Surfboard Storage & Travel Tips: Prevent Damage Before It Happens

Dings don’t just happen in the water—many happen in cars, garages, and airports. A few simple habits can save you from the most common (and costly) damage.

At Home

Store boards in shade, off concrete when possible, and away from high heat. Avoid leaning a board where it can fall or be bumped.

In the Car

Use padding on rails, keep heavy objects away from the tail, and never leave a board baking in a closed vehicle.

Travel / Flights

Remove fins, protect the tail and nose, and add internal padding. Treat fin boxes as high-risk zones—they take impacts.

FAQ

Is a board bag enough?

It’s a great start, but add padding at nose/tail and around fin boxes for real protection.

Should I remove fins for travel?

Yes when possible—it reduces leverage and protects boxes from impact.

About the Author

Michael Silverman is the craftsman behind Inland Board Works in Pomona, New York. He specializes in custom surfboard shaping and glassing—reinventing classic, old-school outlines into modern, high-performance wave sliders. Michael works directly with surfers to dial in design, fin setups, and finishes (from sanded to full gloss), and he also handles repairs like ding restoration, fin box replacements, and leash plug fixes. His approach combines hands-on experience, traditional build methods, and a focus on practical performance in real surf conditions.