Van Conversion for Surfers
Summary
What would be the ideal van conversion solution for a surfer?
When talking about converting a utility van for a surfer, it's essential to address specific needs to offer both practicality and space for the boards. A surf van conversion must allow for optimized storage of bulky surfboards while remaining functional for additional accessories and equipment. A successful surf van begins with a spacious enough area to store multiple longboards without compromising the rest of the vehicle’s organization. This setup must be both accessible and secure to protect everything during travel and once parked at a spot.
The van layout must also allow for accessories to be placed directly on the floor without damaging the van or disrupting the internal organization. The surfer's utility vehicle must include practical spaces to store accessories like wetsuits, leashes, cables, or shoes, for example. The ideal solution would be a removable conversion kit that preserves the utility of the vehicle for other times (when not used as an ocean-side hotel).
A modular conversion will also be an advantage. It allows for reorganizing the space based on the equipment being transported, whether it's one or several longboards or other bulky items. A cleaning system after use is also a good idea, such as an outdoor shower or a dedicated washing space. The simplicity and functionality of the system are crucial, with a focus on efficiency, without complex systems. Additionally, a customizable (mattress, colors, finishes) and comfortable system would be even more pleasant to transform a simple van into a true cozy retreat after a day at the surf spots.
The comfort of life aboard is also important: adding a kitchen area, comfortable bedding, optimized furniture, and installations such as solar panels, batteries, or even toilets can transform vans into real living spaces. Using durable and water and sand-resistant materials is essential to ensure longevity. This way, you can enjoy peaceful nights in your converted van, without worrying about the outside conditions. In the next section, we’ll give you our best layout tips to guide you in choosing the best solutions to make your van both practical and comfortable.
The Combeing Solution
With Combeing's modular kits, you get a custom conversion solution, designed to meet the specific needs of surfers / foil riders. Our kits are designed to offer plenty of space to store bulky surfboards, including large models with the sport kit, for example, as well as accessories like wetsuits or board bags. The storage system allows you to optimize the space according to each user’s needs. Whether you have one board or multiple longboards, whether you want a single bed or a large double bed for the night, it’s up to you based on your needs at the moment!
One of the main advantages of Combeing conversions is their modularity. You can adjust the interior of your van based on your trips, like a game of Tetris, where each piece can be moved or adjusted to match the gear you are carrying. After-surf days, our systems include cleaning solutions like a portable shower to clean your gear right on-site. The entire system is simple and streamlined, with minimal electronics, but a highly effective solution for an optimal surf / foil van setup (see reviews).
Customization is also part of the offering, allowing you to choose finishes (varnish or laminate, for example), colors, or mattress density to make your van (such as a sprinter, for example) as comfortable as it is functional. You’ll also find everything you need for life on board, including an integrated kitchen, a sleeping area, and accessories like batteries (with "show/measure remaining percentage" function), solar panels, a table, or lamps for added comfort. Combeing offers durable materials resistant to humidity and sand, ideal for this water-contact sport. Plus, you can rest assured that everything will be securely stored inside, not outside where it could be stolen or damaged at certain spots.
It's no surprise that renowned athletes like Nicolas Gilomen, wakeboard champion, and Craig Cunningham, pro rider and team manager at Duotone, have chosen to equip their vans with a Combeing kit. Our custom conversions are designed to fit large utility vans like the Mercedes Sprinter, offering a pragmatic and modular interior for long camping trips or even for smaller vehicles like the Traffic / Jumpy XS, for example, which is more minimalist. Our installation tips will help you make the best choice based on your needs and activities. Our goal: offer affordable prices and satisfy our clients with what they are looking for (table, bed, delivery, furniture, trendy, electricity, cooler, easy assembly...)
What are the other ways to carry surf gear in a van?
There are several other trendy solutions to convert a utility van for this sport, but they are often less practical, more expensive, with less space and less suited to the needs of surfers. For example, transporting surfboards on the roof of the van might seem like a simple option, but this solution comes with several disadvantages. Not only is the gear exposed to the elements, but there is also a higher risk of theft, not to mention that it can complicate access to spots or prevent clearance under bridges or in parking lots/areas with height restrictions.
Placing the gear on the sides or at the back of the vehicle presents similar issues, including reduced visibility during maneuvers (especially at night) on spots, making driving more complicated, especially in cities or tight spaces. Additionally, these solutions also expose you to risks of theft and damage, not to mention the lack of protection.
The idea of hanging longboards from the ceiling may seem practical and stylish at first, but this solution is often more complex to install and manage. The boards can interfere with other elements in the van and, if not properly secured, they risk moving during transit, which can damage both the gear and the van's interior (such as a traffic or sprinter van). Some spots are steep! This type of storage is also less flexible and less modular than Combeing's solutions, which allow for quick and efficient reorganization of the space. Additionally, the installation of such a complex system is not suited for minimalist use, unlike what Combeing offers. If the equipment is wet, you shouldn't fear getting a few drops on the bedding underneath!
By choosing Combeing, you opt for a simple solution tailored to the needs of surfers. Our team works with quality products, designed to ensure an optimal conversion for your van or utility vehicle (traffic or sprinter, for example). Compared to other brands' solutions, Combeing conversions are more affordable, easier to install, and offer quality and flexibility that meet the demands of modern surfers. Our modular kits are also designed to meet mobility and comfort needs dedicated to outdoor activities, whether for surf spots or camping under the stars. Additionally, we offer accessories compatible with activities like foil, for enthusiasts of this enjoyable outdoor sport on certain remote spots.
In addition to advice, we also offer a fast and efficient delivery service (see reviews), so you can enjoy your converted van / sprinter / traffic or other vehicle as soon as possible. Each model is made to precise measurements and tailored to your specific needs. Clearly stating your needs helps our team give you the best advice and direct you to the kit model that suits you best, so you can make the most of your trips and spots in a converted vehicle. Put on your vans and contact us!
Transform your utility vehicle into a camper van in 5 minutes.
Combeing is the ideal solution for owners of utility vehicles, vans, and campers who want to temporarily repurpose their vehicle for leisure in just a few minutes.
93 reviews
What our customers say...
Alain Martin
9 month(s) ago
Welcoming, very professional and competent team, very practical, functional and quality equipment, well done, great company, well-deserved stars.
salmandra x.
10 month(s) ago
I had put my kit in the basket. Sent an email with a question, Mathieu called me straight away, and even advised me on a better configuration. Appointment made 2 days after installation, with removal of my partition. And I was so well received that I added the kitchen module. A lovely, warm team. Go there with your eyes closed. I'll go back and do my insulation later... Thanks again... Sandra
Morane Barguillet
10 month(s) ago
We ordered our kit in September 2023 for our Opel Vivaro H1L2, we have used it well and made it profitable since. Received on a pallet with a very fast turnaround. A smooth and simple installation with several layout choices. We do not regret our investment. The materials after a year and a half are like new, you just have to take care of them. I recommend ??
Joel Joel
1 year(s) ago
5 stars well deserved. Great team A simple email resulted in a purchase. I felt considered, taken seriously and at the center of attention Once there, Matthieu was more than incredible. Really at the top. Knew how to satisfy, fulfill all my wishes. The family thanks you.
Hervé LOZES
1 year(s) ago
Ingenious and really well thought out concept, quality material and precision manufacturing, with a responsive team, I highly recommend!
Laetitia Coudrai
1 year(s) ago
We bought a Combeing kit a few months ago for our VW T5 transporter and we are very satisfied with it! Delivery was free and fast. Customer service is top notch, whether for information or responsiveness. The kits are adaptable to your type of vehicle but also to your use whether it is road mode, night mode or day mode (with table). Very good value for money. We highly recommend. And a big thank you to Mathieu for sending goodies!!
Laurent Gréco
1 year(s) ago
A great team, a high-quality product, a very competitive price. We sold our converted van because our annual usage time did not justify such an expensive investment. We bought a utility vehicle that we converted to our taste with the possibility of modifying its configuration according to our needs following the many very professional tips received from COMBEING. The team took the time to welcome us into the company and to assemble our modules in order to have a tailor-made layout with everything necessary to live independently: gas, water point, electricity, toilet, solar panel, shower... In short, everything necessary to live pleasant moments according to our desires without having to have our vehicle approved in VASP. Thanks again to the whole team for their welcome, their availability and their professionalism which really deserve to be highlighted
Domie Palet
1 year(s) ago
Very satisfied with the modules, fast delivery, a super friendly team, thank you Mathieu for his advice and his professionalism, the best!!!! We recommend without moderation...
Johann Manassian
1 year(s) ago
Really great, the team is really cool, the products sold (sports kit for VW T6 for me) are really great (but I didn't doubt that, I had already planned everything thanks to their website, but with their advice I made some changes that suit me better). I also did the sprayed cork insulation before going to get my kit, super simple and beautiful rendering. I really recommend more than ever. Thank you and good luck in your new premises.
caroline faure
2 year(s) ago
5 stars without hesitation for this professional company for the modular fitting out of Vans and Campers. Special dedication to Mathieu, who was able to listen and find all the solutions to my constraints while respecting my budget! The team is great, the atmosphere friendly! I recommend!!
Laurent FOUCHARD
2 year(s) ago
I was looking for a van that could be used as a daily, utility or leisure vehicle and with the Combeing Full kit, I found exactly what I wanted for my L1H1 van. I spoke several times with Mathieu and Raphaël, their listening, their responsiveness and their availability as well as their advice and services were very valuable in guiding me in my choices... In short, very well-made kits, easy and quick to set up, as well as a great team mean that I highly recommend this friendly company...
Stephane Picard
2 year(s) ago
We made an appointment, Mathieu welcomed us warmly and showed us around the workshop, then we went to the selection area to recap and make the quote. We had all the necessary technical explanations as well as his advice and feedback. The guy is sincere and super professional. Our choice validated, he helped us throughout the time needed to set up the modules. Again, lots of advice and tips, thanks to him. I thought the idea was absolutely brilliant on paper but it's even better in the van, the possibilities are endless, the quality is great, everything is thought out down to the smallest detail. In the end, it confirms that with my 1m70 we can sleep across without any problem and therefore keep the table in place during the night. Conclusion: we are satisfied beyond our expectations. Thank you COMBEING, thank you to the brilliant inventor and thank you Mathieu for your advice
Our strengths & values
No VASP approval required
Shipping within 48 working hours
Come and leave with your kit
Local and artisanal production
Low ecological impact
Professional integration (ESAT)
Infinite combinations to suit your wishes
Our kits adapt to all types of vans. Combeing selects the appropriate floors for your utility vehicle; you will just need to move the boxes around on this floor as you see fit. In just a few seconds, switch from a configuration with a table and seats to a large bed that covers the entire interior of the vehicle.
