Quick Tips to Help Flying with a Freestyle Kayak

Need to hop on a plane to reach your freestyle kayaking dream destination? Absolutely, so here are a few quick tips I have found helpful over the last 6 years-ish and there is also a link at the end of this blog with me showing exactly how i pack my boat and bag to fly.

Step 1: Pack you kayak smart

When I fly with my freestyle kayak, I pack it a certain way every time to make sure that it is the lightest it can be and ensure all gear stashed inside stays put in case they search the bag. I only put my essentials in it: helmet, pfd, skirt, shoes. (Important to make sure these items are dry before packing and the boat is dry before each flight. Take the few extra minutes to make sure of this, the airport personnel will thank you, as will your shoulders and abs as you lug it around. This also helps meet the weight.

 

 

Step 2: Buy a kayak cover bag

I found flying to be so much easier with I boat a boat bag. I think it is the easiest way to travel and makes it easy on the airport staff to handle it. The bag it is not a jumbled up mess duct taped together that they have to figure out if it is a surfboard or water zorbing kit (see below). It easily fits on the scale and creates less headache. I am a fan of the Salamander Yak Wrap Playpen. The link is here: https://salamanderpaddlegear.com/product/yak-wrap-playpen.

Step 3,4,5, 100………: Behavior

I think this is the biggest box to check when trying to fly with a kayak: your behavior and over all presentation. It is super important to show up early before the flight with all your gear in order. Make sure to be polite and help with whatever the airline people need assistance with. However, be confident but accept whatever price they charge to put your kayak on the plane. I have never seen it over $80 though. Also make sure to put your name, email, and/or phone number on all of your gear just in case it gets lost.

Summary:

I fly a lot for freestyle competitions and kayaking all over the world due to limited PTO off from my full time job. I have never been turned down for flying with my kayak on any airline. But, I follow these steps each time and it has turned out well on each airline. P.S. This is only for freestyle kayaks. I have not flown with a longer boat before. I hope this helps you out!

 

There will be a part 2 to show how I carry my paddle and clothes with me coming shortly… so stay tuned for that one.

Check out the video below for a demonstration of me loading my kayak to fly.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD76l2T-7bc

See you on the river!
Emily