Packing a kiteboarding Golf Bag

In this Vlog, we’re going to be covering how to pack your kiteboarding bag. The first thing to talk about when packing a kite bag is what kind of bag do you have or do you want.

Why a golf bag? 

A lot of people who are kiting will go with a golf bag or a bag that can be disguised as a golf bag. Namely, because airlines don't charge for those. Some airlines charge $200 for kiteboarding equipment, which seems very unreasonable.

So the bag I chose is pretty simple, it's a Dakine Club Wagon.

It's 155 centimeters, and it has the benefit of fitting both, a kiteboard and a snowboard.I found I can actually carry them both at the same time which is nice. It's also quite inconspicuous. It has a logo of golf clubs on it. So you know... It kind of passes as golf bag. Except that I can't actually lie to save my life.

When asked at the airport, What's inside the bag? I usually say, it's a golf bag, and they're like I know. What's inside it? I can't lie and I don't  recommend you do either. I always admit it's kiteboarding gear. Most of the time they don't charge but sometimes they do. You can also try alternative names like power kites or stunt kites. You could also say that it's just some harnesses and outdoor gear. That usually satisfies them and you can go on your way. 

Kiteboarder's checklist 

I wanted to share a few more tips about how to pack your kite bag and what you need to put in it. Let's talk about your checklist. If you're a kiter, and you are fully equipped with gear. When you're packing your kite bag there are a few things you can't forget.

•  Kiteboard, don't forget to take the fins off! 
•  kites, aim for two. 
•  A bar, one should be good but it is nice to have a back up.  
• A harness and a leash 

These are absolutely essential.

There are some things you can live without, but I always recommend:

• A pump, of course you can usually borrow one if you forget.
• Some repair gear. 
• A screwdriver.  
• Sunscreen and zinc.
• Waterwear, rash guards, wetsuit.

If you're a new kiteboarder or kiting in a really difficult spot and have some concerns. I'd recommend an impact vest and a helmet you never know. Make sure you maximize your space as well. My binding are stuffed full of handy things like an ace bandage because, you never know when you're going to tweak a muscle. I keep a screwdriver in there and my hardware. I also use the bindings to protect oversize liquids so I don't have them in my carry-on. 

Research your location. 

Research your airline, research the baggage fee, the weight limits, the restrictions. Research the kite spot, know what sizes you want to bring. Preparation is everything. It's helpful to know what type of wind to expect at your spot. That way you know which kites to bring. I never travel with more than two kites because anytime I pack three, I'm overweight immediately. So, I really only travel with two.

I have a six and a nine North Dice, and I chose those kites because they have great wind range, and they apply to most of the kite spots I ride in. On lighter wind days where I'd want a 12 meter kite, I often don't ride.To tell you the truth, I actually enjoy the light wind days sometimes. If you don't have a kite for the conditions you have a great opportunity to get some work done or go exploring. Never a bad thing! 

Tips for keeping the weight down. 

The key is because it's an oversized bag, it can't be overweight also. A lot of airlines have a maximum weight restriction of 50 pounds before you're in the overweight category if you have a kite bag that is oversized and overweight the fees can get very very expensive, so…

You can easily find ways to reduce weight if you need to. For example, taking your kites out of the kite bag and leaving them at home. Or just taking one kite bag. If you want to bring your kite backpack, try it as a carry-on! They're large, and they work incredibly well. I stick my backpack inside my kite backpack as well as an extra jacket or wetsuit or even a neck pillow for the flight.

Not only do you have the advantage of having my backpack at your destination, it also  serves as a pretty badass backpack on the plane so all the other kiters can recognize you. Who knows, maybe you could get together and share a ride from the airport. At the very least it will initiate a good conversation. 

My final tip is that If I'm a little overweight, I stick my bindings in my suitcase, or you know my bar. 

You need to weigh your bag.

You can buy a really good luggage scale on Amazon for like $10. 

When heading home remember, wet kite gear weighs a lot more than dry kiteboarding gear.

So keep that one in mind when you're packing up for your departure.

If I'm on a long enough trip, I try and leave a buffer day at the end of the trip where I can go and relax and explore. I let my gear dry out and clean it and pack it nicely.

If you can't do that make sure you leave some extra room in your carry-on if you have bindings, they are very heavy when wet and I often take them in my carry-on bag. Like is said before, I'll do the same with my bar. Especially If I'm bringing two bars. 

This has been Crystal Veness with MACkiteboarding. Happy packing and have fun on your next kite trip.

Crystal Veness

Originally from Canada, she now calls the entire world her playground and simultaneously her workplace. Whether that's an impromptu office in the back of a rental car on top of a mountain or a hut on kite beach Cabarete, she is a true embodiment of the work-life balance movement.

Website: CrystalVeness.com

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