Hi
going on hols and thinking about taking kit with me, hard board 2x wings etc. Is it worth buying a inflatable just for holiday use or would you be disappointed with performance compared to hard board. thinking of simplest solution for holidays and not damaging my own board. thanks.
Ive never used or considered an inflatible board. I travel with a 65L board, 2-3 foils and 2-4 wings (depending on duration and conditions). I can sometimes get by with a single large board bag if I pack light, but I find I'm better off without overpacking the board bag (limit to the board, foils and maybe a wing), and just packing another large duffel with wings, pump, tools etc....
If you are dealing with weight limits, remember that wing bags, foil hardware, foil cases add up. You can often forgo the bags, double up the wings in a single bag, or buy minimal lightweight bags to lighten things up. Obvious, but study forecasts in advance and travel with an efficient foil and wing quiver for the conditions (don't bring everything).
If you wind up traveling with a hard board do yourself a favor and buy a Flexi Hex wrapper. I travel with my board a lot and I would get dings every time. Since I started using this, Ive had no issues. It only lasts for a trip (maybe two if you are lucky) but it is lightweight, cheap and works for protection. I have no affiliation with the company - its just been a really convenient product for me and I'm glad I found it.
www.surfdome.us/Flexi-Hex-Lite-Single-Sleeve-Surf-Accessory/sd50156387.htm?colour=Brown&sku=863719&productid=234561&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maHaGtK2aLNxPRby7TsFo4eNYpHNIwDzy8kkHeYoLm73ixelqruVqdEaAgBVEALw_wcB
I traveled to Oahu with Prone and 60L boards, 4 wingdings, 2 complete foils, plus a few extra wings, and fit everything into an Armstrong Golf Bag and Mystic Wing Bag, with both at 50 lbs. I kept my boards in their day bags and added a bit of extra padding. Took the wingdings out of their bags and used trash bags.
Night before I was stressing so hard that I overpacked due to the drop off in wind forecast and massive waves forecasted, but I ended up using every piece of kit except for my smallest foil. Best part was it only cost $70 total each way.
Pro tip on the Mystic Bag - no wheels - so bring a cruiser skateboard that can double as a dolly for the beast when getting around the airport. Works great.
It depends how much you travel. I do about 2 trips a year and would not do without inflatable. In home i use hardboards but would not consider traveling with them.
I have a 70l inflatable that i use when traveling (jumping, riding waves). Of course my smaller hardboard is nicer to ride, but honestly there is not that big a difference. Inflatable is so care free, not have to worry if my board arrives in one or two pieces. Also it packs small so i can fit about everything needed in one reasonably sized bag that have wheels. If i didn't have a inflatable i would probably bring foils and wings and rent a board. But if you travel more it becomes more expensive than buying one. Also not every place has rental and also there is always extra hassle with rentals, returns and also possibility that you have to pay extra if you happen to scratch the board.
Select to expand quoteWinger12 said..
It depends how much you travel. I do about 2 trips a year and would not do without inflatable. In home i use hardboards but would not consider traveling with them.
I have a 70l inflatable that i use when traveling (jumping, riding waves). Of course my smaller hardboard is nicer to ride, but honestly there is not that big a difference. Inflatable is so care free, not have to worry if my board arrives in one or two pieces. Also it packs small so i can fit about everything needed in one reasonably sized bag that have wheels. If i didn't have a inflatable i would probably bring foils and wings and rent a board. But if you travel more it becomes more expensive than buying one. Also not every place has rental and also there is always extra hassle with rentals, returns and also possibility that you have to pay extra if you happen to scratch the board.
What inflatable board do you have?
Brought two full kits and 3 wings to Tahiti this summer. One board got totally trashed by the airline, had to get 3 holes repaired! Wings and foil fit into a large duffle bag. I brought the wings in their bags because I was intending to sell them there.
If I was going on a foil trip. I would bring everything but the board. I'd rent the board at destination. Wings and foil kits fit easily into regular luggage, so no extra charges. They are also costly to rent, and harder to find brands you normally ride. It's cheap to just rent the board. I think a similar volume board, should ride close enough to my board at home. Buying an inflatable does not make sense unless you will use it lots, as inflatable boards are evolving rapidly and you don't want to get stuck with a v1 of some board.
I bought a second hand gong, did my annual trip to Hawaii and sold it over there.
Many advantages, bag fitted a wing and other gear, no eye lids battered at check in and no dings on arrival.
