The Nomadic Kitesurfer's Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Gear

As digital nomads embracing a kite-fueled lifestyle, jetting across the globe to explore new kitesurfing spots is part of our routine. Navigating airports, airline baggage policies, and safeguarding our beloved kitebag has become an art we've mastered through experience. Here's our comprehensive guide, derived from years of globetrotting adventures, on how to seamlessly pack and travel with kitesurfing gear.

Researching Airlines

Before we buy our plane tickets, we extensively research airline policies regarding carry-on/sports equipment. We're familiar with weight limits, size restrictions, and any extra fees for carrying our precious kitebag and we always make sure to screenshot information from the airline's official website in case we need to pull it up when we check-in. Our most important piece of advice would be to purchase a gear bag less than 158cm, since that seems to be the max for most airlines (see below for more advice on choosing the right board bag.) We also recommend paying any fees with a credit card if possible, as it's easier to dispute any charges you may incur at the airport. Be sure to check with the airline for the latest information, we like Airline Baggage Fee which an extremely comprehensive list about the cost of checking-in kitesurfing equipment for many of the most popular airlines. 

From personal experience, we've never had any issues with our board bag as regular check-in luggage flying with any of the major US airlines (Delta, American, Jetblue, United) and as added sports equipment in Asia (AirAsia, Qatar Airways, Vietjet.) Europe has been more tricky, with Air France and Ryanair both charging us twice, once as a carry-on and then as sports equipment, but luckily I paid with a credit card so I could dispute at least one of the charges. We've always had a great experience with Transavia, as they let us split our bags if it was slightly overweight with no charge. From personal experience, it becomes more expensive and trickier when you fly across continents (i.e Europe to North America, North America to Asia) so make sure to double check all the costs on the webiste.

Buying The Perfect Gear Bag

Investing in the perfect gear bag is non-negotiable. Our preferred choice is a robust, spacious bag with ample padding, specialized compartments, and sturdy wheels. When buying a kite bag, make sure to check the weight of the bag in the specs, as spending a little more on a much lighter bag can actualy save you money in the long run! The lightest bag on the market is the Mystic Elevate Boardbag, which weighs only 1.8 kg if you take off the wheel system when checking the bags in at the counter.

Packing the right size kites

Needless to say, make sure to research what kite sizes you'll actually need at a spot. Since we fly to a variety of locations with light wind and stronger winds, we have a : 7, 9, 12 sqm. However, if you were flying to Thailand, we would probaby pack our larger kites since the wind tends to be lighter there. Always check before you leave and if you’re not sure, ask around in a Facebook-Group or from friends of you who have been there.

Consolidating Kites into Less Bags

Since every gram/pound counts when you're traveling with kite equipment, we consolidate two kites into one bag. Our bag of choice when packing our kites are actually Ikea Frakta Zippered Storage bags since they pretty much weight nothing. If you can't get your hands on the Ikea bag, we would suggest loading two kites into one regular kite bag. If you're using a regular kite bag, make sure to check the pockets so you can chuck out anything you don't need.

Packing your kites the right way

Packing our kitesurfing equipment is an intricate process. We deflate the kite meticulously and roll it tightly from both sides! I’ve seen some people who put their kites in space saving vacuum bags and then pull out all the air to transport them. However, I heard of some people that they had problems afterwards with bursting bladders, so I wouldn’t recommend.

Disassembling Your Kiteboard

To optimize your luggage space effectively, disassemble everything from your kiteboard. Remove the fins, as they are prone to breaking if mishandled during baggage handling. While it might be convenient to leave the footstraps and handle attached, detaching them saves valuable space, when every millimeter counts. Moreover, if you're traveling to a remote kitesurfing spot or using a less common board brand there, it's wise to pack spare screws for your footpads. These small components are easily misplaced, and the frustration of not being able to ride your own board due to a missing screw is incredibly annoying—I've experienced it firsthand!

Securing the Hose from the Pump

Always carry your pump. Don't assume others will bring one. The hose on a kite pump is usually the part most prone to breakage. To prevent any damage, remove the hose and keep it separate in the kite bag. Place it towards the sides of the bag to avoid excessive pressure, minimizing the risk of folding or breakage.

Organizing Small Items Together

To avoid losing screws, fins, or a screwdriver, place them in a small bag. Ensure the screwdriver won’t cause damage to your kites if the bag is tightly packed. We also always carry patches, extra kite lines, and a sewing kite and some neoprene gel and epoxy glue in case we need to fix anything.

Mastering Airport Logistics

Arriving at the airport early is a golden rule. We communicate with airline staff, explaining our sports equipment and ensuring a smooth check-in process. As previously mentioned, we always screenshot baggage allowance info in case we don't have Wi-Fi and need to argue. Proactive communication often saves time and avoids last-minute hiccups.

Additional Safety Measures

Our kitebag is our treasure trove, and we treat it as such. We always pack an Airtag with it, in case it gets lost, and of course, we make sure it's securely closed with a lock and labeled with our contact details. Before we bid it farewell at check-in, we ensure everything is perfectly packed to avoid any mishaps.

For us, traveling with kitesurfing gear is an integral part of our nomadic lifestyle. By meticulously planning, investing in quality gear bags, packing efficiently, and adhering to airline regulations, we've streamlined the process. Our kitebag accompanies us on our global escapades, ready to unleash the thrill of kitesurfing in breathtaking destinations.

BAGGAGE FEES FOR AIRLINES LAST UPDATED JAN 2024