Do you plan to travel with windsurfing gear? Then you should buy a windsurf board bag. Whilst you can just about get by without windsurfing board bags, buy a good one and you’ll wonder how you ever managed before.
Ways to travel with windsurfing gear
Your board will be much easier to carry and transport if in a bag. The bag will also protect it from damage, both when being moved and being stored, thus extending its life.
Travel windsurf bags
There are two main types of board bag: travel bags and day bags. Travel bags are sturdier and thicker, designed to stand up to the rigours of travel. They are heavily padded to protect the board when it’s being moved around, particularly when being taken off and put onto roof racks.
They are generally at least 10 mm thick, but the better bags will be thicker than that. If you drop your board when it’s in a travel bag, the bag should help protect it from damage. Many travel bags will fit more than one board into them (these are sometimes known as ‘coffin bags’ due to their shape).
The cheapest travel bags cost around £80
Day windsurf bags
Day bags are lighter, thinner and cheaper than travel bags. While they don’t provide the same level of protection as travel bags, they’re good enough for many windsurfers. If you don’t need to transport your board very far, you might find a day bag will be enough for you.
However, it is important to remember that day bags aren’t designed to provide protection for your board, but just to allow you to carry it easily.
Some of them will have minimal padding, but cheaper versions won’t have any. Off to Spain and think your board might get bashed about on the flights to Alicante?Then it’s worth splashing out on a more expensive travel bag.
Basic day bags start at around £40.
Buy a windsurf board bag: What to look for
Whichever kind of bag you buy there are a few essential things you need to look for. First and most obviously, make sure the bag is the right size for your board.
Some bags are adjustable, making them suitable for more than one size of board. That could be useful if you own more than one board, or you’re buying a multi-board bag. Some bags will expand to take two (or more) boards, but also compress if they’re being used to carry just one.
when you buy a windsurf board bag make sure it is easy to carry. Check it has a padded handle and padded shoulder strap. Whether you travel with windsurfing gear or are just lugging it from car to beach, these features make a huge difference.
A few bags come with wheels, to make transportation even easier. A pocket for your valuables and one for your wetsuit are also very useful.
And what about your boom, sails and mast? Quiver or rig bags are available to take them, many of which will carry multiple sails.
When planning your next trip be sure to check out our windsurfing discounts as you could save a fortune.
