Should I Bring My Surfboard with Me?

If you’re planning a surf trip to Nicaragua, one of the crucial decisions you'll need to make is whether to bring your own surfboard, buy one locally, buy and then sell, or simply rent. Each option has its pros and cons, and this guide will help you make the best choice for your trip.

Bringing Your Own Surfboard

Pros:

• Familiarity: You’re already comfortable, and possibly in love, with your own board, which can enhance your surfing experience.
• No Rental Fees: Bringing your own board means you won’t have to pay daily rental fees. This is an especially important consideration if you're taking a long trip and are going to be surfing a lot of days. Rental fees add up in a hurry.

Cons:

• Travel Hassles: Airlines often charge high fees for transporting surfboards, and there's always a risk of damage during transit.
• Logistics: Carrying a surfboard around can be cumbersome, especially if you’re traveling to multiple locations.

Considerations:

• Airline Fees: Check with your airline about their fees and policies regarding surfboards.
• Protective Gear: Invest in a quality travel bag and consider additional padding to protect your board.

When it makes sense to bring your board: If you're taking a longer trip and you feel you'll be lost without your baby, maybe it's worth the expense and hassle of bringing your own board. However, consider that Nicaragua has an increasing inventory of great boards that are well suited for the local conditions.

For shorter trips, renting might be a flexible and more affordable options. Ocean Fly offers a premium rental fleet and your board can be reserved online so that you know you'll have a suitable stick when you arrive.

For longer trips, buying a board and reselling it at the end might be your best bet if you don't mind the hassle of selling the board. Ocean Fly has a big inventory of both new and used boards and also used boards at a fair price. We also offer a consignment service to guarantee you get top dollar for your board if you're not worried about selling it immediately when you leave.

Buying a Surfboard in Nicaragua

Pros:

• Support Local Businesses: Purchasing a board locally supports the local surf industry.
• Variety: You can choose from a wide range of boards suited to local conditions.
• No Travel Hassles: You avoid the inconvenience and risk of transporting a surfboard.

Cons:

• Initial Cost: Buying a new board can be expensive, though you can score a decent used board for about the same price as it will cost you to pay airline transport fees both ways for your own board.
• Resale Uncertainty: While you can sell the board before you leave, finding a buyer might take time.
• Transportation costs for return trip: If you decide not to sell the board when you're finished, you'll still be looking at airline transportation fees for one way and probably also need a bag.

Considerations:

• Resale Options: Ocean Fly Surf Shop offers a unique service where they buy used boards or put them on consignment. This can offset or even completely cover the costs of buying a board.
• Selection: Ocean Fly Nicaragua has a wide selection of new and used boards, ensuring you find one that suits your needs. You can check their online shop and even make the purchase to guarantee your board is available and ready when you arrive. We even offer deliver throughout Nicaragua if you're starting your trip in San Juan del Sur.

Buying and Then Selling

Pros:

• Flexibility: You can enjoy the benefits of owning a board during your trip without worrying about long-term storage or transport.
• Cost-Effective: Selling the board before you leave can recoup some of your expenses.

• Resale Risk: You may not always find a buyer quickly or get a good price.

• Consignment Services: Ocean Fly Nicaragua's consignment service can help you sell your board with less hassle.
• Market Demand: Research the demand for used boards to estimate how easy it will be to sell your board.

Renting a Surfboard

Pros:

• Convenience: Renting eliminates the need for transportation and maintenance of a surfboard.
• Variety: You can try different types of boards suited to varying wave conditions.
• Cost-Effective: For shorter trips, renting can be more economical than buying.

• Rental Costs: Over a long period, rental fees can add up.
• Condition and Fit: Rental boards may not always be in the best condition or perfectly suited to your style.

Considerations:

• Quality of Rentals: Ocean Fly Nicaragua offers a premium rental fleet with high-quality boards. They also provide delivery directly to your accommodation, adding to the convenience.
• Duration of Stay: Consider the length of your stay when deciding if renting is the most cost-effective option.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to bring, buy, buy and then sell, or rent a surfboard for your Nicaraguan surf holiday depends on various factors including cost, convenience, and personal preference. Bringing your own board offers familiarity but comes with travel hassles. Buying locally supports the local surf industry and offers variety but can be costly upfront. Buying and selling provides flexibility, but finding a buyer may take time. Renting is convenient and economical for shorter trips but can become expensive over longer periods.

Regardless of your decision, Ocean Fly Nicaragua can enhance your surf holiday experience with their wide selection of new and used boards, consignment options, and premium rental fleet with delivery services. Make the choice that best fits your needs, and enjoy the incredible waves Nicaragua has to offer!