Have you decided to finally take the plunge and go on a kitesurfing trip? It’s a great initiative, but to make sure your trip goes smoothly, we explain here how to make your kite trip an unforgettable experience!
Anticipate all the paperwork!
This may seem like a surprising precaution when you are planning a kite trip, but there is nothing worse if you are planning to fly abroad than to realise at the last moment that your passport has expired. It is therefore imperative that you check the validity of your passport before you leave. Some destinations require your document to be valid for at least six months at the time of your return.
It is also important to be aware of whether or not you need to apply for a visa before arriving in the country. Also, pay attention to any vaccinations that may be required.
Last but not least, check with your financial adviser whether your card is accepted in your holiday country and the costs involved in using it abroad.
Don’t leave it to the last minute to save money
Buying airline tickets or booking your future accommodation at the last second is not really a good idea for your bank account. The earlier you book your ticket, the better the price you can get. The same goes for your accommodation! If you make your reservation at least 6 months in advance, there is a good chance that you will come across special offers. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about not having any places on the dates you choose.
Don’t forget the weather!
Especially if you are planning to go kitesurfing in a spot that is unknown to you, it is more prudent to check the weather conditions at the desired period. It would be frustrating for you to realise once you arrive on site that there is no wind at this time of year or that the targeted beach is not open for example. All this information will also help you to make the right choice about what to pack for your kite. The temperature of the water will determine which wetsuit you take with you and the strength of the wind will determine which kites you need to select before you leave. Don’t leave anything out or you won’t have a good session!
If you are travelling by plane, check the airline’s policy for your equipment
Not all airlines have the same policy. It is imperative that you check with the airline you are travelling with to see if they accept boardbags in the hold and what restrictions may exist. For added peace of mind, take any extra sports equipment you may need with your ticket. Keep in mind that none of your luggage should exceed 32 kilos. Moreover, for several years now, this weight has been considerably reduced. You should therefore select the equipment that is essential and that you can do without.
Equipment: prepare your kite bag well!
As you will have understood, optimising your luggage is important in order not to exceed the weight decided by the company, but also so that all your equipment travels safely and without damage. Since you have already collected the characteristics of the spot(s) you will be riding in, it will be easy for you to take the right wetsuits, kite sizes, fin types and kitesurf boards. To this you will need to add: repair kit, tools (pump with nozzle, screwdriver, screws…), first aid kit, bars, beach gear, harness (bring several), sun cream and a sufficient number of leashes. Once you have prepared all this equipment, you will have a much clearer idea of what kind of kite bag you need. Indeed, the bag must be able to carry all your belongings while respecting the dimensions imposed in the hold and be of excellent quality to find your kite in perfect condition.
One last piece of advice: don’t wait until the day before to organise your luggage! Some parts, such as the fins, are relatively fragile and should therefore be protected.