Shipping Policy

Last updated: May 2025

At GS Surfboards, we aim to get your gear to you safely and efficiently. This Shipping Policy explains how we handle order processing, delivery times, shipping methods, costs, and related questions. Our goal is to be transparent so you know what to expect when you order a custom surfboard or accessories from us.

Order Processing Time

Custom Surfboards: Crafting a custom surfboard takes time and care. The production time (from order confirmation to the board being ready to ship) is separate from shipping transit time. We will give you an estimated production timeframe when you place your order (commonly around 4-6 weeks, but this can vary with seasons and order volume). We’ll keep you updated on progress. Once your board is finished, we typically dispatch it within 1-2 business days of completion.

Accessories & In-Stock Items: For non-custom items that are in stock (like fins, leashes, apparel), we usually process and dispatch these orders within

1-3 business days after payment is confirmed. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays begin processing on the next business day.

If there’s any significant delay in processing your order (for example, an item is unexpectedly out of stock or custom board production is taking longer than quoted), we will inform you via email or phone.

Shipping Methods & Carriers

We ship primarily within Australia. Our delivery methods depend on the item:

• Surfboard Deliveries: Due to their size and fragile nature, surfboards are shipped via specialized freight or courier services. We partner with couriers experienced in handling large items (and familiar with surfboards). We package boards with plenty of padding (bubble wrap, foam, cardboard) to ensure they’re well-protected. Boards are usually sent with a requirement for a signature on delivery, to ensure they reach you safely. If you want an “authority to leave” (no-signature delivery), you must explicitly tell us – but note, that may void transit insurance for damage/loss, so we generally advise against it for boards.

• Accessories & Small Items: Smaller items are sent via standard parcel post or courier (e.g., Australia Post, StarTrack, Fastway/Aramex, etc.). We’ll choose an appropriate service based on size/weight and your location. Typically, you will get a tracking number via email once we ship. Small parcels might go to your mailbox or be carded for pickup if you’re not home, depending on the service.

Currently, we deliver to all states and territories in Australia. If you are in a remote or regional area, shipping might take a bit longer (see Delivery Times below).

International Shipping: Our primary focus is Australia, but if you are an overseas customer very keen on our boards, please contact us directly. We do not list international checkout as standard, due to the complexity and cost of shipping surfboards abroad, but we’re happy to discuss case-by-case. Any international shipment would require a custom quote for freight, and the customer would be responsible for any import duties or taxes.

Shipping Costs

We aim to keep shipping costs reasonable. Here’s how it typically works:

• Surfboards: Shipping a surfboard incurs a higher cost due to size and required care. The shipping cost for a custom board will either be a flat rate or a quoted rate depending on destination. For example, within Southeast Queensland or Sydney/New South Wales, we might offer a flat rate (or even free delivery for certain areas or promotions). For other areas (e.g., WA, NT, far North QLD), the cost is higher and we calculate based on courier quotes. We will always let you know the shipping cost upfront at the time of order or quoting. In some cases, we subsidize the cost to keep it fair. If you arrange your own pickup or have a preferred shipping method, let us know and we can accommodate.

• Multiple Boards: If you order multiple surfboards at once, we will try to bundle them for shipping and pass any savings on to you.

• Accessories: Small items usually have a flat shipping fee or free shipping if combined with a larger order. For instance, if you order accessories alone, we might charge a flat $10 standard shipping Australia-wide (just as an example; actual rates will be shown at checkout). If you add accessories to a surfboard order, we often include them in the board package at no extra delivery cost.

• Free Shipping Promotions: At times, we may run promotions like “Free shipping on orders over $X” or specific coupon codes. If applicable, make sure to use the code at checkout to receive the offer. Such promotions may exclude surfboards due to high freight costs unless explicitly stated.

All shipping charges are calculated and displayed during checkout (for online purchases) or on your invoice (for custom orders taken via BoardTalk/email). If you have any questions about shipping fees, please ask us before confirming the order.

Delivery Timeframes

Delivery times depend on your location and the shipping method:

• Within Queensland (SEQ/Brisbane area): Once shipped, a surfboard typically arrives in 1-3 business days in South-East Queensland. Accessories sent by Australia Post within QLD often arrive in 2-5 business days.

• East Coast Metro (Sydney, Melbourne): Surfboards: approximately 3-7 business days transit. Accessories: around 3-6 business days via post/courier.

• Regional Areas (within QLD/NSW/VIC): Add a couple of days compared to metro. Maybe 5-10 business days for far regional or remote towns for large items.

• Western Australia, Northern Territory, Far North Queensland: Surfboards traveling cross-country could take 7-14 business days in transit. Accessories via post might be around a week (7-10 days). Remote outback communities might take a bit longer, as few couriers service those frequently.

• Pick-Up Option: If you choose to pick up your surfboard from our Sunshine Coast location, we will notify you when it’s ready and coordinate a pick-up appointment. Obviously, in this case, “shipping time” is just whatever time it takes you to come get it – we’ll hold the board for you for a reasonable period.

Please note these are estimates. We rely on third-party delivery services, so we can’t guarantee exact delivery dates. Weather events, carrier logistical issues, or peak holiday seasons (Christmas etc.) can impact transit times. We will provide you with tracking information so you can monitor your shipment’s progress. Always reach out if you’re concerned about a delay – we’re happy to investigate.

Order Tracking

When we dispatch your order, we will send a shipping confirmation email. This will include tracking details if available. Surfboards sent by freight might have a consignment number and a carrier’s tracking site; smaller parcels will have an Australia Post or courier tracking code.

You can use these details to follow your delivery. If you don’t receive a tracking email (sometimes they can land in spam), feel free to contact us and we’ll provide the info.

Tracking statuses sometimes aren’t updated in real-time; if something seems stuck or you have questions about a status (e.g., “in transit”, “pending”), let us know and we can call the courier to get clarity.

Packaging

We take packaging seriously, especially for surfboards:

• Surfboards: Each board is wrapped in protective foam or bubble wrap, with extra padding on the nose and tail (common impact points). Rails (sides) are cushioned, and the whole board is often placed in a sturdy cardboard box or sandwiched between sheets of thick cardboard. If fins are removable, we’ll detach them and pack them separately (to avoid them pressing into the board). If the board has glass-on fins, we create padding around them. We label the package as “Fragile”. Our packaging aims to ensure the board arrives in pristine condition, just as it left our workshop.

• Accessories: Items like fins or leashes are usually packed in padded mailers or small boxes. Multiple items in one order will be consolidated into as few packages as possible. We might reuse shipping materials (like bubble wrap) for environmental reasons, but will ensure everything is secure.

If you unbox your order and notice any damage, please refer to our Returns & Refunds Policy section on “Goods Damaged in Transit” – and contact us right away.

Shipping – Additional Information

• Incorrect Address: Please double-check your shipping address when ordering. An error in the address can lead to delivery delays or returns. If you realize you made a mistake in the address, contact us immediately. We can often correct it if the item hasn’t shipped yet. If a package is already in transit to a wrong address, we will work with the carrier to reroute if possible (note: some couriers charge a redirect fee, which may be passed on to you if the mistake was not ours). We cannot be held responsible for failed deliveries if you provided an incorrect address, but we’ll assist in sorting it out.

• Failed Delivery Attempts: For courier deliveries requiring signature, if no one is available at the address, the courier will usually leave a notice or call to arrange re-delivery or pickup from a depot. Please follow up promptly to avoid the package being returned to us. Let us know if you need help contacting the courier.

• Weather and Conditions: Australia’s weather can be extreme. Floods, cyclones, bushfires, etc., can impact shipping routes. These are obviously beyond our control. If we become aware of a disruption (e.g., a major flood cutting off roads), we will let affected customers know that their delivery might be delayed.

• Special Delivery Instructions: If you have specific instructions (e.g., “If not home, leave on back porch” or “deliver only after 4pm”), you can enter these in the order notes or let us know. We’ll pass them to the courier. However, note that instructions like leaving a parcel without signature are at your own risk as mentioned earlier. We cannot guarantee the courier will follow complex time-specific requests, but they often will try within reason.

• Insurance: All new surfboards are shipped with transit insurance against loss or major damage, for your peace of mind. This means if the board were to be lost by the courier or destroyed, we can claim and get you a refund or remake quickly. That said, proper packing and our choice of reliable shippers make issues very rare. Accessories generally aren’t insured by default (because their value is lower), but we will replace/refund if something goes missing in transit (since that’s our responsibility until it reaches you).

International Customers

As noted, if you are outside Australia, please contact us directly to discuss options. If we agree to ship to you:

• You will be responsible for any import duties, taxes, or customs fees that your country may impose. We do not pre-pay these and they are not included in our prices. Your local customs office might hold the package until fees are paid.

• International shipments of surfboards can be very expensive (due to size) and there may be additional crating requirements. We will be transparent about the costs and you can decide if it’s feasible for you.

• Transit times overseas can vary widely (anywhere from 1-3 weeks or more) depending on method (air vs sea) and distance. We will give you an estimate.

• Note that our ability to service returns or warranties might be more complicated internationally – we will still honor them, but the logistics of returning a surfboard internationally are challenging. We would likely find a solution on a case-by-case basis (perhaps a local repair or other remedy). Just something to bear in mind.

Local Pickup

If you are on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane area (or don’t mind a drive), you can opt for local pickup of your board or items. There is of course no shipping charge if you choose pickup.

How pickup works: We’ll notify you when your order is ready and provide our workshop address (17 Pheasant St., Buderim, QLD 4556). We’ll arrange a mutually convenient time (generally weekdays during business hours, and by appointment on weekends). When you come, you’ll need to show ID or your order confirmation so we know we’re handing over to the right person. We can even take a photo of you with your new custom board if you like – stoke level high!

If you’ve pre-paid, there’s nothing more to do except receive your items. If payment on pickup was arranged, please have cash or a way to pay (we can have a card reader on-site if pre-arranged, but generally we do prefer pre-payment for custom boards).

Contact Us About Shipping

Questions or concerns about shipping? Need a special arrangement? Please reach out:

GS Surfboards – Shipping Enquiries

Email: info@geraghtyshapes.com

We’re happy to clarify anything about getting your order to you.

Thank you for choosing GS Surfboards. We take pride not just in making great surfboards, but also in making sure they safely arrive in your hands so you can hit the waves with confidence!