Kitesurfing: Should I travel with my own equipment?

The question immediately arises when planning to fly to a kitesurfing holiday … does my equipment come with me, or shall I leave it at home?

What are the advantages of taking it with me?

Let’s start with the beginning of your holiday – air travel. Nowadays, many companies offer packages, some of which are low cost or even free of charge. It is best to inform the company you are going to travel with so as not to have any unpleasant surprises.

Sometimes, the kite board bag can even be considered as a main hold bag, and as long as you don’t exceed the maximum weight allowance, it is included in the price of your ticket. Be sure to fill in the size and weight, it’s a no-brainer. A kitesurfing quiver doesn’t take up much space compared to other sports, so this might be a good time to take advantage of it to get to know your equipment better, and to show it other kitesurfing spots.

It’s always comfortable to sail with the equipment you know, and you don’t have to worry about which kite or board to use once you’re on the beach … you just rig and go. That’s the advantage of having no choice but to use the equipment that you have.

Of course, you will have your eye on the Duotone range at ION CLUB centres, but you won´t have to wait your turn to get your kite equipment rental, you already have yours and nobody will take it away from you! No more racing to get the board or the kite you want today, other kitesurfers can rush to get kit, you are ready to ride! Especially since you have a rigging area and a rinsing area in every ION CLUB kitesurfing facility.

Also, if you feel like doing a surfari, (checking and riding different spots) you are free to escape and discover!

What are the disadvantages of bringing my own kiteboarding equipment?

The biggest stress of taking your own kiteboarding equipment with you is without doubt the fact that it doesn’t arrive at the same time as you do. Sometimes 24 hours later, or even 48 hours when there is a stopover.

When you book your ticket on the internet or with a travel agent, make sure you have at least 1.5 hours of layover time so that your luggage can follow. Once at the departure airport, when checking in, make sure your kite board bag follows you all the way to the final airport. This will save you the expense of renting kiteboarding equipment for the first few days.

Well maintained kites, lines, bar and board are the key to making your kitesurfing equipment last your travels. If not, then you are not safe from damaging it, breaking a line, puncturing a bladder, tearing off a foot strap … and finding yourself without equipment after 3 days of holiday. Take care of it in the months before your kite holiday in the sun, it will pay you back.

How do I decide whether to travel with or without my kite gear?

Some kitesurfers are used to travelling regularly, and investing in a good board bag that will last, strong and light, is essential. The choice of which kites can be a big consideration before you fly.

Most of the time, it is necessary to take at least two different kites depending on the conditions that will be offered to you. This is why it is important to find out about the weather forecast and statistics beforehand.

For a long stay, and for riders who have kite equipment, it is certainly preferable to take your equipment with you. Nothing will prevent you from renting a board or a kite from ION CLUB when you feel like it, or if the weather conditions do not allow you to use your own equipment.

On the contrary, for a short stay, the choice of renting kite equipment is certainly a good omen to ensure memorable sessions. Just remember to book it well in advance of your departure so that you don’t miss a day on your favourite sport, kitesurfing!