so i'm driving across the country to so. california, i'd rather not cram my 3 boards with me, anyone have suggestions on shipping methods??
not sure on cost Im not sure exactly on cost, maybe $70. I just had two new boards sent from my shaper in SOCal bubbled wrapped in a board box when they got here had a crack in one rail. Not sure how old your sticks are but nothing is safer for your sticks thatn carry them with ya
try and put them in a travel bag with towels and use standard US ground postal shipping. It will take longer, but send them out a few days early and I think that is the cheapest way. Although you should also remember that depending on how long you say, all the shops in socal rent really nice shortboards (Its not like back east. I learned the hardway, that unless you know a shop owner personally in the midatlantic, they will NOT rent you a decent board. All foamies and NSPs). Mostly old team rider boards. So, you should look at the overall cost, and figure you could technically rent a different board based on conditions once you are here.
Delta airlines has airport to airport rates that are relatively cheap compared to UPS and other shippers.
I've only needed to ship boards a couple of times and despite how well protected there was always a new ding or crack. Its almost like the handlers like to inflict damage on surfboards. Manufacturers / Shapers who regulary ship world wide expect to have some type of destination repairs needed.
Best thing to, but you might not be able to do it depending on where you are, is get a blank box and some off-cuts or bubble wrap (or both) and pack your boards neatly inside. Ship them ups, fedex, or usps to where you're staying. And yes, there are good boards to rent in So Cal, so think twice about the whole thing before you drop a lot of money on shipping boards.
^ no your best bet is to carry them with you, i have shipped boards multiple times and they always end up getting damaged, and its expensive.
Yep. I totally agree. The only time I haven't had boards damaged in shipping was when it was in a travel bag that was surrounded by bubble wrap and put in a cardboard box.
I shipped a box of customs to Orange County last month for Moonshine Surfboards and it cost $220 FYI They were put in a travel bag, in a blank box, and got there with no problems. One tip when shipping boards is to NEVER write FRAGILE on a box. Guaranteed to be busted by a freight monkey. ~Brian www.greenlightsurfsupply.com
