Jet-Setting with Your iSUP: How to Pack and Travel Internationally with a Red Paddle Co Board

One of the greatest joys of owning an inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP) is the freedom to explore waters far beyond your local launch spot. When it comes to international travel, Red Paddle Co owners have a massive unfair advantage. Thanks to the brilliant engineering of their storage bags, you don’t need an expensive custom flight wrap or a roof rack on your rental car. Here is exactly how to pack and fly with your Red Paddle Co board stress-free.

1. Master the ATB Transformer Backpack

Red Paddle Co’s ATB Transformer Bag is an absolute game-changer for travel. If you are checking the bag normally, use it in its full backpack mode. Ensure all internal compression straps are tightly cinched down around the board—this prevents the contents from shifting during baggage handling. If you want to strip down weight or want a minimal harness system for when you arrive at your destination, you can detach the outer bag entirely and just use the internal strap skeleton.

2. The Strategic Packing Routine

Don’t just throw everything in the bag. Protect your gear by following this packing order:

• The Board: Deflate it completely using the pump to suck out every last drop of air. Roll it tightly around the RSS stiffening battens (if your model uses them).
• The Paddle: Break your 3-piece paddle down. Slide the pieces into the internal storage pockets of the bag, ensuring the blade is facing inward toward the rolled board for padding.
• The Pump & Accessories: Place the Titan II pump in the center of the rolled board. Coil your leash and stash your fins in the internal mesh pockets.

3. Navigating Airline Weight and Size Limits

A standard Red Paddle Co package (board, pump, paddle, bag) generally weighs between 24 to 35 lbs. This puts you safely under the standard 50 lbs international checked bag limit. You even have a little extra room to pack your wetsuit, PFD, or swimwear inside the bag. Just be sure to label the bag as “Sporting Goods” to avoid confusion at the check-in counter, although, this can sometimes trigger an oversize for “sporting goods” charge despite it not being oversize.

4. Preparing for Customs and Security

When flying across borders, border agents may occasionally want to inspect your bag. Make their lives easier (and protect your gear) by keeping everything organized. Do not pack loose liquids or sharp tools in your iSUP bag. Additionally, make sure your board is entirely clean and dry before packing it; some countries (like Australia or New Zealand) have incredibly strict biosecurity laws and will fine you if your board is carrying local lake mud or plant fragments.

Related posts:

A guide to fins on Red Paddle inflatable paddle boards PLOT – 4 Tips To Safe Paddle Boarding How To Inflate Your Starboard Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Top 5 Questions About Red Paddle Co iSUPs Answered Red Paddle Co Titan 2 Pump Vs Starboard Tiki Pump