You can pick up all the necessary packing supplies at your local shipping, packing, or surfboard supply store for around $40.

Surfboard Packing List:

Surfboard box
Packing tape
Plastic bagging
Packing foam (sheets)
Bubble wrap (optional)
Utility knife

Step 1: Cut off the boxes’ excess length. IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you only cut one end of the box so you preserve one set of folding flaps (used to seal the box – see photo below).

How much excess should I cut off?

Step 2: You’ll want about 2" of space on each end of the box from the nose and tail of your board and the extra space needed to cut the folding flaps on one the end. Measure the height of the existing flaps to see how much extra you’ll need before you cut the excess off the other end.

Step 3: Once you’ve downsized your box on one side only), cut your folding flaps on the end you just cut.

Step 4: Tear your foam strips into 24 inch wide sheets so each sheet can be folded in half.

Step 5: Slip your surfboards into a plastic bag which will prevent them from getting that nasty adhesive residue left by packing tape then cinch both ends of the plastic bag either with tie wraps or a knot.

Step 6: Wrap both ends with packing tape so your board doesn’t move around in the plastic bag.

Step 7: Fold a 24 inch wide foam sheet in half and tape to the top of the board that will sit on the bottom of the box.

Step 8: Place your second board directly on top (make sure your second board also has its own plastic bag) and tape the two boards together.

Step 9: Take your 24 inch wide foam sheet and fold in half once again. Wrap the rails of BOTH boards with your sheet of foam and packing tape and make sure that the foam wraps around both boards so that the top and bottom of your ‘board sandwich’ are protected.

Step 10: Take another 24 inch wide foam sheet and begin wrapping the nose and tail as shown in the photo below.

Step 11: Fold in half and tape down the extra foam sheets to the top and bottom of your boards.

Step 12: Insert your packed ‘board sandwich’ into the box and stuff both ends of the box with shirts, jackets, towels, or extra foam/bubble wrap. Make sure that you’ve padded the box so that your board doesn’t move around.

Step 13: Seal the box with packing tape and be sure to use one of those red fragile stickers.

Secret Tip: I highly recommend using a handle bar to carry your box through the airport. You can buy something similar at the store but I actually make my handle bar out of tape (see photos below).

“In Aikau’s honor, the surfwear company Quiksilver sponsors the “The Eddie“—the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. The idea of the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational was created by Bruce Raymond and Bob McKnight.“

Source: Wikipedia

Isaac Hale Beach Park is known to locals as Pohoiki and is located at the edge of Pohoiki Bay, in the Puna district of the Big Island. A place once notorious for a rough crowd and unfriendly surf scene, has blossomed into a great family beach park built for the people.

You won’t find a white sand beach along this volcanic reef edging the bay, but you will find 9 breaks to choose from. The waves continue year-round, and though sometimes small, You can drop-in almost every day of the year. When the swell hits look out! Experts only at this point. You’ll find a spot to surf no matter what your skill level is. Beginners go to First Bay and hard-core surfers love Bowls on a good day.

The boat ramp is full of laughing children and families who are occasionally removed for a boat coming or going. There is a mini pool to the side of the boat dock that has a rock wall barrier, ideal for the babies. There is also a small hot pond nestled in the trees.

You’ll find most the amenities you need in the newly built park. There are new restrooms, several showers, and a nice camping lawn. Permit is required to camp. The street, once lined with tarp houses and beer cans, is now a smooth sidewalk traveled by loads of skate boarders. The weekends bring food and ice cream vendors. This is “The” spot to kickback, catch some waves or BBQ some grinds.

There are a few things to remember when visiting Pohoiki. As with any place in Hawaii, please respect the people and the land. Drive slow, there are a lot of children skating in the road. Throw your rubbish and recycling in the bins, and most of all, play hard and enjoy your stay!

Links:
Pohoiki Surf Forecast
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Pohoiki.shtml
Isaac Hale (Pohoiki), Beach Park, Puna
http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/parks/isaachale.htm