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WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH FLO JUNG

Next at the check in desk in our Windsurf Travel Hacks series, is Flo Jung… a seasoned traveller who knows all the tricks of the trade to make your windsurfing journey smoother and less expensive!

Photos: Samuel Tome and Fish Bowl Diaries!

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FLORIAN JUNG 20 YEARS, 100+BAGS, AND A MILLION TRAVEL STORIES!

FJ: “Traveling with windsurfing gear isn’t just about logistics. It’s about staying calm when your bag is 5 kilos overweight, convincing check-in agents that your sail bag is actually a golf set and learning how to live out of a board-bag with style. After more than 20 years on the road and a few hundred flights later, here’s what I’ve learned.

Oh, I’ve got a few travel hacks that saved my trip (and sanity) more than once!

1. Sleep mask: Don’t underestimate this simple tool. It blocks out the plane lights, the neighbour’s screen, or a crying toddler two rows back. It helps me reset, even on daytime flights.
2. Noise-cancelling headphones: They help me zone out, meditate, or just protect my ears from chaotic airport soundtracks.
3. Air Tags: These are game changers. I drop one in my board-bag, one in my suitcase. That way I always know where my gear is…even if the airline doesn’t.
4. Move every five hours: Long-haul flights are brutal on the body. I try to stretch, do some light yoga in the aisle, or walk around. You want to land with a body that’s still usable.
5. Stick to a solid flight routine: I treat long flights like creative downtime. I journal, read, listen to a good podcast or do some work. It helps my mindset and makes the trip feel productive.

BOOKING TIPS

FJ: “I always book directly with the airline whenever possible. It’s not just about finding the cheapest ticket; it’s about flexibility. If something goes wrong (and it often does when gear is involved), you want to talk to a real person who can actually help.

Also, print out the airline’s baggage policy. Ideally in English and in the local language of wherever you’re flying from. If the check-in agent tries to charge you double for a board bag, you can pull out the policy and say, “Here…this is what your website says.” It works more often than you’d think.

PACKING TIPS:

FJ: Packing is an art – and a workout. First of all: buy light board bags. A 5kg bag already eats up precious weight. Then I use my wetsuit, yoga mat, or sails to wrap and protect the board. Board on the bottom, sails on top, boom and mast in between, that’s my standard layering. And be smart, most airlines have a 32kg max per bag. Try to stay under 32 #kg to avoid rejection or extra charges. But if you’re at 34 or 35? You can usually get away with it if you move some stuff (like your extension or harness) into your hand luggage.

Also, this one’s key…I try to fit everything into one bag. Most airlines charge per bag, not per kilo. So instead of spreading gear across two 25 kg bags, try to combine everything into one under-32 kg monster. And if I need a second bag? Use a sail bag and say it’s a golf bag. It’s a well-known windsurfer trick. Many airlines treat golf equipment more generously than windsurf gear, and it often flies for much less!”

ESSENTIALS ON BOARD

FJ: “Easy: headphones, sleep mask, journal, book, and something creative to work on.

I don’t treat flights as dead time, they’re floating offices and reflection rooms. Sometimes it’s where my best ideas come from.

WINDOW OR AISLE

FY: I’m an aisle seat guy, ideally emergency exit row. But I never pay for a seat in advance. Instead, I board as one of the last people. That way, I can scan what’s still free and grab the best remaining seat. Worst case, I fall back on the one I booked.

At check-in, I’ll usually ask politely: “Any chance there’s an emergency row available today?” Kindness and a relaxed attitude often go a long way!”

CHECK IN!

FJ: “Checking in with windsurf gear is part strategy, part social intelligence. I always try to connect with the staff. Ask them something like: “What’s your dream travel destination?” or “How early did you have to wake up today?” Then I tell them about my trip…that I’m heading to a wave spot, maybe just coming back from a competition or doing a coaching trip. If they ask how much the bag weighs, I always answer with what the airline allows, not the real weight. If they’re sceptical, I’ll say, “I had to pack in a rush and the gear’s a bit wet. Should be close though.”

Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s all about mutual respect.
If things get tense, I ask: “What would you do in my situation?”
That question often shifts the energy. People want to help, as long as they don’t feel forced!

OTHER TIPS!

• Bring extra straps for trolleys. Airport ones are usually broken or missing.
• Arrive early if you’re nervous about the check-in or overweight. You want time to handle issues calmly.
• Read the faces of the check-in staff. If someone’s arguing with the agent in front of you, maybe switch to a line where the agent looks a bit more relaxed.
• Treat check-in like a game. The more you do it, the better you get.

And most importantly: don’t forget your packing list. Before you even start the car to go to the airport, ask yourself: Do I have my passport? It sounds dumb, but forgetting the basics is more common than you’d think.”

WHEN IT ALL GOES PETE TONG!

FJ: “I had a flight once where they tried to charge me over €1,000 for excess baggage. Luckily, I was flying with a lawyer. We pulled out the airline’s policy, proved they weren’t honouring their contract and got the full amount refunded within 72 hours. Things go wrong. Just stay calm, argue smart, and never lose your cool. You’ll be surprised how far a calm mindset and a bit of charm can take you!”

FINAL WORDS!

FJ: “After 20 years of windsurfing adventures, I’ve realized that traveling with gear is its own discipline. You learn to negotiate, read people, stay calm under pressure and, sometimes, carry 100 kg through three terminals without losing your mind. But honestly? Every mission is worth it when you’re standing at the beach, looking out at perfect waves, with all your gear ready to ride….See you out there!“