Traveling with a longboard opens up exciting possibilities for exploration and adventure. Whether you’re cruising along boardwalks or navigating city streets, bringing your board along can transform your travel experience. However, it’s important to be prepared and informed to avoid any potential issues. This guide will walk you through the essential tips for traveling with your longboard, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Packing smart is crucial, especially when flying. It’s highly recommended to have a dedicated longboard bag. This protects your board during transit and can also help you organize your gear. While disassembling your longboard can save space, it might not be the most convenient option if you plan to ride as soon as you arrive. Keeping everything together and well-protected is key to a stress-free trip.
To avoid lost or damaged baggage, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. This allows plenty of time for check-in and navigating through security. Remember, baggage handlers are often dealing with tight schedules, so being prepared can reduce the risk of your board being mishandled.
1. Plan Your Trip in Advance
Before you leave, research your destination. Look for local skate spots, longboard-friendly paths, and any regulations regarding longboarding. Knowing the local scene beforehand allows you to plan your routes and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Checking out transportation options ahead of time also makes your trip smoother.
2. Consider Disassembling Your Longboard
While not always necessary, disassembling your longboard can be beneficial for air travel, especially if it needs to be checked as baggage. Removing the trucks and wheels and packing them separately can protect them from damage. This can also help make your board more compact and easier to fit into your bag or suitcase, however, bear in mind that you will need to re-assemble once you arrive.
Disassembled longboard parts
3. Understand Airline Policies
Each airline has its own policies regarding sports equipment, so you need to be well-informed about carrying your longboard on a flight. Some airlines might allow a longboard as a carry-on, while others require it to be checked as baggage, often with associated fees. Contact your airline directly to clarify their specific regulations before booking your flight, this will help you avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Domestic flights often have more relaxed policies, but it’s always better to double-check. Don’t rely on generic TSA information; speak directly to airline staff to get the most accurate guidance for your situation. This approach will help ensure that your longboard makes it safely to your destination.
4. Carry a Longboard Tool
A skate tool is an absolute must when you’re traveling with your board. It allows you to make adjustments or perform quick repairs on the go. Whether you need to tighten a loose truck or replace a wheel, having a skate tool handy can save you a lot of hassle.
5. Use a Quality Longboard Bag
A good longboard bag is one of the most valuable items you can have for traveling with your board. It not only protects your longboard from damage but also makes it easier to carry, especially if you need to walk long distances or use public transport. Look for a bag with padding, sturdy straps, and extra pockets for storing your skate tool and other essentials.
Many longboard decks are too large to fit into standard suitcases, so a specialized backpack or larger bag designed for longboards is essential. This will help you avoid the inconvenience of carrying your board by hand or trying to strap it onto a regular bag.
Longboard strapped to a travel bag
6. Consider Soft Wheels for Versatility
If you plan to use your longboard for transportation in addition to recreational skating, consider bringing a set of softer wheels. Softer wheels can handle rough pavement, cracks and pebbles much better than harder wheels, giving you a smoother and more comfortable ride. This makes them an ideal option for cruising around town or navigating unfamiliar terrain.
7. Pack Light and Efficiently
When traveling with a longboard, packing light is key to avoiding unnecessary stress and strain. Only pack the necessities: your longboard, skate shoes, essential protective gear, and a limited amount of clothing. Overpacking makes your gear harder to transport, which can be very inconvenient.
8. Never Forget Your Protective Gear
Safety should always be your priority, so don’t forget to pack any protective gear you normally use. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are all important, especially if you plan on trying out new locations. Having the right protective gear means you can skate with more confidence and less chance of getting hurt.
9. Acknowledge Your Limits
It’s crucial to know your limits when skating in new surroundings. Avoid attempting tricks you’re not comfortable with, especially in unfamiliar spots. Always put your safety first and don’t rush into anything new. Take your time and gradually adjust to the local conditions.
10. Pack Spare Longboard Parts
Having spare parts is essential for keeping your board in good working condition throughout your trip. This should include extra wheels, bearings, and trucks. Additionally, pack essential hardware like screws, bolts and axle nuts. Having these spares will help you avoid any unexpected downtime during your trip.
11. Explore the Local Longboarding Scene
When traveling to a new destination to longboard, try to connect with local skaters. They can provide you with valuable insights into the best spots and share valuable tips about the local scene. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and become immersed in the culture of longboarding in the area.
12. Check Local Longboarding Laws
Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the local laws regarding longboarding in your destination. Some cities and regions may have specific rules, and being aware of these beforehand helps you avoid potential fines or other legal issues.
13. Use Packing Cubes for Organization
Packing cubes are a great way to organize your gear when traveling with your longboard. They help separate your skating equipment from your clothing, keeping your bag organized and everything easy to find.
14. Remember Your Skate Shoes
Make sure to pack your skate shoes for your trip. They are specifically designed to provide the support and grip you need while riding, meaning you can skate more comfortably and safely.
15. Do a Thorough Check of Your Longboard
Before you leave, carefully inspect your longboard for any signs of cracks, damage or wear. Check the deck, bearings, axle nuts, bolts, bushings and your trucks. Make sure everything is in good working order, so your longboard is ready for action upon arrival.
Damaged longboard bearing
16. Pack a Basic First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, so it’s always smart to carry a first aid kit. Include essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies, so you’re prepared to handle any minor injuries.
17. Consider a Spare Longboard Deck
If you are planning to be longboarding frequently and there are no local skate shops, it’s a smart move to pack a backup deck. Snapping your deck is not uncommon, and having a spare means you can keep skating uninterrupted, especially if you’re in a remote place.
18. Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can give you peace of mind when you’re traveling with your longboard. Make sure that your policy covers any accidents that might happen while skating and potential damage to your equipment.
19. Dealing With Lost or Delayed Baggage
Dealing with lost or delayed baggage can be incredibly frustrating. If your bag doesn’t arrive with you, the first thing to do is notify the airline and file a claim. Be prepared for a potential wait time, as it may take some time for your baggage to be located and delivered.
Sometimes, your bag may have missed the flight, or it could be delivered on the next flight. Airlines may hire third-party delivery services to transport your bags. If possible, track your bag using an Apple AirTag or similar device. This will help you get better information about its whereabouts.
20. Bring Travel Essentials in Your Carry-on
Always keep essential items, such as a change of clothes, a toothbrush, deodorant and any required medications, in your carry-on bag. This way, you have what you need even if your checked baggage is delayed. This can make the experience much more pleasant while waiting for your luggage to arrive.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your longboard requires planning, but the effort is worthwhile. By following these tips, you can ensure that your longboarding adventures are safe, smooth and memorable. Always prioritize safety, be informed about airline policies, and prepare for any eventuality. This will allow you to fully enjoy your longboarding experience wherever you go.
Ruben vee
Written by Ruben Vee, an experienced skateboarder and gear enthusiast.
