labels to the outside of the box.
PRO TIP: To minimize the chances of a lost package, double-check that the label includes the sender’s and recipient’s full names, correct addresses, and contact information.
Choose a shipping method
07
When shipping a surfboard, various factors can affect what you’ll pay.
Size and weight (most carriers—like UPS and FedEx—have a 150 lb/68 kg limit. USPS has a 70 lb limit.)
Dimensions (carriers use dimensional weight if it exceeds actual weight)
Destination and desired delivery time. Ground, air, and sea transportation each have different price points and transit times that vary based on distance and speed.
Shipping zones (more zones = higher cost)
PRO TIP: Use our Dimensional Weight Calculator to estimate costs based on your surfboard box’s dimensions.
If you use UPS or FedEx, it’s important to keep their size and weight limits for standard shipping in mind.
Tony Runyan, Chief Client Officer at Red Stag Fulfillment, shares some insight into shipping surfboards with these carriers:
Packages shipped via UPS or FedEx can’t exceed 108 inches in length, 165 inches in combined length and girth, or 150 pounds in weight. Any package surpassing one or more of these limits may incur a $1,250 ground unauthorized fee.
Tony Runyan
Chief Client Officer at Red Stag Fulfillment
ALERT: Packages that weigh more than 75 pounds (34 kg) need a heavy package label. If you’re shipping multiple boards, pay close attention to the total weight.
Selecting a carrier
When considering shipping carriers, prioritize those with experience shipping surfboards and oversized items. Major carriers offering domestic and international surfboard shipping include UPS and FedEx. They’re your most reliable options for both domestic and international shipping.
NOTE: As of this writing, USPS and DHL do not provide shipping services for surfboards or similarly large items.
Each carrier provides different rates and services designed to accommodate oversized items like surfboards. To get an accurate cost estimate, use the following shipping calculators:
The table below provides a quick comparison of shipping costs for a 10-pound (4.5 kg) surfboard in an 81” x 25” x 7” surfboard box from Los Angeles to New York City:
| Carrier | Overnight | 2 business days | 3-5 business days |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $1,260 | $988 | $409 |
| FedEx | $1,587 | $1,291 | $499 |
| DHL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | N/A | N/A | N/A |
For international shipments, here’s an example of surfboard shipping costs from NYC to London:
| Carrier | 1-3 business days | 3-5 business days |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $1,916 | $1,497 |
| FedEx | $2,804 | $1,749 |
| DHL | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | N/A | N/A |
Shipping more than one surfboard? Bundle them together. Assuming you don’t exceed the maximum box size and weight, you can ship multiple boards at a similar price as shipping one, which can significantly reduce your per-board shipping cost.
Arrange pickup or drop-off
08
Now that your surfboard is safely packed, it’s time to get it on its way.
You have two main options:
- Home pickup
Many shipping services offer convenient pickup from your home address. This can save you time and effort, especially if you’re shipping a large board. - Drop the package off at a shipping facility
This option may be cheaper with some couriers, so it’s worth comparing rates.
PRO TIP: For potential cost savings of 20–50%, look into shipping to and from a business address instead of a residential one. Many carriers offer discounted rates for commercial deliveries.
Receiving the surfboard
09
To ensure a smooth delivery process and protect both parties, provide the recipient with these instructions:
- Unpack in front of the delivery person.
Advise the recipient to unpack and inspect the surfboard while the delivery person is still present. - Check for damage.
Encourage a close examination for any signs of damage. They should pay particular attention to the nose, tail, rails, deck, and bottom of the board. - Don’t sign until the inspection is complete.
Instruct the recipient not to sign for the delivery until they’ve thoroughly examined the surfboard. - Understand the acknowledgment.
Remind them that their signature confirms receipt of the surfboard in its current condition. After signing, it becomes much harder to claim shipping damage. - Document any issues.
If the recipient notices damage that wasn’t present before shipping, instruct them to document it with photos and refuse the delivery if necessary.
Important considerations for shipping a surfboard
Shipping surfboards can be tricky due to their distinctive shape and weight. Here’s what requires special attention:
Surfboard protection
We’ve already highlighted the importance of careful packaging, but we can’t stress enough how vital it is to safeguard your surfboard’s most vulnerable areas to ensure safe delivery.
The surfboard’s long, narrow shape is prone to snapping or cracking during transit if you don’t pack it adequately.
Select a sturdy box that provides ample space for cushioning materials. Avoid forcing the board into a tight box, as this leaves no room for necessary protection.
Pay particular attention to the surfboard’s edges, nose, and tail, as these areas are the most susceptible to damage. Use extra padding around these points to absorb any impacts during transit.
Fin protection
If you’ve removed the fins from your surfboard, you can pack them in the same box as the board. Wrap each fin individually in bubble wrap for protection.
After securing your surfboard in the box, place the wrapped fins next to it, making sure they don’t touch the board directly. Use extra padding like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to fill any gaps around the fins, preventing them from shifting during transit.
International shipping
For international shipments, select a courier service, freight company, or third-party logistics provider (3PL) that’s experienced with transporting large items like surfboards across borders.
UPS and FedEx are reliable options that can help you navigate the complexities of global shipping while minimizing damage risk.
Some countries restrict certain types of surfboards or materials. To avoid delays or confiscation at customs, research the regulations for your destination country and check their prohibited items list before shipping.
Additionally, prepare all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth international shipment.
This typically includes:
Color scans of your passport’s picture and signature pages
Completed customs declaration form
Bill of lading
Proof of purchase (if required)
Insurance paperwork
PRO TIP: Opt for shipping insurance when shipping valuable surfboards internationally. While it adds to the cost, insurance provides crucial protection against potential damage or loss during the complex process of international shipping.
Ride the wave of smoother surfboard fulfillment
Don’t let shipping concerns wipe you out. Whether you’re sending a single board or fulfilling hundreds of orders, proper preparation and the right shipping partner can ensure your surfboards arrive safely at their destination.
If you regularly ship surfboards as part of your business, consider partnering with an experienced 3PL provider who can streamline your operations and provide greater peace of mind.
A specialized 3PL like Red Stag Fulfillment offers:
Expertise in handling and shipping fragile, oversized items
Potential cost savings and improved efficiency
Industry-leading guarantees, including a 0% shrinkage policy
Ready to simplify your surfboard shipping process? Reach out to Red Stag Fulfillment today.
