Come April I'm taking the family to Hawaii for a couple of weeks R&R. While in Maui I'll partake in a couple of days windsurfing . I plan to hire the gear with a view to perhaps buying a second-hand board. The prices for 2005 gear looks quite good, approx $800 AUD for a JP Freestyle Wave.

First Question: what condition are they really in? Are hire boards likely to get a thrashing? After all, Maui has sailable conditions all year round.

Second question: If I do buy a board what precautions do I need to take to haul it back with me on the plane? Do I need special packing?

Hazzelbanger,
Have fun in Maui, I know I did Let's hope they still have the board you want seconf hand when you get there. The boards at Neil Pryde Maui do get used very regularly. Obviouly the skill level of the riders that have used the board will determine what condition they are in. They usually keep their kit in pretty good shape there, but wear and tear in unavoidable. Also you do realise that there is no fin included. Factor this into the caost and see if you can get one locally second hand for that price. As for packing it, too much padding in never enough! Get a board bag and stuff it with what ever you can find! Bubble wrap, foam, towels etc. to protect the rails.
All the best, and enjoy the trip

Do you know what you will be charged on both the interisland and the international flight for what the airline may consider to be a bulky item. You could pass off the board as a big surfboard.

Being a veteran of over a dozen Maui trips there are a couple of useless bits of info I can give you:

1. you will not get as good a deal on gear at the start of the season (ie. April) as opposed to August. Nevertheless, I think Hi Tech is the best place for a bargain. But spend an hour or two visiting all the shops (they're real close together) and don't be afraid to haggle, you'll be surprised how much you can save. Also you could check Kanaha for people selling gear, many a bargain has been had in the carpark.

2. When you do buy make sure you arrange with the salesman free bubble-wrapping at the end of your trip.

3. When you check in at either Aloha or Hawaiian be prepared for at least $60US in excess. You might be able to convince the staff that it's a surfboard in which case you're up for $25US.

4. If you're connecting back with Qantas don't check the board all the way through from Maui as Aloha/Hawaiian will try and slug you for another $100US on Qantas. Of course if they don't try and charge you then book it all the way.

5. Once in HNL you shouldn't have any dramas with the board at Qantas. I have never known anyone to be charged leaving HNL unless they've got heaps of gear. I do know Qantas are looking at jumping on the excess baggage bandwagon but you should be OK touch wood.

All the best