Ventana: rental equip vs golf bag

muthergoose · Since 14 Oct 2013 169 Posts East Couve Stoked

Traveling to ventana this winter and trying to decide on renting gear (ventana bay resort) or packing my own. Any thoughts? Gear rental for the week is $300 and if my golf bag gets busted with a board fee it will be $200 each way.

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

You should definitely take your own gear. Any rental gear you get will be different than what you are used too. Imagine having to tune up a new kite and bar for your trip. Even if you are an expert, which obviously you are not, it takes days to get used to
new gear. Even if they had the kites you use at home,everything will be different. I have traveled and tried to use other gear, it sucks. You can't imagine showing up and not having your gear needs met, it makes your stomach drop. Pay whatever the fee is, it should not be 200 each way. If it is expensive, it is worth it. The purpose of a vacation is to relax. Kite gear dialed and ready, nothing to worry about. Trust me.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

If you can fly Alaska Air it was $40 each way for a 155cm golf bag and big suit case. Keep it under 50 lbs! Option 2 put kites into big suit case and rent board.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Pack your gear and keep it under 50#. Why spend mucho$$ on your trip and miss work to skimp on the most essential items- your kite gear! Bring your gear that's all dialed in and don't give in to the airline bullshit. Renting is only a backup with its own inherent hassles.
When you're checking in, smile, bend over, and take it like a man who gets to go kite while the people behind the counter only wish they could.

Ratchet11 · Since 15 Aug 2006 82 Posts gorge,usa

1. Just keep under 50#...
2. When you check," if" they ask, say "kite gear"
3. NEVER SAY THE WORD "surf" because surfboards get the $200 tag.. kites get MAX $50 each way..

Smooth sailing,,, and take your gear! Mr. Bill has great north gear, but always a better bet to take your own... rent a fun surfboard from him for a day or two if you don't have one.. and your taking the twin tip etc..

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

I’ve been to Mexico twice using a golf bag and I’ve never paid a cent. I just tell em “one bag to check, oh and its an oversized golf bag” and they tend to not even blink particularly if its early in the morning. As others have said once it’s under 50lbs they don’t seem to care. The only time I’ve ever been questioned was from a TSA person at the oversized bag drop off and even that was just her telling me she knew that wasn;t golf clubs in there followed with a grin.

As a side note, I did get a significant amount of grief in Europe using the golf bag.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

I’ve been to Mexico twice using a golf bag and I’ve never paid a cent. I just tell em “one bag to check, oh and its an oversized golf bag” and they tend to not even blink particularly if its early in the morning. As others have said once it’s under 50lbs they don’t seem to care. The only time I’ve ever been questioned was from a TSA person at the oversized bag drop off and even that was just her telling me she knew that wasn;t golf clubs in there followed with a grin.

As a side note, I did get a significant amount of grief in Europe using the golf bag.

lubomm · Since 15 Aug 2007 248 Posts Hood Stoked

Lately I've been traveling with 1 or 2 kites in my suitcase, where I pay 25 and rent or borrow a board.

shred_da_gorge · Tue Dec 24, 13 5:53 pm

Popular topic... keeping it under 50# (as mentioned above) is always the best advice. I've traveled (with twin-tips) using a snowboard bag, kite bags (14m+7m in 14m bag), and more recently a pretty big (brightly-colored) Naish "golf" bag - never paid a cent (above standard bag fees). Have flown Virgin to San Cabo, SWA to SPI, and United to Tel Aviv (some examples). First check your airlines' policies on their web sites, and if challenged hold them firm to their own policies and (politely) explain that your bags are neither oversized nor overweight. Recently I was asked what was in the bag and I simply answered "it's a golf bag." ALWAYS be super-pleasant... best advice for dealing with people in positions of authoritay.

Good luck, bon voyage, bueno viento!

muthergoose · Since 14 Oct 2013 169 Posts East Couve Stoked

Thanks for the advice guys

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

I always throw a putter in and one ball. It does not specify what kind of golf u have to play!! Very simple. If u have ur own gear take it. U know how u care for your gear as opposed to rental?? Have a kick ass time. At least ur not driving now with the road situation!!