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WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH COCO FOVEAU 

Coco Foveau is next up in our Windsurf Travel Hacks series, checking in with some brilliant tips to make your journey smoother….and to help ensure your precious windsurfing gear arrives safely with you every step of the way!

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COCO FOVEAU

PACKING

I usually travel with two board bags. That way, I can separate my boards from the boom, which have an incredible talent for poking holes in the covers at the slightest bump.

Before closing my bags:

1: I remove the vent screw and fins,

2: I leave the foot-straps on (I’ll admit …out of laziness!), but some pros prefer to take them off and bring a drill for a quick reassembly,

3: I stuff wetsuits and towels at the ends to protect the nose and tail,

4: and I place a sail on each side to protect the rails.

It’s like a giant puzzle, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quick and safe.

TROLLEYS!

Carrying your board bags through the airport can be a nightmare — but with the right technique, it’s a breeze.

Here’s my method:
1: Stack two trolleys facing each other,
2: Lay your first board bag lengthwise on top,
3: Place the second board bag on top of the first,
4: And you can push both with one hand while keeping your suitcase next to you.

You’ll move easily, stay calm, and take up no more space than a single trolley.

AIRTAG

“Slip an Air Tag (or GPS tracker) inside your board bag. You’ll know exactly where it is…often long before airport staff do. It’s incredibly reassuring to see your gear has boarded safely or is just sitting on the tarmac.

ADVANCE NOTIFICATION

Most airlines require you to declare your sports baggage at least three days before your flight.
A quick call or WhatsApp message to customer service can save you from nasty surprises.

I learned this the hard way in Santiago, Chile…the quota for sports bags was full, and I almost got stuck on the ground. I had to negotiate directly with the captain to board. Moral of the story: always anticipate, especially for popular surf or wind destinations.

IF DELAYED

Your board bag follows the same rules as a regular suitcase. If it arrives late, you can request compensation for essential purchases (clothes, toiletries, etc.). The name to remember: the Montreal Convention. Keep it in mind if your luggage takes too long to reach you.

DAMAGE

Open your board bag as soon as you arrive…even if you don’t have all your papers yet. Filing a report immediately increases your chances of getting compensation. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove and nobody likes discovering a cracked board three days later!”