A board bag isn't just a board bag, and AK Durable Supply Co. proves that with their Ether Surfboard Travel Coffin. We found out all about their fresh approach to board bag design in this Q&A with designer Craig Tompkins!

Hi Craig! What was the primary goal when designing the AK Ether Surfboard Travel Coffin?

Aligning with the Ether design methodology, we set out to create a minimalist product that integrates lightweight features and support for the best travel experience without compromising on board protection. This was achieved through the featured technology, while highlighting the unique styling known in the Ether Collection.

It's a totally fresh approach to travel bag design. Where did you find the inspiration to create this product?

In early concept development, initial material choices and ideas were established, which were then brought to life when resolving the concept of the Fly-Line technology. The structure plays off the load distribution and load-carrying capacity of thin support networks seen in the human body and within nature. We use the same technology in products like the Ether waist harness and Ether boot. Since the bag would be holding a significant amount of weight, it was through this process that we came up with a solution to disperse the load and give us the ability to create a high-strength system without adding much weight.

What were the top considerations that guided your design process?

The main considerations were board protection, lightweight, and durability. All of these features underpin the AK design ethos. It is a human-centred design with a focus on function and usability to bring about the positive experience we are looking for. 

This is the first board bag in the AK lineup that bears the Ether name - what sets this product aside from the more traditional travel bags in the AK collection?

Unlike some of the other bags in the range, the Ether bag makes use of technical components and unique construction to bring a product to the customer looking to shed a few kgs in their travel bag setup. Unlike traditional travel coffins, the Ether is stripped back to create a lightweight bag that you would use for local or international trips.  

Apart from being a very good-looking bag, it's also packed with some serious technology. Tell us a bit about the key design features of the new AK Ether Surfboard Travel Coffin!

The Ether Surfboard Travel Coffin features a durable and lightweight nylon fabric for the exterior of the bag, with added drag-proof reinforcement around the nose and tail. Inside the bag, you will find a unique punched foam padding that allows up to 30% weight reduction without compromising on the protective function. The load distribution is managed by the Fly-Line technology, while everything is held together by the external compression straps. 

The Fly-Line technology, also present in the AK Ether harness, is all about load distribution. Can you tell us how this works in the context of a board bag?

Yes, exactly - it's all about load distribution and weight management. The Fly-Line technology is seen on the outside of the bag - the array of straight lines running from the top side of the bag centre through to the outer edges of the bottom of the bag. The Fly-Lines are stitched into the material, from the bottom side, through the top seam and are integrated into the carry handle and sling strap on the top. 

The function of these Fly-Lines not only adds durability and stability right into the material itself but it serves the main function of distributing the load from the carry points out through the span of the bag, avoiding point loading. Usually, the carry points would place a huge strain on a single area of the bag, or the strap would be designed with a heavy webbing cradle running around the bag.

How did you achieve the right combination of light and strong in this product?

Light weight is an interesting challenge. It really comes down to accounting for the small things. Once we add up the total weight reduction after combining many small weight-reducing components, the total weight reduction is quite significant. Strength is achieved by considering exactly where the ideal strength would be needed without compromising the weight or durability. For example, we could have reinforced areas with heaps of material, but instead, we designed for how the reinforcement could be achieved through the application of load distribution technology and specifically placed drag proofing.  

How many kites and boards can comfortably fit in this bag?

This is really up to the customer and personal preference. The bag will comfortably fit three boards, but possibly up to four boards, depending on how big the boards are! The ideal travel setup would generally be two boards, three kites, or three boards, two kites. Often we get really creative when packing bags, so I think you would be quite surprised how much space you can find in this bag. 

Can we expect to see the Ether stamp and Fly-Line technology on any other bags in the AK Collection in the future?

I wouldn't want to say too much, but the Ether series has always been an integral part of the AK range, so there will likely be some other products that may appear in this bag range…

 

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Ether Surfboard Travel Coffin | Surfing.
By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.

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