The nightmare of losing your kitesurfing gear: Beware of flights with free sports equipment.
Traveling to exotic destinations to practice kitesurfing is an exciting experience for any kitesurfing enthusiast. However, there's one problem that many kiteboarders have experienced firsthand that can completely ruin a dream trip: losing kitesurfing equipment during a flight. In this article, we'll explore the risks associated with flights that include kitesurfing luggage, as well as the difficulties of recovering such equipment if it's lost.
The promise of a free franchise:
Many airlines and travel agencies promote flights that include free luggage transport for kitesurfing. These offers are attractive to kitesurfers, who see them as an economical way to transport their precious equipment to their kitesurfing destination. However, what isn't mentioned as clearly is what happens if the equipment is lost or damaged during the flight.
The nightmare of lost luggage:
Let's imagine the following situation: a group of friends excited about their kitesurfing trip arrive at their destination and, after several days of waiting, realize their sports equipment hasn't arrived. They've lost their kitesurfing gear, and now they must deal with a series of bureaucratic obstacles and lack of interest from the airline to try to get it back. Just like what happened to these four friends on their trip to Dakhla.
Inside the ORAO boardbag were two Duotone DICE kites, 12 meters and 9 meters long. Two Mystic harnesses, a Duotone Select board, two ION wetsuits, a vest, and two ION and Mystic ponchos. All the equipment was one year old and valued at over €3,000 on the market.
Lack of solutions and disinterest from airlines:
The frustration of losing luggage is further compounded when one discovers the lack of available options to resolve the problem. In many cases, airlines suggest filing a claim on their website or contacting a special rate phone number. However, customer service is unsatisfactory and no guarantee of recovery or compensation for lost items is offered. Furthermore, the airline's lack of physical presence at airports makes communication and problem resolution even more difficult.
The importance of insurance:
One of the biggest drawbacks to traveling with kitesurfing equipment is the lack of insurance for said equipment. Although equipment transportation may be free, in the event of loss or damage, no protection or financial compensation is offered. This leaves athletes vulnerable, as they have invested a considerable amount in their equipment and have no way to recover its value in the event of an incident.
A possible solution is geolocation search devices:
In the face of this growing problem, one option that could help mitigate the risks is the use of geolocation tracking devices. These devices can be hidden inside the device and allow its location to be tracked if it is lost. If this preventive measure were implemented, it would be more feasible to locate the lost device and file a report with its exact location, which could facilitate its recovery.
Traveling with kitesurfing luggage included on flights may seem like a convenient and economical option, but the risks associated with lost or damaged equipment are a reality. The lack of solutions and the scant attention from airlines in these cases make it clear that additional precautions are needed, such as the use of geolocation tracking devices. If you plan to travel to kitesurfing destinations, reflect on these experiences shared by other athletes and consider all available options to protect your valuable equipment.
Don't let a flight ruin your passion for kitesurfing!
Have you ever had something similar happen to you? Tell me about your experience, leave a comment, or send it to help other kiters.
