Kiteboard travel bag – what to pack for a kitesurf trip

Back in the day, packing for kiteboarding trips was a real headache. Loads of gear, weight issues, and baggage rules that changed from airline to airline were a real pain.

As someone who has traversed the globe in pursuit of the perfect kiteboarding spots, I understand the exhilaration and, at times, the stress that comes with gearing up for a kite trip.

But guess what? Time’s been kind. I’ve honed a system and that flips the script. No more stress. I’ve got a killer packing list that’s got your back!

Board bag

When it comes to packing, the boardbag, or rather the quiver bag, takes center stage.

Your boardbag needs to be a balanced mix of sturdy and lightweight – you don’t want to lug around a lead balloon, but you also want to protect your gear.

I prefer boardbags with wheels for easy transport, but they come at the cost of a bit more weight. Make sure your bag fits your board like a glove as too much extra space makes it a cumbersome roll. If weight is your primary concern you can opt for a backpack or over-the-shoulder bag. They are lighter but require some heavy lifting.

Some like to disguise their boardbags as golf bags to dodge fees but be cautious if you choose this path – the shape might not be ideal, and if it gets lost or damaged, you’ll find yourself in a sticky situation.

Kiteboard

Let’s talk kiteboards. Usually, this bad boy goes right at the bottom of your trusty boardbag. Now, if you’ve got a board you love, that’s the one you’ll use. But if you’re in the market for a new ride and planning to globe-trot, keep an eye on the weight when choosing your next baby.

Some swear by split boards for travel that fold neatly into a regular suitcase. But I’m not a fan. They’re a tad flimsy, and the pop just ain’t the same.

Now, when it comes to packing your kiteboard, there are two schools of thought. Some like to strip it down – fins, straps, the whole shebang. I prefer to keep it all on.

Undoing everything is the most efficient way in terms of space saving and there’s no way your fins will break. Usually this is the more popular option, but the problem arises when you’re traveling a lot. Screwing and unscrewing everything all the time can cause the screw holes to throw a fit and get all wobbly. Also, if you’re opting for undoing everything, make sure you have a good screwdriver, not some cheap thing that will damage the screwhead.

I prefer to keep the fins and straps on the board and wrap it up like a burrito. Invest in a sturdy boardbag with some protection and use your poncho, wetsuit, or towel to protect the fins. Just make sure to wrap it tight and you’re golden.

Kites

Now, let’s talk kites. I’m all about bringing that extra kite, even if it ends up just chillin’ in the bag. Why? Well, Murphy’s Law, my friends. You leave it behind, and bam! That’s the kite size you end up needing.

But here’s the catch – airline weight limits are like the bouncers at a fancy club, and they won’t let you in with everything and the kitchen sink.

Before packing, figure out the right kite sizes for the conditions, your skills, your weight, and your riding style. Check the wind forecast and dive into past stats. Chat up the locals if you can; they’ve got the insider scoop. Facebook groups and kite forums are your secret sauce for gathering intel.

Now, let’s get clever about space and weight, shall we? Kite backpacks can be heavy. So if you’re struggling with space and weight, kite compression bags will be your new best friend! They’re like the Marie Kondo of the kite world, squeezing your kites into tidy, weight-saving packages.

And if you don’t have a compression bag handy (or just don’t want to squeeze the life out of your kite) grab yourself a trusty IKEA bag. Those big blue beasts are light, less chunky, and they know how to get the job done. Plus, they are great for storing wet gear too.

Bar

I usually travel with a bunch of kites, but when it comes to bars, I roll with just one that fits them all. It saves me space and weight allowance, and there are plenty of other goodies I’d rather pack.

Now, if you’re the bar-collector type, and each kite needs its own, fair enough, you do you. Either way, stash those bars to the side, alongside your trusty board and let’s move on.

Leash

Let’s keep it real, there ain’t much to say about the leash. Ideally, it’s already attached to your harness, ready for action. But don’t you dare forget it! Losing a kite because you had to pull the safety cord? That’s not just a bummer, it’s a wallet-crippling catastrophe.

Harness

Please, do me a favor, and don’t skimp on the harness. This is your lifeline to the kite, folks. It’s the bodyguard spreading that force and keeping your back in one piece. So, treat yourself to one that’s comfy and ergonomic; your back will thank you later.

Now, here’s where it gets a little funky: harnesses can be a bit of an odd shape if you’ve got a stiff one. And that hook? It’s like a rebellious teenager, just waiting to break something.

Depending on how much gear I’m hauling and the weight allowance, I sometimes detach the hook and tuck it between my clothes for safety. Then, I wrap the harness around a kite so it keeps its shape. Other times, I keep the hook on but wrap it up ensuring it won’t go on a destruction spree.

And here’s a secret tip for you – point that hook to the side. It might poke out a tad from your boardbag, but when it’s time to weigh that bag, leaning it on the edge of the scale can save you a couple of kilos. You can send your thank-you card later.

Pump

Ah, the pump, there’s no kiting without it. But let’s be real, when you’re approaching that weight limit, the pump is often the sacrificial lamb. It’s bulky and the hose is as delicate as a butterfly’s wing so a real nightmare to pack.

Leaving your pump behind is won’t bite you in the ass on most kite spots. There’s usually a friendly soul willing to lend theirs, or if there’s a kite school around, they’ve got your back. But, and it’s a big but, you’re rolling the dice on pump quality. A lousy pump can turn kite-inflation into a legit workout, and nobody signed up for that.

But if your kite needs a special attachment, at least pack that bad boy.

Repair kit

Yeah, yeah, we all hope we’ll never need it, but here’s the deal – it’s always better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Make sure to inspect your kites and patch up those tiny holes before they morph into colossal rips.

So, when you’re packing don’t forget to snag that repair kit in, especially if it usually lives in your kite backpack and now you’re leaving that behind.

First aid kit

You’ve got to love yourself just as much (or maybe even more) than you love your kite. So, in addition to that trusty kite repair kit, make some room for a first aid kit. Always hoping you won’t need it, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?

Pack some anti-inflammatory pills and cream, butterfly stitches, waterproof plasters, and an elastic bandage as the bare minimum. Depending on where you’re travelling to you might want to add some antibiotics and probiotics too.

Bikini and/or boardshorts

If you’re headed to a toasty kite spot, you might just be living your best life in your trusty bikinis or boardshorts. Sounds like a dream, right? Just make sure they fit well and stay in place no matter what.

Let’s face it, you’re not out there to lose your swimwear every time you take a spectacular crash. And if you’re not crashing, you’re not pushing your limits hard enough, so we’ve got a completely different problem here.

Wetsuit or shortie

When you’re out there researching the wind make sure to also check the temperatures – both in the water and in the air. You know your comfort zone, right? So, if you tend to get a bit chilly, make sure to pack a shortie or a wetsuit that’ll keep you warm and cozy.

Lycra

Sure, bikini weather is the bomb, but let’s not forget about sunburns and harness scratches – nobody wants those souvenirs. Snag yourself a lycra shirt or five. I’m talking long sleeves, folks, because who wants to fuss with sunscreen all over the arms when not neccessary.

Sunscreen/Zinc

Don’t forget that sunscreen with a high SPF or, even better, a trusty zinc stick. The sun has a sneaky way of bouncing off the water, and next thing you know, you’re rocking a lobster-red sunburn on your forehead.

So reapply, reapply, and then reapply some more, even when the sun’s playing peekaboo. And remember those hands and fingers of yours. They’re resting on the bar for hours, like sausages on the BBQ.

Sunglasses

Some folks rock those shades while kiting, while others can’t stand the water splashes on their lenses. It’s a personal choice, no doubt.

If you geat a good pair with water-repellent coating you should be fine tho. Just make sure they have a string and floatie attached to them. I like to hook the strap into my neoprene zipper or tie them to my bikini so I don’t lose them when I have those colossal crashes.

But even if you’re not wearing them while on the water, toss a pair of sunglasses in your bag for those chill beach moments.

Poncho and/or towel

After an epic kite session, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up in a cozy poncho. It’s a game-changer, and a versatile one too.

Need to change in a hurry? Boom, poncho to the rescue. Feeling lazy? Pop it over your wet bikini – problem solved. Getting a bit chilly? Use it as an extra layer.

If you’ve got a trusty poncho, you might not even need to pack a towel. But I still like to grab a thin sand free one with me. It’s not just for drying off or lying on the beach; it’s a yoga mat, a stretching companion, and a lifesaver for protecting your delicate gear in the boardbag.

Flip Flops

Flip flops are the quintessential beachside buddies. But they’re so easy to forget when you’re packing for a trip in the dead of winter. Pro tip: throw in a spare pair, just in case you misplace or break your trusty flip-flops.

Massage gun/ball/roller

Let’s face it, kiteboarding can be a bit rough on the body, and soreness comes with the territory. So, here’s a gem of wisdom: toss a foam roller, a trusty massage ball, or even a fancy massage gun into your gear bag.

Because after those epic sessions, you’ll be yearning for some sweet release. So, roll, knead, and massage away the soreness, and keep those kite sessions going strong!

Magnesium

Magnesium is the secret potion against soreness and helps with a speedy recovery. After those action-packed sessions, your body will thank you for this essential mineral.

Protein bars

Your muscles need protein to thrive and grow, and while meals are the ideal source, it’s always wise to stash a few protein bars in your kit. When hunger strikes between meals, these handy bars have your back for staying energized and satiated on the fly.

Water bottle

If there’s clean drinking water available, be sure to pack a trusty reusable water bottle that you can refill. And even if you have to purchase water, opt for a big barrel that you can refill from rather than drowning the planet in a sea of plastic bottles.

Jacket

Don’t forget a trusty wind and waterproof jacket. You’ll thank your lucky stars for that extra protection if the wind goes bonkers or you embark on a boat trip to a remote kite haven. These jackets are like a cozy cocoon, even when the sun goes down and you’re still packing your gear.

Dry bag

Dry bags are the Swiss Army knife of your kite trip packing list. Why? Because they play both sides of the water game.

First off, they’re your ticket to keeping the essentials dry in their own little safe haven. No water’s getting in here! But no water is getting out of there either! Dry bags also work great to store the wet and messy gear, so it doesn’t wreak havoc on the rest of your stuff.

Grab a small one for your must-keep-dry items and then go big to lock away the wet gear and keep it from causing chaos.

Oh, and you can also use them as an impromptu washing machine to wash your stuff. Just chuck in the dirty laundry, add detergent and water, then close it off and shake!

Tech gadgets

Now, let’s dive into the tech realm, because who doesn’t want to capture those epic kite moments, right? Here’s the lowdown on what to consider packing:

1. Waterproof Phone Case: Keep your lifeline (a.k.a., your phone) safe and sound in a waterproof case. You never know when that perfect shot or video op will come your way.
2. Action Camera and Mounts: If you’re all about documenting your kite adventures, don’t forget your trusty action camera and mounts.
3. Storage Card and Charger: A no-brainer, but often overlooked – pack a spare storage card and charger. You don’t want to run out of storage or battery mid-flight!
4. Woo/Surfr: For data lovers, bring your Woo or Surfr device to track your kite sessions and show off your stats.
5. Walkie-Talkie: If you’re on a kite spot where the wind can drown out conversation, a walkie-talkie is your secret communication lifeline. Milo is fantastic and you can connect with all your friends.
6. Travel Luggage Scale: Last but not least, toss in a travel luggage scale. It’s the hero of weight-conscious kitetrips, making sure you’re within those airline limits.