Idaho is cold and snowy all winter, so I see at least 1-2 foiling focused trips a year to warm and windy spots...and the likely destinations mostly seem to have rental options...but those options also seem to be very beginner focused (big board, big draggy foil), and not exactly cheap, not to mention the time involved in making arrangements and picking up and dropping off, perhaps more than once in a trip. Perhaps any good shop will have demo gear, but how many will want to let me take a demo setup for 5 days?

On the flip side, hauling gear doesn't seem to be a ton of fun either, or cheap, and it already has me looking at smaller inflatables (like 4'11" 70L Gong PERF that is 20% off right now).

So what are your insights and recommendations either renting or hauling your own, and if hauling...how to deal with things like HA foils over 40" long?

If packing a hard board...wait...do they even make bags that fit new hybrid longer/narrow boards???

Help me with my 1st world problems...thanks

Living in a cold northern climate I can commiserate with you. As a result, I travel with my gear a lot (heading out on a trip on Friday!). Generally I bring a 4'9" hard board, one mast, 2 foils and 2-3 wings. I can generally fit all of this into a single checked bag, but my more recent theory is that adding all that weight into the bag with the board makes it more susceptible to damage. Since then, I've packed all of the foils and mast into a separate bag (leave the wings with the board for some padding), which lightens the board bag up a little bit.

I really like to use the Flexi-Hex surfboard padding on my board. It is pretty inexpensive and it works. It only lasts one or two trips, but its recyclable, and it definitely adds protection to the board. I have dinged my board in travel numerous times, but the flexi hex padding drastically reduces the likelihood. Always bring some basic repair supplies - marine epoxy, SolarEZ or something like that for a temporary patch.

I also cut up pool noodles and use them to pad the edges of my foils. Not sure its necessary, but its light, cheap, and can't hurt. I've never had an issue with foil damage.

I definitely recommend a wheeled board bag. It makes getting around a lot easier, and you can throw a duffle on top of it while wheeling around. I am currently using a LarryFoiler wheeled bag. While I like the additional padding (20mm), and foil-oriented pocket design, the wheels are very poorly designed and the zippers broke the first time I used the bag (I subsequently replaced them and they are fine now). Not sure I can recommend the bag as a result. The wheels are on the side of the bag, but the bag isn't rigid enough, so it ends up dragging when you wheel the bag around (hard to explain - but annoying). I prefer the bags with more stable wheels on the bottom. Most bags are padded with 5-12mm of padding, which isn't much (Dakine is 12mm, Ride Engine, Ion, Manera and Takoon are all 5-10mm). Also look into the width measurements of the bag - many are over 30" wide. A bag that is too wide makes the contents shift around a lot, which makes them more susceptible to damage. I also like external cinch straps to hold things in place and add another handle point. Only a few bags come with these but I just wrap the bag with two ratchet straps (which I can also use for roof rack straps when I get to my destination).

I have a mini-DW style board, but its too inconvenient to travel with and I only travel with my shorter performance board. If you want to pack a longer "DW" style board you will probably need to look into surfboard coffins. One of the best options I found for this (based on specs - haven't used it) was the Ocean Earth Triple Compact Fish bag. It had 20mm of padding and seemed to be well designed, although it didn't have wheels. ProLite also makes some nice ones.

Travelling with gear is definitely an inconvenience, but I still wouldn't personally consider an inflatable board.

I use the Dakine Travel bag (with wheels) it's great. Inside I fit my 5-5 DT wing board , 4-7 prone , masts and front wings , dings & still comes in under 23kg . I do put fuses and tools in my normal suitcase. so you just need one extra oversize piece of luggage. I put the boards in soft covers first then inside the Dakine , no extra pool noodles and never had any damage. The bags comes in 5-4 , 5-8 & 6-6 . I got the 5-8 so gives extra room around my 5-5.


www.kitepower.com.au/products/dakine-2022-wing-travel-wagon-wingfoil-travel-bag?currency=AUD&variant=44678447431911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9c2c9194b8a4&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TUmxfFhCtWnQSwFBESsdXy0ZykMUq5T9csoss1CptLfueqx6V3EIFBoCh5MQAvD_BwE

I can't really help you with how to best transport your gear, but I can help you with performance rental gear in a warm climate.. New Zealand!
We do rent top equipment from Axis (boards from 65l-110l and foils) and wings from PPC to intermediate to advanced wingers. Minimum rental time 7 days, take it with you on your trip. That's exactly what you are after, isn't it? Check our website waternomads.co.nz/wingfoil-rental/

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SpokeyDoke said..

If packing a hard board...wait...do they even make bags that fit new hybrid longer/narrow boards???

I travelled interstate in December with a 5'10" DW style wingboard (18" wide). I used the Larry Foiler DW bag and padded the board with two wings a nd some clothes.

www.larryfoiler.com/product/adventure-series-dw-bag/

The rest of my gear travelled in a Larry Foiler roller travel bag (I also packed a smaller 4'10" board) and that bag takes all the rest of the gear (mast, foils etc.)

www.larryfoiler.com/product/ultimate-foilboard-roller-travel-bag-54-wheely/

I paid for an extra bag. It worked well. No damage or dramas.

1/ I got one of these and it holds my board, two wings, and all my foil gear (3 wings, 2 stabs, 1 mast) plus wetsuits etc and comes in at 27kg. With a carry on bag its a one-bag travel solution and you can wheel it and get around ok yourself. Admittedly its a small board. Travelling with longer boards requires some planning not so much for the plane but the travel to/from airports, which is a stuffaround. www.aquatichero.com/2020-cabrinha-av8-foil-travel-bag

2/ NZ is a wingfoil paradise, I'd take waternomads up on their offer and hit some waves around Taranaki.

3/ Alternatively - use your trips as an opportunity to annually upgrade your wings and/or foils from a local store, and ask them to loan you a board for a week. If you're dropping a few grand on gear they'll happily help you out with a loaner. Then you're travelling with a mostly empty bag one way, don't have to worry about getting skunked cos your luggage is lost, and then come home with a smaller bag with the wings and foils.

I've done this pretty regularly on work trips to Oahu to upgrade kiting gear. I've even gone over with no gear, used the gear for a week, then the store has shipped it back home.

Its also a nice way to touch base with a local store who can help you out with advice, spares, repairs and any issues you may have far from home

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Piros said..
I use the Dakine Travel bag (with wheels) it's great. Inside I fit my 5-5 DT wing board , 4-7 prone , masts and front wings , dings & still comes in under 23kg . I do put fuses and tools in my normal suitcase. so you just need one extra oversize piece of luggage. I put the boards in soft covers first then inside the Dakine , no extra pool noodles and never had any damage. The bags comes in 5-4 , 5-8 & 6-6 . I got the 5-8 so gives extra room around my 5-5.


www.kitepower.com.au/products/dakine-2022-wing-travel-wagon-wingfoil-travel-bag?currency=AUD&variant=44678447431911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9c2c9194b8a4&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TUmxfFhCtWnQSwFBESsdXy0ZykMUq5T9csoss1CptLfueqx6V3EIFBoCh5MQAvD_BwE

I've got the Dakine 5'4 Wing travel bag too. But it's quite heavy on its own and fairly expensive.

I should have got the Gong one instead. I've seen one - the quality is great plus it is 2 kg lighter and much cheaper. Therefore more foiling gear for the same total bag weight:

www.gong-galaxy.com/en/product/gong-wingfoil-travel-bag/

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WaterNomads said..
I can't really help you with how to best transport your gear, but I can help you with performance rental gear in a warm climate.. New Zealand!
We do rent top equipment from Axis (boards from 65l-110l and foils) and wings from PPC to intermediate to advanced wingers. Minimum rental time 7 days, take it with you on your trip. That's exactly what you are after, isn't it? Check our website waternomads.co.nz/wingfoil-rental/

Would LOVE to take you up on this...and I hope to at some point...way up on my travel wish list, but will take a bit of work to make it happen (currently laying the groundwork with my wife)...

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simonp65 said..

Piros said..
I use the Dakine Travel bag (with wheels) it's great. Inside I fit my 5-5 DT wing board , 4-7 prone , masts and front wings , dings & still comes in under 23kg . I do put fuses and tools in my normal suitcase. so you just need one extra oversize piece of luggage. I put the boards in soft covers first then inside the Dakine , no extra pool noodles and never had any damage. The bags comes in 5-4 , 5-8 & 6-6 . I got the 5-8 so gives extra room around my 5-5.


www.kitepower.com.au/products/dakine-2022-wing-travel-wagon-wingfoil-travel-bag?currency=AUD&variant=44678447431911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9c2c9194b8a4&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TUmxfFhCtWnQSwFBESsdXy0ZykMUq5T9csoss1CptLfueqx6V3EIFBoCh5MQAvD_BwE

I've got the Dakine 5'4 Wing travel bag too. But it's quite heavy on its own and fairly expensive.

I should have got the Gong one instead. I've seen one - the quality is great plus it is 2 kg lighter and much cheaper. Therefore more foiling gear for the same total bag weight:

www.gong-galaxy.com/en/product/gong-wingfoil-travel-bag/

That Gong bag checks a lot of the boxes. Comes in different widths. Exterior compression straps. Well positioned wheels. Multiple handle options. Only drawback is that the padding is a little thin at 10mm. After struggling with my LarryFoiler bag, I might have to pick one of these up.

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Piros said..
I use the Dakine Travel bag (with wheels) it's great. Inside I fit my 5-5 DT wing board , 4-7 prone , masts and front wings , dings & still comes in under 23kg . I do put fuses and tools in my normal suitcase. so you just need one extra oversize piece of luggage. I put the boards in soft covers first then inside the Dakine , no extra pool noodles and never had any damage. The bags comes in 5-4 , 5-8 & 6-6 . I got the 5-8 so gives extra room around my 5-5.


www.kitepower.com.au/products/dakine-2022-wing-travel-wagon-wingfoil-travel-bag?currency=AUD&variant=44678447431911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9c2c9194b8a4&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TUmxfFhCtWnQSwFBESsdXy0ZykMUq5T9csoss1CptLfueqx6V3EIFBoCh5MQAvD_BwE

You get all that to come in at under 23 kg (?). I get one 4'11" wing board (Cab Code), three front foils, and two hand wings (no second board, no masts, no fuselages/stab's) in a wheeless Mystic 5'1" bag to barely make it under 23 kg.

I bought a Fanatic Inflatable board 5'4" that comes in a bag with pump that will also do the wings. The bag will hold two wings 4m/6m or 5m/6.5m (I check the forecast the day before and guess on quiver) Full Armstrong foil with 85cm mast and 60cm fuse and usually an HS1250 front wing or HS1550 if it's going to be light winds. A wetsuit, wetsuit boots, and leash. The loaded bag weighs between 23 and 24kg and I get it on Easyjet as standard baggage, never had a problem.
Now my cheat here is I use Duotone Slick wings and the boom doesn't fit in the bag, but as I am always visiting my daughter I have a boom left out there that I can use. Other wings without booms will obviously work. (I did think about making a two part boom)
I have found the Fanatic inflatable board pretty good in waves and flat water. Its certainly good enough for holiday winging.
For sure the Gong Hipe Pro would be similar and might be better with my Armstrong Foils as my front foot on the Fanatic is on top of the footstrap mount.
Anyway it all fits standard luggage and works well enough to get some good sessions in.
My biggest concern is the value of everything in the bag when you add it up! Not sure most standard insurance is going to cover the loss of all that kit. I bought an Apple AirTag which I carry in the bag and at least get reassurance that the bag is on the same flight as me.

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FarNorthSurfer said..
I bought a Fanatic Inflatable board 5'4" that comes in a bag with pump that will also do the wings. The bag will hold two wings 4m/6m or 5m/6.5m (I check the forecast the day before and guess on quiver) Full Armstrong foil with 85cm mast and 60cm fuse and usually an HS1250 front wing or HS1550 if it's going to be light winds. A wetsuit, wetsuit boots, and leash. The loaded bag weighs between 23 and 24kg and I get it on Easyjet as standard baggage, never had a problem.
Now my cheat here is I use Duotone Slick wings and the boom doesn't fit in the bag, but as I am always visiting my daughter I have a boom left out there that I can use. Other wings without booms will obviously work. (I did think about making a two part boom)
I have found the Fanatic inflatable board pretty good in waves and flat water. Its certainly good enough for holiday winging.
For sure the Gong Hipe Pro would be similar and might be better with my Armstrong Foils as my front foot on the Fanatic is on top of the footstrap mount.
Anyway it all fits standard luggage and works well enough to get some good sessions in.
My biggest concern is the value of everything in the bag when you add it up! Not sure most standard insurance is going to cover the loss of all that kit. I bought an Apple AirTag which I carry in the bag and at least get reassurance that the bag is on the same flight as me.

Funny, I've seen comments claiming that the Slick booms are an advantage for travel, as the wings are more compact and easy to roll-up...and there is just 1 for all your wings...

...but that 125cm/50" boom doesn't seem to help with air travel much...although neither does a 5' board, or a 46" foil...

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Dspace said..

Piros said..
I use the Dakine Travel bag (with wheels) it's great. Inside I fit my 5-5 DT wing board , 4-7 prone , masts and front wings , dings & still comes in under 23kg . I do put fuses and tools in my normal suitcase. so you just need one extra oversize piece of luggage. I put the boards in soft covers first then inside the Dakine , no extra pool noodles and never had any damage. The bags comes in 5-4 , 5-8 & 6-6 . I got the 5-8 so gives extra room around my 5-5.


www.kitepower.com.au/products/dakine-2022-wing-travel-wagon-wingfoil-travel-bag?currency=AUD&variant=44678447431911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9c2c9194b8a4&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TUmxfFhCtWnQSwFBESsdXy0ZykMUq5T9csoss1CptLfueqx6V3EIFBoCh5MQAvD_BwE

You get all that to come in at under 23 kg (?). I get one 4'11" wing board (Cab Code), three front foils, and two hand wings (no second board, no masts, no fuselages/stab's) in a wheeless Mystic 5'1" bag to barely make it under 23 kg.

One mast only (85) and one ding ,the other ding gets strapped to the outside of my other carry bag if I go over 23 & only 2 front wings.

Previously i traveled with inflatable (Gong hipe 70l). It comes with wheeled bag which holds board, foil setup & 2 wings for about 23kg. Super convenient to travel with and practically indestructible. After progressing to smaller foils and waves&freestyle, the inflatable just don't do it anymore for me so i got above mentioned Gong wheeled bag for a hardboard. I think the bag does it job. It has 10mm padding. But be cautious as the wheelbox intrudes inside the bag. There is only couple mm of protection that don't really protect the board. If you put the board tail first, it is possible that wheelbox sinks inside your board as it concentrates pressure to little area. And if the board gets thrown at the airport, damage is quaranteed. I learned this a hard way on my first trip with the bag. Luckily i had an old board with me that had been repaired all over and was going to get scrapped anyways.So this time i will put the board nose down so it sits between wheels. I tried hexiflex but it ripped really easily. You are lucky if it last a two way trip.

This is the way i will now pack my board for travel. My board is 4'7x22. I got the 4'8x27 wheeled bag for it. Rails i did protect with a pipe insulation, it covers rails really nicely and feels really solid. Insulation material added only about 250g weight. To the bottom i put 2 layers of cardboard, then a wetsuit and board itself has 2 layers of bubblewrap on bottom. I think this will spread any outside blows pretty good. On the top are the foils and at the top pocket there is 3 wings (4m2, 5m2, 6,5m2) so they will definately protect top side of the board from everything.