Boardbags: your solution for travelling with your full kitesurf kit without damaging it

CONTENTS

• What are boardbags?
• The difference between boardbags and board covers
• Tips to bear in mind for your trip
• Travelling by car with your kitesurf kit
• Flying with your kitesurf kit
• Travelling by train with your kitesurf kit
• 4 tricks for stress-free travel with your kitesurf kit
• What does a kitesurf kit consist of?
• Frequently asked questions

We're sure you're wondering: how do you carry all your kitesurf gear safely and conveniently? The answer is boardbags or kite bags, also known as travelbags. They are essentially luggage bags designed specifically to hold all your kitesurf gear and protect it in transit.

Travelling with all your kitesurf kit can be a complicated task and we know you have lots of questions. With the arrival of warm weather, long weekends and public holidays, it's the perfect time to get our kitesurf gear out of storage and take it to the beach.

When planning the trip, one question comes up: how can we travel with a complete kite set-up? Let's answer it so you can enjoy what you love most; even if you're not a "pro", you too can travel with your kite gear just like the best kitesurf riders do.

What are boardbags?

Boardbags or board covers are your best option for carrying your entire kit without dying in the attempt.

Just as a musical instrument has its own case for transport... so does a kiteboard!

These kitesurf luggage bags are specially designed to hold kite gear, including the kite, boards, bars and other accessories you'll need on your trip. They don't just carry your gear: they protect it from knocks and other external hazards that could damage it, as they are made of tough, padded materials. Who said travelling with all your kite gear had to be a headache?

The difference between boardbags and board covers

Boardbags and board covers are the two options for carrying all your kite gear. Although they share the common goal of protecting your valuable equipment, they each have features that make them unique. Let's unravel the mysteries of these two options and find out how they differ:

Boardbags: These are larger, higher-capacity bags designed to carry your whole kit at once (several kiteboards, kites, bars and other related accessories). Most of these models have wheels, which are essential for moving the bag from one place to another. Remember that boardbags are designed to hold all your kit, so they will be quite heavy. Rule out models without wheels.

They are made of tough, padded materials to give your precious kit maximum protection in transit. They're perfect for anyone who wants to take their whole quiver of kites and be ready for any kind of adventure!

Board covers: Board covers, on the other hand, are more compact, close-fitting bags designed to carry and protect a single board or twintip and its kite. They are usually lighter and don't usually have wheels; a simple shoulder strap is more than enough to carry your kite gear. These kite covers are a convenient option if you plan to take just the essentials.

Tips to bear in mind for your trip

1. You now know the two options for travelling with your kitesurf kit, but it's also very important to know how to transport kite gear safely and make sure it arrives in one piece if you have to ship it.
2. Before planning your getaway, check the weather forecast for the area where you'll be riding, both before and during the trip. To make it easier, we've put together a list of the best kite apps for your phone.
3. Don't fall into the bad habit of packing "just in case". Travel with the essentials.
4. Give your kite gear proper maintenance to avoid setbacks during your trip. It would be a real shame to miss out on several days of riding because you didn't do some preventive maintenance on your bar a few days before.
5. During your getaway you'll probably have plenty of free time (that's what holidays are for, right? :). We recommend downloading the Duotone Kiteboarding Academy app if you want to improve your kitesurfing skills and get in shape before grabbing your travelbags.

Travelling by car with your kitesurf kit

Things get complicated when you have to take different kinds of transport to reach your destination. You find yourself wondering... where do I put these blasted kitesurf bags? Here are some tips for travelling by car with your kite gear:

• Organisation and protection: Use a suitable boardbag or kite cover to protect your gear during the car journey, and place the boards and kites in secure positions to avoid damage from knocks or sudden movements. Don't forget to secure the boardbag or cover in the car. Your gear deserves its own seat belt too! All your kitesurf bags may not fit in the boot, but you'll probably be able to fold down the back seats.
• Number of people travelling: When it comes to carrying luggage in a car, space is vital, and even more so when travelling with kitesurf gear (as the bags are bigger). Remember that you may well need to fold down the back seats, reducing the number of seats available in the vehicle. To travel comfortably, a maximum of 3 people per car is recommended (bearing in mind that part of the back seats will be folded down). Roof boxes are also an alternative for carrying your kite gear.
• Space and loading: Plan ahead to make sure you have enough space in the car for your kitesurf gear. Become a packing master and distribute the weight evenly (important so the load doesn't unbalance the car while driving and to avoid any scares with your gear). Only for players of the legendary game Tetris.
• Road safety: Check the road safety regulations in your area regarding transporting sports equipment, and remember: tricks are for the water ;). You should also check your tyre pressure. On the front door frame or the fuel flap of your vehicle you'll find a tyre pressure guide based on the load you're carrying. Inflate the tyres according to the manufacturer's recommendations shown there. As a general rule, the more weight, the higher the tyre pressure should be.

Flying with your kitesurf kit

You can carry your kitesurf bags not only by road but also by air. For your flight, we recommend doing some research beforehand to check the airline's baggage policy so you don't get a nasty surprise at the airport. You don't want to be forced to show off your kitesurfing skills in the departure lounge.

To find information on an airline's baggage policy, and whether you can take your kitesurf gear, check the airlines' websites.

Below are some airlines known for their kitesurf-friendly baggage policies.

• Air France: Air France allows kiteboards in travelbags or similar covers as part of your checked baggage, subject to the size and weight restrictions in place.
• TAP Air Portugal: TAP Air Portugal allows kitesurf equipment as checked baggage, subject to size and weight restrictions.
• Emirates: Emirates has favourable policies for kitesurf equipment, allowing it as part of checked baggage, subject to size and weight restrictions.
• Iberia: Iberia has traditionally allowed kitesurf equipment as part of checked baggage. However, the size and weight restrictions set by the airline must be met.
• Ryanair: Ryanair is known as a low-cost airline with baggage restrictions. Throughout its history Ryanair has not allowed kitesurf equipment in the cabin and has required it to be checked in as special or sports baggage, which may involve extra charges and specific packaging and size requirements.

Here is an example of Iberia's baggage policy:

"Make sure you meet the transport and packaging requirements for sports equipment so you can check it in without any problems. The permitted weight is 23 kg; if it is exceeded, you will have to pay an excess weight charge up to a maximum of 32 kg"

• Surf / Kite board / Wave board: one kite and/or one board no longer than 3.5 m.
• Bodyboard / Boogie board: one board of up to 100x50x20 cm.
• Windsurf: board, boom, daggerboard, mast and sail all wrapped together.

"Only one item of equipment per passenger is accepted, and its carriage will be subject to space availability on the flight.
You must arrive at the airport early enough to check in, take the equipment to the aircraft and load it into the hold."

Here you can see the table of Iberia prices for kitesurf equipment in 2023:

	Short-haul flights	Medium-haul flights	Long-haul flights
Sports equipment	Online: €35 Airport: €45	Online: €40 Airport: €45	Online: €130 Airport: Included in your fare's free allowance; otherwise it is treated as additional baggage

Data taken from the Iberia website in 2023*

Finally, we recommend notifying the airline in advance that you are carrying sports equipment and familiarising yourself with its specific policies. We don't want you to get a shock over dimensions, weight or extra charges at the airport. You could consider checking in only the items of your kit that weigh less or take up less space. That way your boardbag would contain items such as your harness, footstraps, etc. You could rent the rest on site at your destination.

Travelling by train with your kitesurf kit

Travelling by train with your kitesurf kit can be a convenient and comfortable option. Here are some tips to make sure your gear stays safe during the journey:

1. Check the policies: Before your trip, check the specific policies of the train operator you'll be travelling with. Some companies may have restrictions or special requirements for carrying sports equipment such as kitesurf gear.
2. Proper packing: Make sure your gear is packed in its kitesurf-specific cover or travel bag. You don't want your boards causing a commotion in the carriage!
3. Space reservation: In some cases you may need to book extra space for your kite bags on the train. Check whether the train operator requires advance booking for sports equipment.

Here is an example of Renfe's baggage policy:

"You can take up to 3 items of hand luggage on board the train, provided that together they do not exceed 25 kg in weight or 290 cm in size."

"The maximum permitted dimensions are 85x55x35 cm (height–width–depth)."

"When travelling on the AVE International between Spain and France, the same hand luggage conditions apply, except that luggage labelling is mandatory. "

"Remember that the baggage policy on Avlo trains is more restrictive."

4 tricks for stress-free travel with your kitesurf kit

Before you set off with your boardbag, we want to show you 4 tricks so you can travel with peace of mind with such valuable luggage, and above all the tools to help you recover it if it gets lost for any reason.

The first trick is super simple and we're sure everyone has used it, but it's worth a reminder. Simply use a padlock: they're super cheap and useful. Also make sure the padlock shackle fits through the zip pulls on your bag.

The second trick is also very simple: all you need is a sheet of paper with your contact details: name, phone number, email and address, so that if the bag goes missing and for whatever reason the airline tag has been lost, the person who finds it can contact you and send it back.

We also recommend that before travelling you take detailed photos of your luggage and the items inside to have as evidence if you need to file a loss or damage claim.

And the third trick: we recommend getting an AirTag. Although only Apple users can use it, it's a great way to keep track of your boardbag. Just put it inside your kitesurf travel bag and it will signal where it is. It's a way to travel at least a bit more relaxed and, above all, if something does happen, to have more tools to recover your board bags.

And it's very important to know that the journey to your destination doesn't have to be boring: you can make the most of it by watching kitesurf films to get motivated for the trip ahead. Here's a list of the best kite films to keep you entertained during the journey or to watch at the hotel after an exhausting day of kiting.

What does a kitesurf kit consist of?

Finally, we don't want you to leave anything behind for the trip you're about to take, so here's a reminder of all the components of a kitesurf kit.

1. Board: There are different types of board, such as twintips (used mainly for jumps, aerial tricks and gliding over the water) and surfboards (which allow a riding style closer to traditional surfing, using the waves for turns, carves and surf manoeuvres).
2. Kite : The fundamental part of any kite set-up, which gives the sport its name. Thanks to this sail, which we control with the bar, we can jump and ride at high speed over the water.
3. Harness: Worn around the kitesurfer's waist or torso and connected to the kite lines. Harnesses let you spread the kite's pull and stay hooked in to it effortlessly.
4. Bar: Bars have lines connected to the kite and let you steer and control the kite's power, as well as perform manoeuvres.
5. Protection: To ensure your safety you should use sun cream, wetsuits, gloves, boots, helmets and vests, among others, depending on the conditions and water temperature.
6. Finally, it's important to remember that kitesurf kit can vary according to individual preferences and the specific conditions of each spot. As well as these basic components, kitesurfers may also use other optional accessories such as a leash (safety leash), bindings/boots, quick release systems and other items that improve their experience and safety in the sport.

Frequently asked questions

Here is a list of some concepts that kitesurf enthusiasts often have doubts about or confuse.

What is a travelbag?

We usually call the bags for carrying kite gear boardbags, but depending on their features they may also be called board covers. Boardbags are also known as travelbags, gearbags, etc. (depending on the brand and model).

Is one boardbag enough to carry all my kit?

Yes, a single boardbag is enough to carry a complete kitesurf kit. There are many sizes and brands; take your gear's dimensions into account to choose the best option.

What are the best brands of boardbags and kite covers?

Several brands make these travel bags. We recommend ION, Duotone and Mystic. As you'll know, they are the most reliable brands, not only for boardbags but for the rest of the accessories we use in our kit day to day.