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Travel Bags and Storage Solutions: Gear Care and Warranty Guide

6 min. readlast update: 01.26.2025

(Focuses on board bags, padded covers, fin and mast bags, multi-board travel bags, roof rack straps, and general storage tips.)

Travel Gear for Watersports

1. Board Bags

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Zipper Corrosion or Jamming: Saltwater exposure can corrode metal zippers, making them stick or break.
  • Insufficient Padding: Low-quality or thinly padded board bags fail to protect gear during transport, leading to dings and cracks.
  • Tears in the Fabric: Rough handling at airports or during transit can cause rips in the bag material.
  • Overheating: Non-reflective bags can trap heat, causing boards to delaminate or foam cores to expand.

Care Recommendations:

  • Choose the Right Bag: Invest in a bag with thick padding (at least 5-10mm) and reflective material to protect against impacts and heat.
  • Rinse and Maintain Zippers: Wash zippers with fresh water and lubricate them regularly to prevent corrosion.
  • Inspect Regularly: Check for fabric tears or worn padding and patch small rips promptly using fabric repair kits.
  • Use Padding: Wrap boards in foam, bubble wrap, or towels for extra protection when traveling long distances.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Damage from rough handling or normal wear and tear (e.g., fabric abrasions or zipper failures due to neglect) is not covered. Manufacturing defects, such as poor stitching or faulty zippers, may qualify for claims.
2. Board Covers

Common Issues and Examples:

  • UV Degradation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken fabric and cause fading.
  • Insufficient Coverage: Ill-fitting covers may leave parts of the board (like fins or rails) exposed and prone to damage.
  • Fraying Straps: Carry straps can fray or snap under heavy use.

Care Recommendations:

  • UV Protection: Choose covers made from UV-resistant materials and avoid storing boards in direct sunlight.
  • Custom Fit: Ensure the cover fits snugly to avoid unnecessary movement during transport.
  • Reinforce Straps: Check and reinforce carry straps regularly, especially at attachment points.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Warranty typically excludes damage from UV exposure or user error (e.g., incorrect fit). Poor stitching or material defects may be covered.
3. Fins and Mast Covers

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Tears and Wear: Padded fin or mast covers can wear thin at high-pressure points, exposing fins or masts to damage.
  • Loose Fit: Ill-fitting covers may slip off during transport, leaving components unprotected.
  • Zipper or Velcro Failures: Zippers can corrode, or Velcro can lose grip over time.

Care Recommendations:

  • Use Properly Padded Covers: Opt for covers with high-density foam padding to prevent damage.
  • Rinse and Clean: Wash covers with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and dirt after use.
  • Store Correctly: Keep covers dry and away from direct sunlight to prevent fabric degradation.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Normal wear and tear is excluded, but manufacturing defects (e.g., poorly stitched seams or faulty zippers) may qualify for claims.
4. Storage Solutions for Multi-Board Travel

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Insufficient Protection: Thin dividers or padding between multiple boards can lead to scratches or dings during travel.
  • Bag Overloading: Exceeding the weight capacity of travel bags can strain zippers, straps, and seams, causing them to fail.
  • Moisture Build-Up: Storing wet boards in sealed bags can lead to mold or material degradation.

Care Recommendations:

  • Use Dividers: Place foam padding or towels between boards to prevent scratching or impact damage.
  • Distribute Weight Evenly: Avoid overloading the bag, and distribute weight evenly to protect straps and seams.
  • Dry Boards Thoroughly: Ensure all boards are completely dry before packing to prevent mold or odor.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Excessive weight causing seam or zipper failure is not covered. Defects in the stitching or padding may qualify for a claim.
5. Straps and Tie-Downs

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Frayed Straps: Constant tension and exposure to saltwater can cause straps to fray over time.
  • Damaged Buckles: Plastic buckles may crack under heavy loads or UV exposure.
  • Board Damage: Over-tightening straps can dent or crack boards, especially rigid ones.

Care Recommendations:

  • Use Padding: Place foam or towels between straps and boards to avoid pressure points and dents.
  • Inspect Before Use: Regularly check straps and buckles for fraying or cracking, and replace them as needed.
  • Rinse After Use: Wash straps and buckles with fresh water to remove salt and sand.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Fraying or buckle damage from wear and tear is excluded. Defective materials or poorly constructed straps may qualify for replacement.
6. Travel Bags for Accessories

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Tears and Holes: Bags for accessories like wetsuits, fins, and harnesses can develop tears under heavy use.
  • Zipper Failures: Zippers often corrode or jam if exposed to saltwater or overfilled.
  • Moisture Damage: Wet gear stored in sealed bags can cause mold, odors, or material breakdown.

Care Recommendations:

  • Rinse and Dry Gear: Ensure all accessories are rinsed and dried before packing to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Organize Gear: Use compartments or smaller bags to separate wet and dry gear, preventing cross-contamination.
  • Clean and Store Bags: Wash bags with fresh water after use and store them in a cool, dry place.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Damage from rough handling or improper care is not covered. Claims for defective zippers or stitching may be considered.
7. Roof Racks and Car Straps

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Board Movement: Poorly secured boards can shift or fall during transit, causing damage.
  • Strap Fraying: Straps exposed to UV and tension can fray, weakening their hold.
  • Car Scratches: Improperly placed straps or boards can scratch vehicle paint.

Care Recommendations:

  • Secure Properly: Use high-quality tie-down straps and secure boards tightly without over-tightening.
  • Protect Boards and Cars: Use padding where straps or boards touch the car to prevent scratches or dents.
  • Inspect Regularly: Check straps for fraying or weakness, and replace them if necessary.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Strap failures or damage caused by user error is excluded. Faulty buckles or defective materials may qualify for warranty claims.
8. Storage Racks (Home or Travel)

Common Issues and Examples:

  • Rack Damage: Overloading racks can cause them to warp or collapse, leading to damage to boards or other gear.
  • Board Scratches: Lack of padding on racks can cause scratches or pressure dents on stored boards.
  • Rust or Corrosion: Metal racks used in humid environments can corrode without proper care.

Care Recommendations:

  • Use Padded Racks: Opt for racks with foam or rubber padding to protect boards from direct contact.
  • Distribute Weight: Avoid overloading racks, and store heavier boards on the bottom to prevent tipping.
  • Maintain Racks: Clean and inspect racks regularly for signs of rust, corrosion, or structural weakness.

Warranty Considerations:

  • Damage from overloading or improper use is excluded. Claims for poorly constructed or defective racks may be eligible.

 

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