Golf bags for travel

**DeepBlueInnovation** · 3rd June 2008, 05:52

The question of using golf bags to transport rebreather parts was raised in another thread in order to minimise excess baggage costs. I thought I would post a few links that may be helpful as this technique has been used by kitesurfers for a while to the point where some manufacturers actually make "golf" kitesurf bags that may be more appropriate for rebreathers as they have better padding and a more usable space:

Prolimit

Cabrinha

Cheers,

Ben.

Gilles · 3rd June 2008, 07:15

I like the idea, but I wonder if it'll work? Assuming I had one, probably best to place the can/scrubber/head, and other geometrical conformable items (i.e. torches, fins).

What happens when they scan the bag and they don't find any golf clubs?

I've done about 2.5x circumferences of the globe with all my gear, but my confidence is diminishing, and this is with biz-class flying. Have had variable degrees of success, with many a stressful encounter with TSA (or equivalent), missing bags, and rough handlers.

Thinking out loud, it's probably worth trying. Hmm maybe I'll get one made as continued globetrotting is in my future.

Anyone else who tries this, please let us know so I can green blob you.

G

tecdivertraining · 3rd June 2008, 07:22

I have an old golf bag at my folks and as they will be coming to see me off at the airport. Im going to give it a go with some of my gear, this way if its a no go I can give it them to take back and post. got to be worth a try.

**DeepBlueInnovation** · 3rd June 2008, 07:25

a couple of links discussing it:

link

link

Some have had it work, some haven't. As one guy said, if it only works some of the time it is worth it, and the worst that can happen is that you will be slugged the baggage fee you would have copped anyway. I haven't tried it yet, but will be.

Cheers,

Ben.

richc · 3rd June 2008, 11:47

Quote: (Originally Posted by tecdivertraining)

I have an old golf bag at my folks and as they will be coming to see me off at the airport. Im going to give it a go with some of my gear, this way if its a no go I can give it them to take back and post. got to be worth a try.

If it doesn't work I vote we start the world's first underwater golf club. Surely we just need a basic set of rules of the game a nominal joining fee and a cert card. Then a committee to approve equipment to use as part of underwater golf (CCR's encouraged!) and it's golf kit. End of arguement. How hard can it be?

Edit: Googling it it looks like thy've done it in China already. Mind you, I'm not sure that golfer is abiding by rule 1 of underwater golf (all golfers must be accompanied by a caddie at all times). Now how good a putter would a crowbar make...

Spluch: Underwater golf tournament

Twain · 3rd June 2008, 16:54

Hmm, this seems quite promising. In a nutshell, if the airlines don't charge for a golf bag then we could pack our heavy stuff in a golf bag and avoid the overweight charges from normal dive bags.

My concern was about the protection offered by a golf bag. However the hard cases look pretty good:
Datrek Tomato

That looks like it could fit a full rig including tanks, if the latches held. Without tanks would be a piece of cake. And since it's wheeled, it's just as easy as a normal wheelie dive bag.

From the American Airlines baggage page:
* Golf bags are free substitution for a normal 62-inch bag
* Max 70lbs
* Size limited to size of hard-sided golf bag case

**Dave Sutton** · 3rd June 2008, 21:21

Quote: (Originally Posted by Twain)

From the American Airlines baggage page:
* Golf bags are free substitution for a normal 62-inch bag
* Max 70lbs
* Size limited to size of hard-sided golf bag case

Note that it says "Golf Bags" and leaves the contents undefined...

Methinks you are onto something.

Dave

.

barney · 3rd June 2008, 23:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton)

Note that it says "Golf Bags" and leaves the contents undefined...

Methinks you are onto something.

Dave

Actually, the AA website states:

Quote: (Originally Posted by American Airlines)

Sports cases designed for specific items such as golf bags, boot bags and bike cases are intended to carry only that sports item.

Plus, the hard-sided golf case referenced in the earlier post weighs in at 18 pounds, so you are almost back to a single 50-pound bag. It gives you an advantage of a few extra pounds for gear, but that's about it. Still might be worth a shot.

onetime · 4th June 2008, 12:31

Just throw a putter, wedge, or driver in there along with the gear. When they ask what the rest is say that you're an underwater golfer and say it's a new extreme sport. The screeners/agents will probably be happy enough with the story to share with friends that they won't worry about anything else.

barney · 4th June 2008, 13:23

This would be an interesting aspect to test:

From Delta's website:

Quote: (Originally Posted by Delta)

Breathing Apparatus
Delta will accept a self-contained breathing apparatus used by emergency rescue units as checked baggage, as long as the unit's weight does not exceed 150 lbs. (68kgs).

Time to establish a Rebreather World Rescue Unit and start issuing credentials...

3rd June 2008, 05:52	#1 (permalink)
DeepBlueInnovation Learning to Kiss Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Not Bought Yet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 358	Golf bags for travel The question of using golf bags to transport rebreather parts was raised in another thread in order to minimise excess baggage costs. I thought I would post a few links that may be helpful as this technique has been used by kitesurfers for a while to the point where some manufacturers actually make "golf" kitesurf bags that may be more appropriate for rebreathers as they have better padding and a more usable space: Prolimit Cabrinha Cheers, Ben.
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3rd June 2008, 07:15	#2 (permalink)
Gilles Worship the feminine Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Den Haag (Netherlands) Posts: 762	Re: Golf bags for travel I like the idea, but I wonder if it'll work? Assuming I had one, probably best to place the can/scrubber/head, and other geometrical conformable items (i.e. torches, fins). What happens when they scan the bag and they don't find any golf clubs? I've done about 2.5x circumferences of the globe with all my gear, but my confidence is diminishing, and this is with biz-class flying. Have had variable degrees of success, with many a stressful encounter with TSA (or equivalent), missing bags, and rough handlers. Thinking out loud, it's probably worth trying. Hmm maybe I'll get one made as continued globetrotting is in my future. Anyone else who tries this, please let us know so I can green blob you. G __________________ Gilles http://www.dirrebreather.com
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3rd June 2008, 07:22	#3 (permalink)
tecdivertraining RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Ouroboros Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Phuket, Thailand Posts: 462	Re: Golf bags for travel I have an old golf bag at my folks and as they will be coming to see me off at the airport. Im going to give it a go with some of my gear, this way if its a no go I can give it them to take back and post. got to be worth a try. __________________ Mathew Partridge Technical Director Pro-Tech Dive College www.protechdivers.com www.tech-ccr.com
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3rd June 2008, 07:25	#4 (permalink)
DeepBlueInnovation Learning to Kiss Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Not Bought Yet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 358	Re: Golf bags for travel a couple of links discussing it: link link Some have had it work, some haven't. As one guy said, if it only works some of the time it is worth it, and the worst that can happen is that you will be slugged the baggage fee you would have copped anyway. I haven't tried it yet, but will be. Cheers, Ben.
(Offline)

3rd June 2008, 11:47	#5 (permalink)
richc New Member Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hove actually Posts: 40	Re: Golf bags for travel Quote: (Originally Posted by tecdivertraining) I have an old golf bag at my folks and as they will be coming to see me off at the airport. Im going to give it a go with some of my gear, this way if its a no go I can give it them to take back and post. got to be worth a try. If it doesn't work I vote we start the world's first underwater golf club. Surely we just need a basic set of rules of the game a nominal joining fee and a cert card. Then a committee to approve equipment to use as part of underwater golf (CCR's encouraged!) and it's golf kit. End of arguement. How hard can it be? Edit: Googling it it looks like thy've done it in China already. Mind you, I'm not sure that golfer is abiding by rule 1 of underwater golf (all golfers must be accompanied by a caddie at all times). Now how good a putter would a crowbar make... Spluch: Underwater golf tournament Last edited by richc : 3rd June 2008 at 11:57.
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3rd June 2008, 16:54	#6 (permalink)
Twain New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 26	Re: Golf bags for travel Hmm, this seems quite promising. In a nutshell, if the airlines don't charge for a golf bag then we could pack our heavy stuff in a golf bag and avoid the overweight charges from normal dive bags. My concern was about the protection offered by a golf bag. However the hard cases look pretty good: Datrek Tomato That looks like it could fit a full rig including tanks, if the latches held. Without tanks would be a piece of cake. And since it's wheeled, it's just as easy as a normal wheelie dive bag. From the American Airlines baggage page: * Golf bags are free substitution for a normal 62-inch bag * Max 70lbs * Size limited to size of hard-sided golf bag case Last edited by Twain : 3rd June 2008 at 16:59.
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3rd June 2008, 21:21	#7 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,672	Re: Golf bags for travel Quote: (Originally Posted by Twain) From the American Airlines baggage page: * Golf bags are free substitution for a normal 62-inch bag * Max 70lbs * Size limited to size of hard-sided golf bag case Note that it says "Golf Bags" and leaves the contents undefined... Methinks you are onto something. Dave . __________________ "Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes, Nothing remains quite the same".... www.nobubblediving.com
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3rd June 2008, 23:53	#8 (permalink)
barney Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 288	Re: Golf bags for travel Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton) Note that it says "Golf Bags" and leaves the contents undefined... Methinks you are onto something. Dave Actually, the AA website states: Quote: (Originally Posted by American Airlines) Sports cases designed for specific items such as golf bags, boot bags and bike cases are intended to carry only that sports item. Plus, the hard-sided golf case referenced in the earlier post weighs in at 18 pounds, so you are almost back to a single 50-pound bag. It gives you an advantage of a few extra pounds for gear, but that's about it. Still might be worth a shot. __________________ Michael C. Barnette ASSOCIATION OF UNDERWATER EXPLORERS
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4th June 2008, 12:31	#9 (permalink)
onetime Classic KISSer #138 Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: US, NJ Posts: 673	Re: Golf bags for travel Just throw a putter, wedge, or driver in there along with the gear. When they ask what the rest is say that you're an underwater golfer and say it's a new extreme sport. The screeners/agents will probably be happy enough with the story to share with friends that they won't worry about anything else.
(Offline)

4th June 2008, 13:23	#10 (permalink)
barney Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 288	Re: Golf bags for travel This would be an interesting aspect to test: From Delta's website: Quote: (Originally Posted by Delta) Breathing Apparatus Delta will accept a self-contained breathing apparatus used by emergency rescue units as checked baggage, as long as the unit's weight does not exceed 150 lbs. (68kgs). Time to establish a Rebreather World Rescue Unit and start issuing credentials... __________________ Michael C. Barnette ASSOCIATION OF UNDERWATER EXPLORERS
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