In 2016,John John Florence paid JetBlue $500for the transport of his Pyzel boards which were later destroyed during the journey. John's case was one of the global surfing community's most united moments, with everyone from Sydney to Los Angeles uniting on social media calling on the airline to repair the future world champion's damaged boards. About a year later, Alex Gray received $3,500 from American Airlines after four of his five boards were snapped clean in half. Unfortunately, these incidents are numerous and obviously only the cases of world athletes become "social".

Lately things seemed to be improving. We've seen fewer of these board bashing incidents on Instagram and several airlines*, including American Airlines, have taken action for surfers by eliminating fees and surcharges for sports baggage.

But last morning, American Airlines broke that sacred truce.

Mahina, a model, surfer and lifestyle blogger, was returning to San Diego from Puerto Rico, where she participated in a surf and lifestyle photoshoot with the women of Salty Crew.When Mahina opened her surf bag, her precious yellow longboard was literally in pieces.

“It was a mess at the table. the board was split in two with the nose half decapitated, and the board bag was destroyed. The strangest thing was that my board – or what was left of it – was facing the opposite direction. The nose was in place of the tail."

– His last wave. Photo: Yoshi Tanaka –

Mahina says the board, which was hand-shaped by Ricardo Garcia in Ensenada, Mexico, was his first board that actually worked. She also surfed it during her competitive debut at the Mexi Log Fest last April.

“A few years ago I was introduced to longboarding, but I didn't really appreciate it until I found this board. I know it's cliché to say, but it was my magic scepter." Unfortunately, however, the damage suffered is irreparable.

Mahina contacted the airline and sent them the compensation claim. Unfortunately, she can't afford the time to fight the airline because she's taking off for Australia tomorrow, without her magic board.

If you too, like Mahina, have received this treatment from the airline, don't worry!

• 1. Remember to check the condition of your boards immediately after collecting them from the carousel, but before leaving the baggage area.

• 2. Report at the Lost and Found desk directly in the baggage area of ​​the airport and have the PIR issued.

• 3.Contact Usand leave it all to us, without any expense we will ask for compensation for the damage from the company.