It would be an
understatement to say I own a number of board bags, ranging from day
trip bags (usually wide nose XL skim board bags) to airline tough
travel bags - I travel a fair amount. The day trip bag is usually
packed inside the travel bag and depending upon the destination, some
towels, wetsuits and other wet gear.
As
every paipo board rider has probably discovered there isn't much of a
market
for paipo board bags, both for everyday use (day bags) or for
travel. Moreover, the relative size and shape of the paipo makes it difficult
to
find board bags designed for other markets, i.e., the bodyboard bag is
too short and the kneeboard, fish and shortboard bags are too large. Finding
a travel bag that is large enough to pack your board and some
accessories
(e.g., flippers, fins, wetsuits) but not so large that you be assessed
with airline surfboard fees is another challenge.
My reference point for discussion is a paipo sized 50 x 20.5 x 2.5
inches.
Most of the travel bags
suitable for paipo boards that I have purchased are marketed as snow
boarding or knee boarding (river/lake style
boards) bags -- add about 3 to 4 inches to the length and 2 inches to the
width of your paipo for a good fit and to allow for a towel wrap for
the nose and the rail opposite the carrying handle (double or triple
layered small bubble wrap also works).
Depending upon the depth of the travel bag (e.g., does it have side
walls or is it sewn flush as two pieces), an extra inch or two in width
might be required depending upon the thickness of your board. I have
set up a few e-Bay searches that deliver board bags for sale to my
daily e-mail in-box (kneeboard bag, skimboard bag and wakeboard bag).
Today's
airline baggage policies are making me push the envelope on the
number of checked bags - especially since I wear contact lenses and can
not carry-onboard items such as saline solution, general disinfectant
solutions and maybe
even contact lenses, and loading all that stuff up in a board bag will
weigh it down considerably. I also try to keep the paipo bag small and light enough to get "free clearance" as a "boogie
board / bodyboard" and avoid the "surfboard" or oversize fees (usually
not
the weight, but the 62 linear inches measurement limit, i.e., L x W x
D). The
board is usually checked in as regular baggage and not "hand carried"
like the oversize surfboard luggage (think of those 6 to 10 foot boards.
In
recent
years the number
of board bag manufacturers has proliferated -- I don't know why, there
could be several reasons -- maybe because profit margins were so good
that
classic economics are at work; an explosion of "extreme" sports such
as
wake boarding, snow boarding, kite boarding has created a larger market
for similarly-sized board bags; and the increase of the traveling
waverider. Whatever the reason we do have many more options compared to
20 years, 10
years
or even 5 years ago. Nonetheless, it's still an odyssey to find a
bag with the right features, fit and price (or just to find a bag,
period)
or to find a dependable manufacturer.
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Board packed with towels, baggies, rashguards,
leashes and other lightweight gear, and ready to go
This
photographs shows several important board bag features: (1) padded side
panels, (2) internal tie-down straps and (3) wrap-around zippers for
easy packing. Additional padding includes: (1) pipe insulation around
the rails and wrapped in bubblewrap to keep the pipe insulation in
place; (2) flexible polyethylene foam sheets wrapped around the nose;
and (3) underlayment sheets.
|
A
few tips for added board protection when packing for a trip
- If you
are taking surf gear on a trip such a wetsuits, rash guards, and towels
then use them to provide addtional protection for your board.
- Wetsuits
and towels are good for folding around the nose and tail of the board.
Or along the top or bottom of a board.
- Be sure
to wrap a towel or foam padding along the rail side opposite the
carrying handle -- you and others will likely use the handle when
carrying, lifting and letting down the board & bag -- the
non-handle side becomes a vulnerable rail surface. I usually double or
triple fold the towel befor wrapping it lengthwise along the board
bags' non-handle rail side.
- Towels,
wetsuits, sheet foam, and bubble wrap provide extra protection to the
top and bottom sides of your board.
- Pipe
insulation tubes and foam swimpool noodles provide good protection
along the rails and for the two ends of a board. However, tubes and
noodles tend to make the board bag rather bulky. Towels work and will
be used. Tubes & noodle provide excellent protection when storing a
board for return trips.
- Polyethylene
foam sheets (polyethylene closed-cell foam) are strong, resilient, flexible (bends without breaking) and
light. Much better than yoga mats which (1) tend to be heavy and (2) don't provide as much impact resistance. Polyethylene
foam sheets come in a range of sizes--I save it from shipped packages
and often times surf shops have discarded sheets. 1/4 inch sheets are
great for layering around the nose or tail (use two or three) and one
or two sheets along the top and bottom of the board provide additional
lightweight, non-bulky protection. Also available in rolls about 3/8" thick that can then be cut to your specification.
- Underlayment
sheets provide light, sturdy protection below, above and between
boards. Not suitable for wrapping around the nose, tail and rail.
- Bubble
wrap is another option-- it is flexible and light. You can wrap the board but it
can be a pain-in-the-ass at times. Bubble
wrap also comes in sheets with closed sides--I cut it in half--leaving
a longside and end open and wrap the excess around the board.
- Double-bag
the board. I use a day bag that does not have ultra stiff seam binding
(so it folds easily). Many skim board day bags work well.
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Pipe insulation
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Swimpool noodles
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Polyethylene closed-cell foam sheets
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Underlayment sheets used in flooring
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Polyethylene closed-cell foam roll
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What I am
looking for in a "day bag"
- Basic
padding to prevent inadvertent dings from knocking around in a vehicle
or contact with other boards.
- Wide
enough in the nose and tail for a wide template board (some bags have a
narrow nose/tail)
- Large
enough to easily fit the board inside the bag with fins (skegs)
- Hang tag
for easy drainage
- Heavy
duty zipper, non-metalic, that wraps around at least the full length of
the bag on one side (more is better)
What I am
looking for in a "travel bag"
- Sturdy
padding on the top, bottom and sidewalls. At least the industry
standard 600 dernier thickness.
- Be sure
the sidewalls are padded
- Wide
enough in the nose and tail for a wide template board (some bags have a
narrow nose/tail) - a "square" profile is better than a "pointy" shape
- Large
enough to easily fit the board inside the bag with sufficient space for
towels, wetsuit, rashguards, etc.
- Four
inches longer than your board and two to three inches wider (space for
reinforced padding for the nose, tail and rail opposite the carry
handle -- I use towels and dense flexible foam for added padding plus
my day bag)
- Side
panels (padded) of 3 to 5 inches
- Internal
tie-down straps to keep the board from moving around (this helps to
prevent dings)
- Internal
pockets can come in handy for distributing light weight accessories
such as fin sox, rashguards, baggies and wax
- If the
board has backpack style straps then it is good to have an external
pocket the straps can be placed and zipped up
- Heavy
duty zipper, non-metalic, that wraps around at least one full side of
the board and both ends plus a little more on the opposite side so you
can completely open the bag like you would a suitcase, also known as a
3/4 of the bag zipper
- An
external slot for an identification tag
- Hang tag
for easy drainage -- better yet, "end loops" or handles
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Below is a
quick guide to
commercial options. Feel free to send
me your own board bag solutions.
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Do it
Yourself. If
you have time and materials you can easily fashion a "day bag" that is
good enough to protect your board from sunlight and simple scratches
and
dents. See below for Doc's work-up.
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Bully's Surf.
I stumbled upon these board
bags
in a Virginia Beach surf shop this past weekend (March 7, 2009), the
first time I had seem them. The bags appear to be well made and ideally
sized for paipos (the bags I saw were clearly marked 55 inches - there
is also a 60 inch model). The bags remind me a lot of the fish bags
introduced a couple of years ago. As you can see in the pic the bags
have sufficient width from nose to pod and appeared to be large enough
to handle a 50" paipo with fins on making these bags ideal as day bags.
They should be fine as travel bags, but lack two desirable features:
(1) a full length zipper to facilitate packing and wrapping of your
board with towels or bubble wrap and (2) the outer pocket is not very
spacious - you would be hard pressed to stuff a pair of swim fins but
it would be fine for a rash guard, some wax, and a pair of sandals. The
on-line price is right: $42.
More info: Bully's Surf, LLC, 392 Via El Centro Oceanside, CA
92054
Phone: 760-966-0296 : FAX: 760-966-1562 - Email: info@bullyssurf.com
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Victoria
Skim Boards.
Their "travel bags"
make excellent day bags. The XL that I ordered is sized at 60" x 26" x
1/2" and 20" wide one foot from both the nose and the tail, and is
sufficiently
padded to protect your board from casual scratches and dings from road
travel and bouncing around in the auto trunk. My board easily fits in
and
zips, even with a center skeg up to 7" long. The zipper is made of
regular sized nylon (or similar material) and zips just around the
length
of one side and just around the nose and tail ends (some skim board
bags
only zip just around the tail and up about three-quarters length of the
board. Currently priced at $75, available in several colors and sizes
M,
L and XL. Verify current production sizes. In the past they have not
been
willing to make a custom bag. You can order by phone or through
the
Victoria web sites and several third party websites. Surf shops that
carry
skim boards will sometimes carry the Victoria board bag or bags made by
other manufacturers but supply is erratic. Whenever possible try to fit
your board into the bag as some of the bags simply don't have the
volume
or width at the tail and nose to fit many paipos.
More info: 2955 Laguna
Canyon Road Suite #1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Telephone: (949)
494-0059
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Victoria
Skimboard Travel Bag Coffin Bag, Size XL. Note: This is a different
model and not the Victoria Skimboard Coffin Bag, although my
information is a bit sketchy until I touch and feel these bags
personally.
Here is what the advertisement says, "The Coffin Bag allows you to put
all of your luggage in one bag, saving both time and money at the
airport. No second bag fees and you can securely fasten your product
(skimboards, trunks, wetsuits, towels, etc.) in the main compartment
for ease of mind when traveling.
- Designed for
air travel
- Two inner
board straps
- Additional
wall padding
- Re-enforced
zippers
- Two inner
pockets
- Contact info.
holder
- Re-enforced
shoulder strap and handle
- Great for
multiple boards.
Size: M (fits xxs
–
m boards) Size: XL (fits ml – xxl boards)." In response to an
email
question, Justin
Sullivan, Retail
Manager/CSR, told me that "the bag can fit a XXL Poly (this board measures 57.3" x
22.5"), our
largest board, with room
to spare (about an inch at the nose and tail). The zipper opens all the
way around both sides to the base, allowing it to open similar to the
way a book would." The XL bag retails for $110, available in yellow or
black - deals probably can be found.
Note: The internal pockets are rather small and flush - see this pic.
Click on pics for larger images.
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DB Skimboard Bags, Day Bag and Travel Bag.The
day bag is well padded and suitable for travel if you aren't
packing much. The travel bag is sturdy, featuring small padded
perimeter panels, wrap around zipper, and internal compression straps
to keep your board from slipping around. It also features backpack
straps. Externally are wet and dry pockets and internal is a protected
pocket to keep a cell phone dry. Good full body shape for accommodating
wide noses and tails. Only drawbacks are the length dimensions.
Sizing Measurements: 45" x 23"
Features:
- Exterior Mesh Pocket: let your wet gear dry out while you hike out!
- Interior large dry pocket: coated interior pocket helps keep your gear dry and separated from the exterior pocket
- Interior electronics pocket: perfect for your phone or Ipod
- Hip mounted wax pocket
- Padded backpack straps with waist and chest staps
- Over shoulder straps
- Suitcase carry handles
- Interior tie down straps
- Thick foam padding for airline travel
- Reinforced straps
DB Skim & Skate: 2519 Pacific Hwy E Ste. B, Fife, WA 98424 (near Tacoma)
Tel.: 253-235-4611 | GPS: N 47°14'35.5" W 122°23'44.8"
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Zap
Skimboard Bags, Day Bag and Travel Bag.
The day bag is well padded and suitable for travel if you aren't
packing much. The travel bag I looked at today at Skim City, the Zap
Phase Five, is a is substantial board bag which includes solid,
thick padding top and bottom and along the perimeter panels which
makes it ideal for travel and storage. Outside is a good sized zip
pocket for stowing your swim fins (pocket is 16 inches high and appears
to be deep enough for a pair of fins). Inside this pocket is a Velcro
enclosure pocket for wax, SPF lotion, your keys, or whatever.
Sizing Measurements: Small: 53" x 25" | Medium: 56" x 25" | Large: 60"
x
25"
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Skim City.
I can't attest to the quality of their "travel bags"
since I have not seen them firsthand. However, based upon the
descriptions these bags should make excellent day bags with several
good features and adequate sizing.
From the Skim City web site: Much like the Zap bag, this thing is very
heavily padded; double, scalloped zipper on the wide end; nylon
exterior; plastic/slick interior keeps the wax from soaking through the
cloth; interior zip pocket for wax or keys; adjustable shoulder strap;
rubber handle keeps the reinforced cloth handle from cutting into your
paws; a nose loop for hangability; and assorted colors. The bags come in three sizes:
- Small: fits only boards that are the same size or smaller than the
Large Wedge , anything less than 52 inches;
- Medium: this bag more resembles the Vic bag - except better, will
handle two ML Vics with traction pads, or one Large Vic and
anything shorter than 56 inches; and
- Large: fits everything else, anything less than 59.5 inches. In fact,
not only is it big enough to hold two boards with decking (maybe three
without), but there's still plenty of room to toss in your towel, rash
guard, wet suit, or anything else you want (well, almost anything).
More info: 133 5th Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903 Telephone:
321-676-0051 |
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Vitamin Blue.
Learned about this board bag company on the paipo forums (April 2017).
The company makes stock and custom board bags of all sizes and
features. Price list only for stock board bags (which doesn't include
paipo & kneeboards).
Address: 1005 W. 18th Street Costa Mesa, Ca. 92627
Phone: 949-645-4592 - Email form: http://vitaminblue.com/contact/ |
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Click on above
pics for a larger image. |
Collective
Development. This
is now my main travel bag to tropical destinations (as of late
2008) and maybe to some cool water destinations since there is enough
room to pack in a wetsuit and bootie/gloves and the usual towels,
bubble wrap and Lycra accessories.
It is not as tight as my trusty HO Sports bag (see below). Should be
able to accommodate flippers, leashes and wax -- just gotta watch the
weight limits when you fly. Also, you don't want to show up with an
over stuffed and heavy bag if you want to keep from paying extra bag
fees. The padded hand straps, shoulder and backpack style straps work
fine; three internal pockets help in organizing accessories; internal
binding straps keep things in place (like your towels and wetsuit used
for padding); and backpack straps help out when hiking into wilderness
spots. The bag is padded on all sides. The pictures to the left show my
paipo, packed inside a skim board bag, with towels and other items
packed for a trip to the tropics.
This
bag is marketed as a
wakeboard bag. I bought it on eBay in 2007, for $26.50 plus $14.00 s/h.
Particulars:
- Dimensions:
56" x 24" x 5"
- Nose and tail are xx" and xx"
wide, respectively
- Large center internal mesh
pocket, an enclosed end pocket and a small key pocket (click on picture
for detail)
Note:
Execute Sports,
Inc., of San Clemente, CA, divested
its snow sports brands, including Collective Development Bags, to focus
on water sports. |
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Midnight Products (click on pic for larger image)
The Trisect/Bisect Bag
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Midnight Products makes
custom board bags for kneeboards to SUPs and just about anything. Ask
about the "bisect" design which looks something like a suitcase. A
buddy has one -- it looked solid. I forgot to shoot some photographs
but you get the idea in the figure to the left. Looks like a good
choice at a decent price. Made in the USA.
Midnight Products understands what is important in a travel bag -- look
at their specification/option
list.
- 600 x 600 Dn
Polyester Cover With Polyurethane Coating*
- Available
Colors Include Black, Red, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, Forest Green, Silver*
- 1/2"
Waterproof Shock Absorbing Foam Padding*
- Adjustable /
Removable Padded Shoulder Strap*
- Sturdy Rubber
Carrying Handle*
- Top Zip Easy
Load Style With Extra Large Zippers*
- Zippers Run
3/4 Length of Bag*
- I.D. Pocket*
- Tie Down Loops
For Securing to roof racks*
- End Loops Are
Used For Holding The Bag While Loading or Removing Board or For Hanging
Bag*
- Interior Wax
And Fin Pocket*
- Web Piping
Reinforcement Around All Edges*
- Customize a
bag the way you want it.
- Be sure to
request internal compression straps
Contact info:
1157 N. Grove
St., Anaheim, Ca. 92806
Tel.: 714-630-1377
NOTE: Went out of business in February 2017.
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WaveTribe
makes
custom board bags for small boards to SUPs including non-standard
shapes such as alaia and mini-simmons, and just about anything. Made in
the Ojai, California.
Wave Tribe understands what is important in a travel bag:
- 6 mm Thick Padding
- Build Like You Want (send us your logo)
- Choose Eco Hemp, Stylish Fabric or Billboard
- YKK Marine #10 Zippers
- Reinforced Padded Shoulder Strap
- Interior Fin & Leash Pocket
- Padded board separator between each board
- Padded side panels
- Wrap around zippers for full opening of bag (ease of packing)
- I.D. pocket on the outside of the bag
- One Year Warranty & Money Back Guarantee
Be sure to read "Which size travel bag should I buy?"
Contact info:
Phone: 800-791-6521
Wave Tribe HQ, 201 Bryant Street, 4A Ojai, CA. 93023 |
|
Click on above pic
for many different views. |
HO Sports
"HO 720 Kneeboard Bag" (2004
model). Currently my main travel bag, at
least to tropical destinations (as of late 2004). It
is a tight fit but when I air travel my board is "double wrapped" with
this and a lightly padded skimboard bag and a couple of towels. A light
wetsuit and/or flippers will also fit, plus lightweight Lycra shirts,
socks and paddling gloves; and leashes. Other accessories can fit into
the external pocket. The padded handstraps work fine - there are also
notches at both topside ends for a shoulder strap. I'll snatch up
another of these if it becomes listed on ebay.
Retail:
Original retail price unknown, purchased on eBay for $40 plus s/h,
through Pine Tree Sports,
2165 Overland Avenue, Burley, Idaho 83318 Tel: 208-678-5869
Particulars:
- Dimensions: 53" x 22.5" x 2.25"
- Nose and tail are 17" and 16"
wide, respectively
- External pocket is 31" long and
ranges from 10" to 14" wide
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Kidder Skis USA Kneeboard Bag
|
This board bag was listed
for sale on eBay. The seller told me in an email, "The exterior is good
quality and the padding is thin high density foam. As far as air
travel, I not sure on how the do their handling. So not sure how else
how to answer that question."
Dimensions: 54" x 23.75" (20" wide at 10 inches from ends; no side panel height)
No other information readily available on KD/Kidder kneeboard bags |
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Austin Surfboards.
Austin
Surfboards of Virginia Beach, VA, built their first paipo in the Spring
of 2007, custom made to my specifications. Since then the paipo line
has done very well,
sufficiently well that they actually had some paipo board bags made
specifically
for the Austin paipos.
The Austin
paipo board bag
is modeled after a bodyboard bag in shape and design. The main
and outside pocket are made with drip vents and the outside pocket is
perfect for a set of fins (flippers). Like most bodyboard bags, the custom
Austin paipo board bags feature straps to carry the bag like a
backpack. The bag is padded for travel. Some bags have mylar covering
on one side.
Retail:
$75 + $12 s/h, via PayPal, from the Austin
merchandise web site. Or, pickup at Austin Surfboards Showroom, 513
19th Street, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Phone: 757-428-SURF
(7873).
e-mail: austin@austinsurfboards.com
Particulars:
- Dimensions: 54" x 24" x 3-1/2"
- Nose and tail are about 23-24"
wide
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Cabrinha. Cabrinha,
a kite surfing company, was founded and is operated by Maui based
waterman, Pete Cabrinha. The company is a leading manufacturer of
performance kiteboarding equipment: producing everything from kites to
boards to accessories. Made primarily for kite boarding, the
smallest
of their travel bags, the Cabrinha 151, makes an excellent heavy duty,
multi- board travel bag. The bag measures 59-1/2" x 24" x 9", and the
nose
and tail widths at one foot are 19" and 18", respectively. The depth of
this bag makes it a good choice for heavy duty travel -- plenty of room
for two boards (fins removed) and light gear or one board with plenty
of
gear. For example, on a combo trip to cold water Northern Oregon
and warm water Hawaii, I had plenty of room for a board (50 x 20.25 x
2.5),
4/3 wetsuit, 5mm booties and gloves, rash guard long sleeve liner plus
warm water Lycra shirts, Lycra cold water trunks and warm water
baggies,
cold water flippers (XLs for those 5mm booties) and warm water flippers
(ML), fins (skegs), wax, basic first aid items, SPF/sun lotions,
towels,
etc. The bag features an internal padded board separator and
compression
straps to keep everything in place plus external compression straps.
Dual
zippers run about 70 percent of the perimeter making for easy packing.
The bag also features oversized wheels, sturdy handles and a small
external
equipment pouch.
You can order via
many third
party distributors. Mine was acquired through Kitesurfari for $123 plus
$4 shipping.
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Finless board inside
the Day Bag
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Airwave.
Airwave makes standard and custom board bags. Standard sizes include
single surf board
bags,
double surfboard bags, and coffin bags for up to 4 boards. They also
make
standard and custom board bags for windsurfing, kite boarding and
snowboarding.
They actually list paipo boards on their list design
to build custom board bags. I recently ordered and received custom
day and travel bags based on the short board bag designs. My travel
bag features two internal pockets using a one-half inch Velcro closure
across the width of the bag, one forward and one to the rear, each
about
26" deep. I contacted Mark DuPaix initially via email and later by
phone - he provided excellent service in discussing my needs and
delivered
on-time for an upcoming trip. Highly recommended.
Location: 137 9th
Ave., San
Francisco, CA 94118 Phone: (415) 346-3806
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Day
Bag ($65)
1-1/2"
polypropylene webbing
to bind all edges
1/4" closed
cell
high density
foam padding
Reinforced
nose,
carrying handle
Large (#10)
YKK
zipper
Available in
heavy
weight 600D
ultra violet resistant polyester (assorted colors)
My custom bag
measures 54x24x1"
and a 20" nose and 23" tail, at 12' from tips (very tight with the 6"
fin
and 3" side bites - recommend a 56" x 26" with 24" nose and tail).
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 |
Travel
Bag ($100)
3/8" closed cell
high density
foam padding
1-1/2"
polypropylene webbing
to bind all edges
3/4" padding
at
nose and tail
(i.e., double padded)
Carrying handle
Large (#10)
YKK
zipper
Heavy duty 600
denier ultra
violet resistant polyester top & bottom
Shoulder strap
that attaches
to removable compression straps
My custom bag
measures 56x28x1-1/2"
(with board separator pad inside) with 27" widths at 12" for the nose
and
tail.
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AirWave Travel
Bag ($160) Purchased by SJB (2015)
SJB says: The bag is
well padded all the way around... coffin style... handle plus
detachable shoulder strap. Separation pad for between boards.
Compression straps. Well made and I am very pleased. I can fit both my
Austin and TBG2 (in their respective day bags) into the coffin for a
nice snug fit and what appears to be excellent board protection. [Rod's
Note: Technically speaking, coffin bags have side panels, but SJB's
statement that the bag fits two boards with their day bags snuggly
effectively provides similar results.]
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|
Click on above pic
for many different views.
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Masterline.
Deluxe Wakeboard Pack (Backpack style bag, model C622). The product
description reads: Padded backpack style travel bag. More than enough
room to carry your board, rope and accessories. Padded shoulder straps
for comfort against the weight of your board and gear. Two inside mesh
pockets for your gear or valuables and an additional ventilated outside
pocket.
I use this as a day bag for packing my board with fins on the board and
can throw in my flippers, wetsuit gear and towels. Suitable for travel
but a little large to pass as a no-charge bodyboard. Plenty of padding
for day tripping, but add a little extra for airline travel. I wish the
backpack straps had a zip enclosure (for air travel). Retail: $140,
purchased on eBay for $75 plus s/h.
Particulars:
- Dimensions: 57" x 20.5" x 5"
- Nose and tail are 20" wide at
three inches from the ends
- Internal mesh pockets are 13" deep
- External pocket has mesh bottom
and is 17" x 7.5"
Location:
40 South Main St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 - Phone: (407)
656-1133 |
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Hyperlite CoEx (click on
pic for larger image)
Straight Line Nomad
Padded Wakeboard Bag 2008
|
Other options:
Destination Surf has some good bags that
you might special order.
Liquid Force
has some nice bags to 144mm (56").
Hyperlite
features a wide line of travel board bags but most of them are too
narrow (it is primarily a ski/wakeboard company). Of special note is
their CoEx Wakeboard Bag made of 840 denier UV resistant material, a
shoulder strap, small external pocket and dimensions of 57" x 23" (it
appears to be a couple inches deep). Try BoardCo.com,
WakeGiant.com, or WaterSportIdeas.com.
The Straight
Line Nomad Padded Wakeboard Bag 2008 looks like a decent board. The
dimensions are 57" x 24" x 5" and is well padded and includes three
interior pockets.
Wave Zone Skimboards
offers a range of bags that are large enough for many paipos.
Kneeboard
builders such at Romanosky
Kneeboards .
M&M
Watersports - you will need to email or call for bag dimensions.
Stay
Covererd, Oceanside, California. Makes custom kneeboard bags, e.g.,
a
day bag 6'3" x 24". Price was $40. They are 2 minutes off the freeway.
Ask for the owner, Mark, 760-721-6599.
Dean
Cleary Kneeboards.
They are made for wide boards, super nice construction and $60US, plus
s/h. The Cleary boards receive several high marks from users (see KSUSA),
"My Cleary bag comes to work with me most days (bag sits next to a
lifeguard tower) getting sun salt and rain. After 2 years it's still in
near perfect condition. I give it a 5 star approval rating." and
"Cleary for sure. Protection from small nuclear blasts,and interstellar
debris is a must. Next one will be custom fitted [extra 20$]. As I do
a lot of walking, the regular bag sometimes snag on things, and form
fitted is way more comfortable. And for those who don't know... the bag
is not well insulated, and if it sits in the back of the pickup, or on
a rack, it will absorb heat. And get extremely hot. Not good for glass
boards. I leave the zipper partly undone, for ventilation, and will
also angle the bag so the sun doesn't directly hit on a flat surface."
David Parkes,
kneeboard shaper in Australia.David Parkes, kneeboard shaper in
Australia. According to a KSUSA
poster, these are "INSANE bags that are
much cheaper than anything in the US and are perfect for
Fish/Kneeboards. I have 2 day runners, a double coffin, and a triple
coffin, that are not only great for around town, but great for travel
due to their smaller profile. I've been overseas at least a dozen times
and never had a problem with damage. Contact The Kneelo Pimp DON HARRIS
for more info."
Boardshorts.com
markets skim board bags(and
other board bags) that would conform to many paipo boards for
travel purpose (and day bagging). The dimensions of the board bag are
59" long by 25" wide and 17.5"@6" from nose and tail. The Dolsey Travel
grade board bags feature 600 denierpoly canvas outer fabric, 5mm shock
absorbing foam, poly water proof inner skin, storage pocket,
shoulder strap, heavy duty rust proof zippers and are two tone for easy
recognition. The company can also be reached at: 1-800-969-7473
MaxWaveUSA.
Barry Baker, Costa Mesa, Calif. kneeboarder, reports, "I can hook you
up with great board bags! They are custom made for kneeboards by my bro
Louie at MaxWaveUSA, for $50. Good quality padded and white in color. I
have one for each of my boards and some of the other local kneelos have
picked them up as well. If you live nearby or come to Huntington Beach
to meet for a surf we can hook up at the beach with one of the bags"
eBay:
Search for wakeboard
bags or kneeboard
bags
(these will most likely be the tow behind the boat variety but some of
these bags can meet the need). This is how I have bought most of my
paipo bags.
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Retail
wakeboarding/ski companies to explore include:
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Buy through
Amazon.com:
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Zap
Padded Skimboard Bag Large 60"
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The
Other Option: Make Your Own
- Advice and Commentary
by Doc (Cape Cod, MA)
I moonlight in the boat canvas biz - and even with free labor this is
how it breaks out for a 6' board bag: |
$32
$30
$30
$10
$10
$112
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4 yards fabric (
sunbrella, factory second stuff, about $8 US per yard, 46" wide)
Liner fabric -
Nylon generic, though a sealed fabric like vinyl coated polyester: 2
yds ( it's 60" wide )
Padding foam - 2
yd, 1/4" thick
Zipper
Shoulder strap and
attachments
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Not including the price of a good,
heavy duty
sewing machine ($1200 US or more new, my old used Singer 111W131 needle
feed was $150 all told ) and thread ( dacron sail thread - Hemingway is
good, #69 or #92) and so on. That
is without labor ( my rates are around $50/hr, plus markup of 50% or
more on the fabric and such)...... Frankly, unless you are dating or the child of a pro
seamstress (or Mom is up for it and has a heavy duty sewing machine).
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