Abstract: A reusable, low bulk, temporary shock absorbing cover for protecting the delicate tips and horizontal control edge surfaces of conventional surfboards and the like is disclosed. The cover comprises a first resilient shock absorbing pocket for enclosing the forward tip of a conventional surfboard and a corresponding second shock absorbing pocket for protectively enclosing the rear base of the surfboard. A pair of substantially identical resilient shock absorbing members are longitudinally disposed between the first and second pockets in generally parallel spaced opposed relationship for protectively covering the horizontal control edge surfaces of the surfboard. Additional position retaining straps may also be utilized to interconnect the shock absorbing members. A method for utilizing the protective shock absorbing cover is also disclosed.