Surfboard Socks vs. Bags - Which One is Right for Your Board?
Surfboards are an investment. And if you're smart, you protect your investments so they can grow with you over time. But how do you ensure your surfboard stays in good condition over time? The answer lies in choosing the right protection: surfboard bag or sock.
But in this battle of surfboard protectors, who wins? Which one should you choose? Is one better than the other?
We're going to answer all of those questions for you. We'll break down all of the difference between bags and socks: the materials, size & fit, best uses, and costs for each one. And by the end, you'll know exactly what's right for you and your quiver.
SURFBOARD BAG VS. SURFBOARD SOCK - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
You have to protect your surfboard – that's a non-negotiable. Out of the water, your board is easily susceptible to cracks, dings, and even yellowing!
Having to choose between surfboard bags, socks, coffins, and travel bags isn't something that should delay you from buying the right protection. So if that's you, listen up. We're breaking down the exact differences between surfboard bags and socks.
SURFBOARD BAGS
Surfboard bags vary between manufacturers, but they all do the same thing – protect your surfboard from minor cracks, scratches, and UV damage while you're on your way to the local break or another far-out destination. Here's what to expect when shopping for your next bag.
MATERIALS
Surfboard bags are traditionally made from a tarpaulin material with a bit of extra padding between the layers of fabric. Most bags are equipped with a zipper closure system. If not chosen correctly those zippers can break more often than the surfboards so check to make sure non-corrosive rust proof zippers are being used on your surfboard bag.
At Faro, we make our surfboard bags from 600d recycled polyester canvas, which is more rugged than the reflective poly material you are used to seeing and also more sustainable. And just to make sure the zipper doesn't break, we got rid of it entirely on some of our bags, and on others, we sourced a zipper that would not break or fail. Surfboard bags without a zipper make use of a roll-buckle closure system that gives you up to three extra inches of storage space. Surfboard bags with zippers utilize YKK#10 plastic zippers that will never rust!
They're also waterproof and heat resistant, so you don't have to worry about mold growing or wax melting in your bag or getting all over your car seats.
SIZE & FIT
Surfboard bags usually fit true to size. If it's a 9 foot bag, most likely you won't be able to squeeze your 9 '2'' noserider in there, but you will want to check the bag specs or reach out to the brand to see if there is any built in wiggle room.. You'll most likely need to size up to make sure your surfboard fits properly. FAROo offers a variety of sizes from 6 foot to above! And most of our bags have a little wiggle room.
USING A SURFBOARD BAG WITH FINS AND LEASH LEFT ON
Normally, if you buy a 6 foot bag for your 6' surfboard, it's pretty much a coin flip on whether or not you'll be able to zip it shut with the finson. Read through the customer reviews before you buy to see if anyone can answer this question about a particular bag.
We'll save you the trouble – a 6-foot Faro bag fits your 6' shortboard with the fins still on. That's why we built the roll-buckle closure system and added a little extra length to the padded bags. And for all you longboarders out there, even you can keep your fin on. Most board bags have built-in fin slits for large single fins, Faro longboard bags included.
Another thing to worry about is your leash. Obviously, it will fit in most surfboard bags. But it's worth noting that the leash velcro won't stick to the canvas material on all FARO board bags. It might not seem like a big deal, but it's more annoying than you might think.
You can throw your wet wetsuit in there too, the waterproof lining will make sure no water leaks out on your clothes or in your car.
HOW TO USE SURFBOARD BAGS
Surfboard bags are built to handle day-to-day adventures, plus some. They'll protect your board from dings, cracks, and any other accidents that happen while you're chasing waves, thanks to the padding. They'll also protect it from harmful UV rays, which cause yellowingover time. And they're made to be worn with a shoulder strap, turning the laboring chore of carrying a surfboard into an enjoyable experience.
If the only two places that your board lives are in the ocean and in a FARO surfboard bag, it's going to last a lifetime. But if you need a bag to travel through airports and across continents with, you'll need to make sure that you choose the padded surfboard bag option for total protection.
SURFBOARD BAG COSTS
Surfboard bags generally cost more than surfboard socks, usually between $100-250, depending on the brand and the quality. It's a small price to pay to protect your $600+ board. And if you're planning to use one bag for multiple boards, then buying a bag is a no-brainer. It's an investment in your quiver and a good one at that. We saw that value in one bag for multiple boards, which is why all FARO canvas surfboard bags adjust to fit your exact board size.
SURFBOARD SOCKS
Generally speaking, surfboard socks are less protective than surfboard bags. But depending on what you're looking for, that might not be a problem. Here's everything you need to know about board socks.
MATERIALS
Surfboard socks are made from a soft, stretchable cotton-knit blend. They're typically a bit thinner than bags, usually only 2-3 mm, sometimes with a bit of extra padding near the nose.
Because of the cotton construction, they're not waterproof. If you leave it out in the rain, you have two options – hang dry or machine dry. The material will shrink in the dryer, so make sure that you dry with no heat.
Board socks with a cotton-knit blend aren't moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, or quick-drying– they hold moisture, leaving you with a nasty-smelling drive home from the break. And if you don't wash it, there's a good chance you'll wake up the next morning with mold in your bag.
Fortunately, the cotton material is UV-resistant, so your board won't yellow in a sock.
One last note about the materials. Surfboard socks are built with a drawstring closure for easy access to your board. Slide your board in and tighten up the drawstring to lock it in place, then loosen it when you're ready to head out. This may seem almost too simple. It is; that's why the drawstring closures rarely ever break.
Overall, surfboard socks are usually used for quick transportation and should never be used for international travel.
BOARD SOCK SIZE & FIT
Unlike surfboard bags, socks are meant to be flexible. So, if you buy an 8' sock, it should comfortably fit your 7'6" funboard and your 8'3" mid-length. As a general rule of thumb, surfboard socks can stretch an additional 3" past their listed size. But don't be fooled; the stretch takes away from the durability of the material, causing it to rip & deteriorate faster. FARO canvas board bags offer the same flexibility as a traditional board sock but with a little added style and extra durability.
FIN, LEASH, AND WETSUIT ACCESSIBILITY
Surfboard socks are made to be stretchable, so you can leave your fins on. But if you're already stretching it near that +3" mark, you might have to remove the fin in order to close the drawstring all the way or to stop the soft material from ripping.
As far as leashes and wetsuits are concerned, socks are a different story. A wet wetsuit is going to soak the cotton material, which means you'll have to dry your socks after every session if you plan to carry your suit in it. The cotton is also a magnet for leashvelcro. You'll pull your entire board out, and the leash will be stuck halfway down the bag. As we said earlier, it's not a huge deal, but it gets annoying after a while.
WHEN TO USE SURFBOARD SOCKS
Surfboard socks are typically enough protection for daily use. If you're just walking or biking down to your local break, a sock will keep it safe from cracks, scratches, and sunlight. It's also more than enough for a short drive up the coast if the bag is in your car.
SURFBOARD SOCK COSTS
Surfboard socks are cheaper than bags, usually in the range of $40-70. Cheaper in price & lower in protection, board socks serve their purpose for short periods of time but often need to be upgraded, especially if you surf every day. Board socks aren't necessarily a bad option, but remember, a lower price means less protection.
SURFBOARD BAG VS SOCK – WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU GET?
Whether you decide to protect your surfboard with a bag or sock is up to you. It really depends on your budget, needs, and expectations. But if you're looking for guaranteed daily protection, Faro surfboard bags are the way to go. They'll keep your quiver safe from the day-to-day, on far-out adventures, and everything in between.
