Golfbags (as used by kite-surfers) for dive gear?

[afieldofblue]

Hi all,
I was wondering if people here had tried using "golf-bags" similar to those sold for kite-surfer as a way to errrr surf on most airlines' 1 free golf-bag-weight-not-specified policy?

My sister uses the technique to carry her waterskis around, and since most companies carry 1 gold bag for free, I wonder if there's any reason not to do so for scuba gear?

The golfbags are basically light oversized bags with "golf" written on them, such as this one here:
http://kiteshop.fr/images/golf-bag-mystic.jpg
and usually get to travel for free for reasons beyond me...

I haven't really heard of companies having the bag opened to check for contents.

any feedback?

cheers

ben

 

[iamrushman]

never tried it but sounds like a good idea....

 

[DiverDownD3]

I've never heard of golf bags flying for free. I've only heard about them counting as a regular bag. May be different with other airlines, but I typically fly Delta.

I had posted in a different thread that I was able to fit all of my gear (minus fins) in the boot bag I use for skiing. It's small enough to carry on. This is the one I have.

Dakine Boot Pack 50L | Dakine

 

[afieldofblue]

I don't know about the US but acutally quite common for the golfbag to travel for free (usually a 23 kg waiver, you just have to notify the airline in advance) - I haven't checked but think KLM, Turkish, Korean still do it.

seems to be getting harder on known kitesufing routes though

more info here:
Wind and Water - Kitesurfing Blog: How to Avoid Kitesurfing Gear Transportation Fees by Airlines