DirtBag Approved Surf Vehicles
Surfing has always required a bit of exploration. Modern surfing does not entail the level of adventure that was necessary mere decades ago. Today’s surf travelers don’t’ have to be proficient mariners, navigators, or expert meteorologists. Today's surfers only need a working smartphone. With a smartphone in hand, surf travelers can find out where the next swell is headed, buy their plane tickets, arrange their ground transportation, book their lodging, and surf that very evening. Still, not every surf break is as accessible as our home breaks. Despite surfing’s overwhelming and exponential growth in recent years, a few far-flung corners of the globe still exist where quality waves remain unspoiled. These waves often occupy remote stretches of coastline that are hard to reach by traditional travel. If you’re an avid surf traveler, you’ve probably managed to find a few remote waves by whatever means necessary, using whatever vehicle is best for the job. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite surf tripping vessels to inspire you to get out and explore this summer. Continue reading below for The Best Surf Vehicles.
Vintage Toyotas
Image Credit: Thunderbomb Surf Camp
If you’re familiar with Central America’s bountiful Pacific coastline, you’ve probably spent ample time in new and vintage Toyotas. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux rule the roads of Central America and are the ultimate surf vehicles. Even the new Land Cruisers in Central America have the highly coveted old school body. These handy 4x4s aren’t made for soccer practice and grocery store runs; they’re designed for off-road exploration. Pile your boards up high on the roof or slide them between the safari-style seats and set off over rocks, sand, and anything else that lies between you and your next surf.
Panga Boat
Another favorite means of transpiration in Central America, parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and much of Asia is the Panga Boat. The Panga Boat is more of a skiff than a traditional fishing boat. Pangas are single, outboard engine fishing boats, usually handmade from fiberglass. These surf vessels may be small, but they can take on rough seas just as well as any larger boat. If you’re looking to pioneer uncharted territory and find uncrowded peaks, hiring a local fisherman to captain a Panga for your coastal exploration is the way to go.
Made in China Motorcycles
The surf trip motorcycle is a surf vehicle like no other. These motos are unreliable, covered in plastic and imitation chrome, and break down often. Despite their many faults, these surf vehicles remain popular because they only cost a few hundred dollars and can handle the dirt roads typically found on surf trips. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a bike with an attached surf rack. If not, you’ll be cursing down the street, sitting on your board hoping you don’t get sideswiped. There’s nothing like rolling up to the beach after a long ride to find perfect, empty waves. When you’re ready to return home, sell your bike for near what you bought it for (if it’s still in one piece).
1990s to Early 2000s Toyota Tacoma
There’s no better Baja adventure mobile than an off-road-worthy beat-up old pick-up truck. A good, used pickup is as reliable as any new vehicle. An old Tacoma is as tough as nails yet unassuming enough to blend in anywhere you may find yourself. This surf vehicle is ideal for short Baja strike missions. If you’re craving a serious adventure, put a camper on the back and travel the length of the Americas in search of uncrowded surf.
Tuk-Tuk
The Tuk-Tuk has many names: the Rickshaw, the Baby Taxi, Mototaxi, Pigeon, Jonnybee, Bajaj, Chand Gari, Lapa, Three-Wheel, and more. Regardless of what you call it, there’s no denying its reliability and affordability as a surf vehicle when traveling Southeast Asia and beyond. Tuk-Tuks can easily fit three people (one driver and two passengers) with boards strapped on the roof. These surf vehicles are fuel-efficient, affordable, and fun to drive. If you want to push your trip to the limits, take a Tuk-Tuk road trip and transverse hundreds of miles at a cool 35 miles per hour.
Surf vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. Your surf vehicle of choice may vary based on geographical location and trip budget, but the purpose remains the same— to help you score quality surf far from the masses. The DirtBag is the ultimate surf travel companion. No matter what your preferred vehicle is, the Dirtbag will fit neatly on top with its patent-pending universal racking system. Buy your Dirtbag today and be adventure-ready as southern hemisphere swell season picks up.