WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH ANDREA CUCCHI, FLO JUNG, LENNART NUEBAUER AND SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA!

WINDSURF TRAVEL HACKS: WITH ANDREA CUCCHI, FLO JUNG, LENNART NUEBAUER AND SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA!

Traveling with windsurf gear isn’t for the faint-hearted. Oversized board-bags, unpredictable airline policies, brutal fees and last-minute drama at check-in are all part of the game. But for seasoned pros like Andrea Cucchi, Florian Jung, and Sarah-Quita Offringa who’ve logged decades of miles, countless flights and more airport battles than they can remember, these challenges are just a mere layer of the adventure.

From night-long cross-country drives after being kicked out of airports, to slipping sails into “golf bags,” to learning the art of staying calm when a check-in agent stares at a 32 kg bag, these riders have seen (and survived) it all. The good news? They’ve turned every nightmare into a system…and they’re sharing the hacks that save time, money, gear, and sanity. Hopefully these insider tips from some of the best in the business will help you on your way to a smooth journey through those pesky airports and help you get to your destination with more money in your pocket without too much stress!

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ANDREA CUCCHI

From nightmare check-ins to driving cross-country through the night after being kicked out of an airport, I’ve seen it all. With over three decades of globe-trotting to events with windsurfing gear in tow, here are my honest travel tips for anyone planning to fly with gear.

TOP 5 TRAVEL HACKS YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET!

1. Never book a flight without checking the airline’s gear policy: I never assume they’ll take my equipment, especially board bags. Always call the airline and get everything clarified. Don’t trust what the website says. One wrong assumption and your trip could fall apart before check-in.
2. Avoid Sunday flights: If anything goes wrong, there’s usually no one around who can help. Offices are closed, and you’re on your own with a problem that could cost you thousands.
3. Travel early, travel calm: I used to be stressed out until the moment I got through check-in. Now I arrive early, every time. I want everything planned, bags packed right, paperwork ready. I’ve had too many chaotic experiences. I’ve learned to hate “adventure stress.”
4. Pack light, especially board bags. The heavier it is, the worse they’ll treat it. If your bag looks heavy, they’ll toss it around like trash. Keep it sleek, under the limit and easy to move.
5. Be strategic at check-in. Don’t overshare. Be calm and confident about your luggage’s weight. If it looks borderline, I politely and convincingly mention a weight that’s acceptable. The more relaxed you look the less likely they are to weigh or question it. Don’t act too nice. It’s a red flag. Just behave like any other passenger with a backpack. The best check-in is a quiet, uneventful one. My luggage is always pre-weighed and organized. I tried to avoid check in staff where I see the person could be stress due to private life….like kids not listening and husband not helping at home… there is a specific target to avoid!

PLAN AHEAD!

 AC: “I’ve had times when I had to book a new flight because luggage fees were more expensive than a new ticket. Or got thrown out of the airport and drove overnight to make it to a race. Once, with Andrea Rosati we showed up with 27 bags on 12 trolleys. We were not even able to make it to the check-in. They turned our trolley out of the airport we drove 1500km in one night to make it to the event. They were not even fitting in one van; we had to tie them on the roof with belts going around the full and under the van. Now? I’ve learned. I plan it like a military operation. If the event is under 1500km away: I’ll drive. No question. I’ve had cargo ship gear before because airlines refused to take it, cancel trips last-minute due to rule changes and missed key photoshoots!”

WINDOW OR AISLE SEAT?

AC: “I never pay. I get on board last and chose my seat. I’ll choose whatever is left. After 24-hour non-stop drives in a van to events, even a 10-hour flight feels like a spa day. Always window or emergency. I sleep before take off and don’t move until landing. Aisle seats? No thanks. I’m wide-shouldered and tired of being whacked by food trolleys or bumped by every passenger walking by. If the window passenger looks like they’ll need frequent bathroom breaks, I offer to swap seats. Problem solved!”

TOP PACKING TIP FOR WINDSURFING GEAR!

AC: “It’s all about smart protection and weight distribution. I roll two sails together, place the mast inside, and use wetsuits to pad the delicate parts of the boards. I travel with a separate boom/fins/extensions bag and a single or double board bag. Even with three boards, I can make it work. I leave the foot straps off if they don’t fit. The lighter and simpler your setup, the fewer problems you’ll have, especially with the board bag.”

BOOKING & BAGGAGE!

AC: “Price Hacks. Incognito mode, late at night. Rates tend to drop when fewer people are searching. Clear your browser history and cookies. Especially on mobile. Call unknown airlines. Always check that they’ll accept your luggage and what the weight rules are, and you can ask for better deals if they feel you like they are doing business with you and not just giving you a discount.

Post check-in? There’s always a way to add extra kg after check-in. It’s not ideal, but better than surprise fees if you end up taking back extra gear for any reason. The last two years, airlines have become slightly more forgiving. Maybe fewer travellers with gear, or better policies.”

MUST-HAVE ITEM ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS?

AC: “Nothing. If there’s internet onboard, I pretend there isn’t. I fall asleep before the plane takes off. That’s my luxury. The moment to finally relax a bit!”

CAR PARKING!

AC: “If I’m alone at the airport and have a van full of gear, I’ll ask the parking staff to give me a lift straight to the terminal. Skip the shuttle and then they take my van to their parking. If you ask kindly, they always help.

Airlines over the years have been charging more. We’re part of the reason some airlines stopped accepting gear altogether as many windsurfers were asking to cover breakages from their transport, which were not happening during the flight, but on the water. They understood it, and now we pay for the consequences!”

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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 5 kg 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 32 kg 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!“

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LENNART NEUBAUER

My top travel hacks:

LN: “Always register windsurf equipment in advance by calling the airline. Be at the airport at least 2 / 2.5 hours before departure.

Make sure to check the airlines windsurf baggage policies! Some airlines example KLM and Ethiopian are stricter with checking weight etc.

Always be friendly and patient at check in, there’s a chance they have never seen windsurf equipment before.

Avoid booking with multiple airlines, as you will get charger for both airlines meaning you pay the windsurf gear twice.

A bonus hack: If you know you’re overweight, but the board bag on the scale at the airport and lift it slightly with your heel. Don’t forget to play it cool :)”

BOOKING

LN: “I usually look for flights on Sky Scanner and then end up booking directly on the airlines website. That way, in case of delay or cancelled flight I can talk to the airline directly instead of dealing with a third-party company.”

PACKING

LN: “I always pack my board bag in a specific way. If it’s only one, I’ll put the board on the bottom, following the sails, then the mast and at last the boom. You want to have the boom as far away from the board as possible, as it’s quite easy to damage the board with the boom head. If you want it extra light, leave out the sail bags, weighing a couple hundred grams each, that can quickly save a kilo. The harness you can put at the nose or tail of the board for extra protection.”

ONBOARD

LN: “For long haul flights, I always have a pillow, noise cancelling headphones and a lot of water with me. Top tip here. Put the pillow on the table in front for good sleeping position (reminds me of school). Also, I usually ware warm clothes as I easily get sick from the airplanes AC.”

SEATS

LN: “I almost always choose / buy seats at the isle. I’m quite tall so I like stretching out my legs from time to time. Sitting at the window can be nice for a better sleeping position, but a bit annoying if you want to stand of from time to time. Try to avoid getting sandwiched in the middle if possible.”

 

CHECK IN

LN: “For the sweet talk, it’s good to be respectful and not too pushy at first, especially if you have time. If asked how much it weighs, never say the real weight, if you know you’re overweight. If the limit is 32kg and your bag is 35, say it weighs 28. Some airports for example in Athens, Greece don’t weigh the bags, they just ask how much it weighs. Avoid saying the exactly 32kg, so they think your unaware of the limit, so at 28 for example they won’t get suspicious… mind games.”

TROLLEYS

LN: “For trolleys, I just load everything on to one trolley and proceed to say excuse me and sorry for about 100 times till I get to the check in counter!” 

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SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA!

TOP FIVE TRAVEL HACKS!

SQ: “I think I’ve made all the mistakes possible while travelling.

So, the main travel hacks for me when travelling with gear. I make sure I arrive at the airport on time! I think that’s my main travel hack! I try to book flights with the same airline, so your baggage gets checked through to the final destination. It’s not fun to pick-up, re-check and pay for excess baggage 3 times on your way to Brazil

And I always read the airlines sports baggage policy before booking my ticket!”

BOOKING TIPS?

SQ: “I’m always late booking tickets and regret I waited so long when I usually look them up really early. It’s like I can’t pull the trigger on buying a ticket until it’s quite close to the date. So, book early. For baggage it’s usually better to pre-book. But if you can handle the stress with some companies you end up not paying if you haven’t booked the gear. On the other hand, they can also deny your baggage completely! So maybe better safe than sorry!”

TOP PACKING TIPS!

SQ: “If I’m travelling with a whole set in one bag then I go sails first, then board, then wetsuit, towel or even yoga mat before I put the boom and mast. I always try to wrap some soft material around my boom head and clew so it doesn’t puncture the board. 

Travel with your harness hook in your luggage. And finally if you have roof rack straps, I sometimes tie that around the bag so that the gear doesn’t move on the inside.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

SQ: “My diary in case of some creative bursts on the flight, I also have a Kindle and definitely decent quality noise cancelling headphones. And some comfy sweatpants!

WINDOW OR AISLE?

SQ: “I don’t really care about booking seats to be honest. But I’m always disappointed when I end up in the middle! When I can choose though I prefer aisle seats to be able to move around more and go to the toilet. It’s better sleeping in a window seat, but I’d rather have the freedom of moving around!”

CHECK IN TIPS!

SQ: “I usually try to rock up in a happy mood. But mostly try to keep talking and asking questions ha ha!”

 

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