One of the reasons wingfoil is such a great sport, is the fact that you fit everything in the back of your car and you are on the way. If you have an inflatable board, and even with most rigid boards, you can stuff everything in your car and off you go. The easy traveling with equipment is one of the reasons many windsurfers switch to wingfoil. If you are thinking of travelling with your gear, read this page and find out how to make the most of your journey.
Wingfoil travel tips: discover the spot finder
Don’t know where to go yet? Be sure to check our ever growing wingfoil spot guide where hundreds of other riders share their favorite spots with each other. Together we are buildling a great database of spots to ride.
You can also share your wingfoil spot and share it with other riders.
Inflatable or rigid wingboard?
Having an inflatable board or a rigid one is a personal decision and it depends on your personal situation. Here’s a couple of thoughts about rigid or inflatable boards.
Will you travel a lot? Then an inflatable board may be a good decision. You can inflate it and deflate it in a couple of minutes, you store it away in the trunk of your car and you forget about it. If you prefer a rigid board, keep in mind that chances are many rigid boards actually fit in your car as well, as long as you put the back seats down. Measure the size of your storage space in the car and compare it to the board sizes before you buy a board.
Is performance the most important aspect for you? Then a rigid board may be a better choice. In general, one can say that rigid boards have a slight performance advantage over inflatable boards. They tend to stick less to the water and allow take-off to happen more easily.
Other things to keep in mind when deciding to buy a rigid board or an inflatable one can be found here.
If you fly, go by boat or train, see these wingfoil travel tips for travelling with public transport
- Research transportation policies: Before planning your trip, research the transportation policies of the airline or transport service you’ll be using. Different airlines and modes of transportation may have specific guidelines and restrictions regarding the transportation of sporting equipment like wingfoiling gear.
- Choose the right travel bag: Invest in a high-quality travel bag designed specifically for wingfoil equipment. Look for bags that provide ample padding, reinforced construction, and compartments to store your wing, foil, board, and accessories securely. Ensure the bag is within the size and weight limits specified by the transportation provider.
- Disassemble and pack carefully: Disassemble your wingfoil equipment into its individual components. Detach the foil from the board, remove the wing handles if possible, and separate any smaller accessories. Pack each item securely in the travel bag, using padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile parts. Place heavier items at the bottom and ensure a snug fit to minimize movement during transport.
- Protect the foil and wings: Consider using protective covers or sleeves for your foil wings to prevent scratches and damage. Some foils come with specific covers, but you can also use foam or neoprene covers to provide an extra layer of protection. Securely fasten the covers to the wings and ensure they are well-padded within the travel bag.
- Check baggage allowances and fees: Confirm the baggage allowances and any associated fees with your transportation provider. Oversized or overweight items may incur additional charges, so it’s important to know the limits in advance. Some airlines may offer special provisions or waivers for sporting equipment, so check their policies to make the most of these options.
- Secure the bag and mark it as fragile: Ensure the travel bag is securely closed and fastened. Use sturdy locks or zip ties to secure the zippers. Consider marking the bag as “Fragile” or using luggage tags to draw attention to the delicate nature of the equipment inside. This may help ensure proper handling and reduce the risk of mishandling during transit.
- Communicate with transportation staff: When checking in your wingfoil equipment, communicate with the transportation staff to make them aware of the contents and any specific handling requirements. Provide instructions on how to handle the bag and emphasize its delicate nature. Polite and clear communication can help ensure your equipment receives the necessary care during the journey.
- Insurance and documentation: Consider insuring your wingfoil equipment for added protection against loss, damage, or theft during travel. Keep a record of your equipment’s serial numbers, take photos of your gear before packing, and retain any relevant receipts or proof of ownership. This documentation can be useful in case of any unfortunate incidents.
By following these wingfoil travel tips, you can travel with your wingfoil equipment confidently, knowing that it’s well-protected and properly handled during transit. Remember to check specific requirements and guidelines from your transportation provider and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with your wingfoil gear.
Wingfoil travel tips for your equipment in the car
If you plan to travel by car, or if you travel by car for your work, you can take your wingfoil equipment with you! Imagine not having to deal with roof carriers and riding around with a surf board on your roof like a tourist. You just carry it with you in the trunk, easy. Wingfoil travel: tips for travel on the road.
In some cases, the only option or the best option to transport the wing board is on top of you car. There are great solutions out there for those who don’t want to have a bulky roof rack on their car. These days, rigid roof racks are not needed anymore to bring your surf gear on top of your car.
Check out two interesting options for flexible wingboard roof carriers here.
On the left you see a mid-sized car with a full set of wing foil gear next to it. There’s a wing, a large beginner board of 165 liters and a big foil (GONG Alu XL).
The board is inflatable and everything can be dismounted and stored in the original travel bags.
Here you see the same set of equipment. The board and wing are deflated and everything is stored in the original travel bags.
Finally, here you it all stored in the trunk of the car. There is even space left to add to small sized suitcases if needed. Additional space can be saved by not storing everything in the original travel bags, but packing it together in a more practical bag.
