When I first moved to Lanzarote I had the classic kit-carrying mindset: if you want to sail well, you bring your own gear. Over the years, after guiding countless sessions, testing kit and chatting with visiting sailors, I’ve learned that the answer isn’t black-and-white. Whether it’s cheaper to rent or bring your own kit depends on a mix of variables: trip length, baggage fees, the type of sailing you want to do, your level and how picky you are about gear. Here’s how I break it down for myself and for the people I guide.
Why this decision matters
Windsurfing is unique because performance depends heavily on matching sail, board and fin to conditions and to your skill. A poorly matched rental can mean a frustrating session; an unfamiliar favourite board can be awkward after airline handling has taken its toll. On the other hand, lugging a high-performance quiver across borders can be expensive and stressful. I always start by asking two questions: how long am I staying, and how picky am I?
When renting usually saves money
Renting tends to be the economical choice for short trips, beginners and people who don’t need a very specific setup. In Lanzarote, the main windsurfing hubs—Famara, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca—have multiple hire shops offering modern, maintained rental kit. Practical reasons to rent:
Practical tip: many rental centres in Lanzarote include basic insurance/waiver and will swap sizes during the day if conditions change. That flexibility is worth a lot when the wind is fickle.
When bringing your own kit can be cheaper or better
Bringing your own kit makes sense if you’re staying longer, you have a very specific quiver, or you’re targeting high-performance sessions. Reasons I choose to travel with my kit:
That said, the hidden costs are real: airline fees, potential damage, and the hassle of travelling with large bags.
Costs compared: rough numbers to help decide
Below is a simple table I use when planning a trip. Replace with actual quotes for your airline and chosen rental shop for precision.
| Renting (per week) | Bringing your own (one-way airline) | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic kit (board + sail) | £80–£140 | £60–£150 baggage fee + protection bag |
| High-performance kit | £140–£300 | £100–£300 baggage fee + fragility risk |
| Extra gears/repairs | £20–£60 (per change/repair) | £0–£50 (if damaged while travelling) |
| Insurance/waiver | Usually included | Consider travel/freight insurance £10–£30 |
Interpretation: for a one-week holiday, renting is often cheaper unless your airline baggage fee is low or you need very specific equipment. For two weeks or more, bringing your own often becomes attractive, especially if you sail frequently on the trip.
Performance considerations
Performance isn’t just about brand names. Small details matter:
I’ve watched intermediate riders get visibly faster on their own kit — simply because they know exactly where their feet and hands belong. Conversely, many travellers discover that modern rental quivers have advanced significantly: schools and shops in Lanzarote invest in new gear to attract visitors, so rentals can be surprisingly performance-ready.
Logistics and stress factors
Don’t underestimate the non-monetary costs. I factor these heavily into my decision.
How I decide — practical checklist
Tips to save money and improve performance
Whether you rent or bring, the best session is the one you’re comfortable with and excited about. On Lanzarote, the wind picks and drops quickly; being able to adapt matters more than carrying a suitcase full of sails. If you want, tell me your trip length, target spots (Famara, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca) and the kit you use — I’ll help you run the numbers and pick the best option for performance and budget.
