10 Tips for your Next Kiteboarding or Wingfoiling Trip
Embarking on a kiteboarding or a wingfoil adventure is a thrilling experience, but navigating the challenges of travel can sometimes take the wind out of your sails.
Here are some tips to help make your next kite or wing trip a breeze :)
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Use online tools to find a windy location:
Everyone has their priorities and wind is our numero uno! Also, probably 2, 3, 4, and 5. There are no guarantees for wind, but you can get close. A trip to North East Brazil in the fall, for example, will likely get you riding small kites every day. Here are a few helpful tools where you can research destinations known for consistent wind conditions during your travel dates:
- Kiteforum destinations thread - this is a link to one of the oldest and arguably most useful threads on kiteforum - it lists windy destinations by month.
- ikitesurf map - world map of wind sensors. Just pick any wind sensor, click on "More" and select "Archive" to see actual wind history going back 10 to 20 years (depending on the spot).
- Windguru wind archive - windguru has both wind forecast archive by spot as well as top spots by month.
- Research the location:
Identify kite/wing spots and launch areas.
- Kiteforum Spots - a world map of popular kite launches.
- Woo app - woo phone app has a map that shows where everyone who uses a woo rides. It will have all the popular and sometimes even secret spots there. shhh…
- Google maps - always a handy tool to scope out any location, see what wind direction works best and check out possible wind obstructions. Sometimes you can even spot kites on the satellite map.
Learn about local kite and wing regulations and restrictions.
- Kiteforum.com - oldest running forum dedicated to wind sports - it’s a treasure trove of useful (and sometimes not-so-useful), searchable information from all over the world. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always start a new thread and ask.
- Local facebook groups - Facebook groups are a way for locals to stay in touch. They are also searchable and usually have the most current information (if they are active).
- Local shops and schools - check websites, social media, or contact them if all else fails.
- If possible, choose a direct flight to your destination:
Direct flights minimize travel time and reduce the risk of lost baggage and damaged gear.
- Directflights.com - see all direct flights from your local airport.
- Google flights - great for easy browsing and pricing of flights.
- Choose an airline that is more friendly to our sport:
Some airlines offer better policies for transporting sports equipment, such as waived fees or higher weight allowances. If you have an option of flying different airlines, check their websites for their sports equipment baggage policies. At the moment, American and Delta seem to have best policies for our gear. Southwest is also usually a great option. These articles from ThePointGuy and OutsideOnline have a good collection of rules and fees for many airlines. Always check the airline’s website for the most current information.
- Use kite and wing gear-specific bags:
Invest in quality bags designed specifically for kiteboarding or wingfoiling equipment. These bags offer better protection and organization for your gear during travel. Use “golf bags” when possible to reduce your chances of getting hit with oversize fees on many airlines. Hint: Golf equipment gets no oversized fees on all airlines. We also recommend compression bags for kites and wings to save on weight and space.
- Keep the weight of each bag under 50 lbs:
Check baggage weight limits for your airline and destination to avoid excess fees. Most airlines limit the weight of each bag to 50lbs and if it goes over, the overweight fees can be hefty. Distribute weight evenly among bags to comply with weight restrictions. Usually, going over by a pound or two will not get you in trouble, but it all depends on who is at the counter. Scope out a friendlier looking check-in person and be ready to do some shifting if you’re slightly over the limit. Items that are small and heavy (spreader bars, control bars, etc.) are usually the easiest to move - keep these close to the bag opening for a quick fix.
- Travel-specific gear can save you money if you travel often:
If you are a kiteboarder and ride a twintip, consider a splitboard. These ride just like regular twintips, but split in half and fit in a slightly oversized backpack together with 2 kites, harness, control bar, and pump. You’ll never have to pay overweight or oversized fees on any airlines with one of these.
If you’re a winger, check out inflatable wing boards and skip on fees as well. These may make more sense if you’re a beginner or intermediate rider and need a larger size board. Unfortunately, inflatable wing boards don’t offer much on a performance side, so they are less appealing for advanced riders.
- Get your story straight:
Be prepared to explain your equipment to airline staff or customs officials if necessary. Most airline employees don’t know what kiteboarding or wingfoiling equipment is or looks like. And many airlines, don’t have it in their policies. So, find the equipment in their baggage policy that resembles yours, and maybe has lesser or no fees. Print out the policy and circle what you’re bringing to show them that you’re prepared and know what you’re doing.
- Make friends with the locals:
Locals can offer valuable insights into the best kite/wing spots, local conditions, and safety tips. How to make friends on the beach is a topic for a whole other blog, but basic courtesy always helps - launching, landing, being helpful, maybe a few extra beers in your kite bag for an after session hang out.
Building relationships with locals can also enhance your overall travel experience and maybe even create lasting connections.
- Have a plan B:
Be flexible with your itinerary in case of unexpected changes in weather or conditions. Research alternative activities or nearby spots in case your primary kite/wing spot is not suitable. Going on a wind-sport trip can be miserable if there is no wind and nothing else to do.
- Bonus tip - Enjoy and have the best time of your life!
Have questions about wind destinations, packing for your trip, or travel gear? Don't hesitate to contact us - we are here to help!