220. Traveling Tips

Are you traveling solo? Are you the only kitesurfer in the group? Are you traveling with a group of kitesurfers? How many days will you spend riding? How long will be your sessions? After you consider all these questions it will be easier for you to make a decision either to bring full gear with you, bring it partially, or rent it at your destination.
When I travel with a group of non-kitesurfers and I know that I will be riding only a few days for a few hours — I rent it at some local shop, and when I know that I will be on the water all day every day – I bring as much as I can with me.
Airlines can charge up to $200 per board each way, so, you may want to bring your kite and rent the board, as renting a board is way cheaper than renting a kite. Kites are very easy to damage, this is why sports companies may be reluctant to rent them out, and if this is the case – just take a lesson and they will provide all the gear. You may want to bring some accessories of your choice, like a helmet, gloves and boots. I used to bring at least my favorite harness with me.
There are bags specifically designed for travelling with kitesurfing boards. They vary in size, so, if you chose to get one for your board, see that the board fits inside the bag. Usually one bag can fit two boards (one on top of another, two kites, harness, wetsuit, and repair kit – pretty much everything you need to kitesurf in various conditions. Do take the fins off before bagging your board, as they may cut through the fabric, or break off. You’ll need a screwdriver for this, most likely with Philips head. You may take the pads off the board, and you should if there are two or more boards in one bag.
Oh, and I almost forgot, there are places in the world where surf boards are prohibited, just so you know, so, double check before you go. And there are places in the US where you need “Non Motorized Small Vessel Launch Permit” to throw your board on the water legally, and that does not include permit for your kite…