Whether traveling near or far, your skateboard can be a tool to help you explore new places and meet new people. It can unlock doors to incredible experiences, help you make memories that last a lifetime, and if packed correctly, can even save you a few bucks in the process. Traveling around the world with your board, and packing your skateboard could be one of the best things you can take with you on your travel adventures.
If you’re planning to travel abroad with a skateboard, you must pack it correctly to ensure a smooth journey and so don’t get hassled by airlines. For this blog, we teamed up with Shralpin Skateboarding to bring you some tips to help you pack your board properly when traveling abroad or just the next town over. Let’s ollie into it!
1. Choose the Correct Bag/Pack
When it comes to packing your skateboard for travel, the first step is to choose the right bag. Several options are available, including backpacks, carry-on bags, skateboard-specific travel bags, padded bags, and even standard luggage bags.
Skateboard-specific travel bags are the best option, as they are designed to fit skateboards perfectly and offer maximum protection. However, if you can’t find a skateboard-specific bag, a padded bag or a luggage bag with sufficient padding will also work. Hit up your local skate shop to check out some packs and when in doubt, CCS always has you covered for skate-specific options.
🌎 BROS TIP: I’ve found the Osprey Farpoint series to work great for clipping a skate deck to your back. After trying both, the 70L and 55L, I’d recommend using the smallest size pack whenever possible to reduce the carry load on your back. To have the most minimal and slimmest profile, the Farpoint works best when you take off the removable day pack, utilizing just the larger pack. Remember, hauling a complete skateboard to a pack can add anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds.
2. Remove the Trucks During Longhaul Transit
To pack your skateboard for an extended journey, it’s essential to remove the trucks, especially when flying, or during long-haul transit. This will help reduce the risk of damage and allow your bag or pack to have a slimmer profile for overhead compartments and storage. A deck without trucks can usually be carried on a plane and can easily be attached to a pack or bag. Packing the trucks separately in your pack or another bag will also make your luggage less conspicuous. The last thing you want is to raise a flag to airline employees if they see those metal trucks.
The wheels can stay on the axles, but feel free to remove them to go the extra mile for more space. Make sure everything is snugly packed to prevent any movement during transit. If you have the resources, you can go to extra mile to protect the skate deck. Bubble wrap, foam, or simple/industrial clear wrap can be used to wrap the deck and prevent damage or any abrasion of cloth by the grip tape. But don’t stress about this part, if you don’t have it, it’s not a big deal.
3. Check Airline Regulations
I once arrived at Mexico City Airport equipped with a fresh new complete (with trucks taken off) and never even made it through airport security with my new ride. Carrying the board on my pack was allowed on Delta Airlines in the USA, but once we had to change planes and fly Aero Mexico, it was labeled a prohibited item. We were in a rush to catch a flight and there was no time to check the board. Eventually, I had to fork over the entire setup to airport security.
Sometimes TSA Will force YOU to check your board no matter what and MAY not let you through. Its a roll of the dice: Be ready to deal with this and the fees that come along with it.
So, before you head to the airport, make sure you review the airline and airport regulations regarding restrictions on skateboard travel. Some airlines may have specific rules and regulations, such as weight limits or extra fees. It’s important to be aware of these rules to avoid any unexpected charges or issues and have security take your skate altogether. When in doubt, wrap your skateboard in clear wrap and check it before boarding the flight. But don’t take our word for it, here’s what Tony Hawk had to say about carrying a skateboard on an airplane.
4. Take Some Spare Parts with You
It’s always idea a good thing to pack a skate tool with you to dial in your setup and remove the trucks and wheels, when necessary. You also never know where you may find yourself in the world, and where a skate shop won’t be. A few extra screws, nuts, bolts, or bearings don’t take up much space and could go a long way if you find yourself in a bind.
One time in Cambodia, my bearings rusted and oxidized because of the humidity and saltwater when staying near the beach. I couldn’t ride my board for weeks missing out on a few cool skate spots because the wheels wouldn’t spin until the bearings were replaced when we arrived in Vietnam.
🌎 BROS TIP: Safety First! if you’re traveling to a new location, you may be unfamiliar with the terrain and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pack safety equipment and a first aid kit, just in case. Safety precautions are especially relevant if the whole purpose of traveling is to skate new surroundings.
5. Use Your Skateboard for Shorter Distances
Believe it or not, using a skateboard while traveling aboard can save you money. Instead of using public transit or taxis, your skateboard can double as a way to get you from point A to point B. When you have your board with you, you realized how skateboards can come in handy for shorter trips.
On top of the fact, there’s no better feeling than kicking and pushing around in a new city, hitting the streets is the best way to take in the sights, sounds, and smells when you arrive in a new place. You may even become a hostel hero when you utilize your board to go on a quick beer (or snack) run when supplies are running low.
Packing your skateboard for international travel requires some planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right bag, removing the trucks, packing everything securely, and checking airline regulations, you can be sure to keep your skateboard in tow wherever you may go.
So what are you waiting for!? Start packing and get ready to explore new skate spots around the world!
Are You Ready to Pack Your Skateboard and Travel the World?
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