i started traveling around the world 21 years ago. back then, i had a big suitcase, and a big 8′ coffin board bag stuffed with 5 surfboards and wetsuits. i took every train you can imagine in japan, including rush hour time. i took every airplane you can imagine around the world. as a pro surfer, it was our job to carry lug everything around and do things for ourselves. i’m not complaining, but it was wasn’t easy.
now, i travel with less boards because i don’t want to spend 3x my ticket price to get my boards to where i’m going. you have to travel smart and decide which of the 50 boards in your quiver will get your best wave on that special trip. i chose a 5’6 and a 5’8 because i knew they were magic and i knew i could catch anything the maldives had to offer. luckily, i’ve been traveling with a VIP group so i don’t have to carry my own luggage and surfboards anymore. it makes everything so easy and smooth.
and when you get the VIP treatment, you tend to get spoiled. it was a long trip home but it was too easy. spending my layovers in a lounge, and sleeping on a bed in the airplane took away every chance of jet lag. it was hard to pass on the free champagne but i think i had too much in the maldives. i watched a few movies, and took many naps. and get this!!! i got my boards all the way from male to hawaii on for free!!! last time, i remember paying hundreds of dollars. lucky!
the only bummer thing is my luggage got damaged. on the way over, the tail of my surfboard got crushed! and on the way back, they opened my brand new suitcase and broke the lock! shit and shit! i didn’t open my board bag yet and i’m kind of scared too. as for my suitcase, i don’t know what to do!!!! what a bummer! but i guess it could have been worst.
