What does everyone do with their car key when they're out on the water? I tie mine in the pocket of my boardies but it's always in the back of my mind if it comes out when I fall in the water... it would be long walk home with a raceboard! haha

With the electronic keys most cars have these days I use the I-Seal water proof pouch that I string around my neck. (I use the spare key which I keep in this pouch

and leave the other keys at home otherwise you cannot lock your car if you have both sets with you)

Also I have the slightly larger pouch for my old S2 phone which I carry especially when I am out the back of little island for emergency's.

www.google.com.au/#q=i-seal+waterproof+pouches

I use an old tech key and hang it on lanyard around my neck.

tazmania said..
My board...believe it or not has a compartment in it. Unscrew the lid and it holds keys and snacks according to the info that came with the board.

Is that what the little round thing is at the front of my board that looks like you can unscrew it?

jusavina said..

AntsC said..

tazmania said..
My board...believe it or not has a compartment in it. Unscrew the lid and it holds keys and snacks according to the info that came with the board.

Is that what the little round thing is at the front of my board that looks like you can unscrew it?

If you're talking about the board on your avatar pic, that's where you tied the rope to get towed.

HAHA yeah, that's my board. I feel "awesome" now for asking that! lol

I do have this random rope hanging out from the front of the mast track that I have no idea what it is for but looks like it belongs there. Always gets in the way of my feet. Anyone know what that's for?

I have VW transporter. (2013) It came with a wet key that you can unlock doors with manually. Bit of a pest though, if you want to open the tailgate you have unlock the drivers door, put the key in ignition then press the unlock button. I was concerned about the salt getting in the ignition etc. I have now bought a lock box that I lock onto the door handle or the tow points. It also means if I'm sailing with friends etc and they need to get into they just have to remember the combo. No risk of losing the key!! Just remember to get one big enough. The bunnings one didn't cut it. I now have two!!

found out with a mate's car that you stop the signal from those "self unlock keys" by wrapping them in a few layers of foil. He then puts it in those padlock box attached to his tow bar

Dean 424 said..
Just remember to get one big enough. The bunnings one didn't cut it. I now have two!!

I bought one from Neil Pryde... expensive but it works well and the locking mechanism on the box seems to be splash proof. The one I had before ended up rusting to hell. No problem with the Neil Pryde box.

Just be careful where you do it. I have had my van stolen at Botany Bay a few years ago. Apparently the crocks watched me from a distances. As soon as I went out onto the water the walked up, grabbed the key and drove off. Someone even watched them... by the time he got up to run over and stop them they were already gone.

Got the van back a couple of weeks later when it was found at a break in at a motorbike dealer. All my gear was gone and the van had about $5k worth of damage done to it. Haven't left my key "hidden" since.

Just for anyone interested here's the blurb from the marketing material...


Exocet’s freshest concept is the new “Speedslider” series. We developed the Speedslider 87 with an integrated hatch for use as a storage compartment for extra line, safety tools, car keys, water bottle, or anything else you choose to bring. We were determined to produce a board that is as ‘user-friendly’ as possible. This board features a very fast scoop line like our other models in the line and is extremely easy to turn and to ride in any conditions. Pack up some snacks in the hatch and take this board on your next long distance cruise or extended day sail.

I find it still gets water inside even when screwed up tight so I have to seal the key in a plastic bag with an elastic band over it.

"Pack up snacks" lol

Use the spare non-electronic key on string in board short pocket as others have described. Also I put $50 or $100 in the same zip up pocket instead of taking a wallet and leaving it in the car. The wonders of plastic Aussie notes!

i was going to suggest wearing trunks over your wetsuit
put your key(s) in the zipped pocket

however, since i am from the land of ice n carp, i am almost afraid to make that suggestion
am unsure of the repercussions n replies

Sputnik11 said..
What's a key?

I have a lock for the thingie in my pocket which makes the car start when I push the button. I lock it to something. Used to leave it under a wheel until the wife found out.

Use one of these. chuck my keys and my wedding ring in it and attach it to the towbar. Problem solved.

joe windsurf said..
nah - the code 0000 is too easy to crack

Sssshhhh!!!!

What not to do:

1. give your car key to your son in a waterproof pack to put in the pocket of his boardies. (He didn't zip up his pocket and the key is still lost)

2. go in the water with your electronic key ( it is very embarrassing to break into your own car with the alarm blaring - this was back in the old days when you could still open the car with the key part and turn off the alarm once the bonnet of the car was open)

3. leave your house key at home assuming someone will be there to let you in after you sail. (I ended up having to go the the Perth Cup in my wetsuit to find my husband and get the house key...)

4. use an aquapac - the soft plastic gets holes easily, especially if you have sharp keys in it. (The key survived but the GPS and phone did not)

I now have a dry key that I give my son to wear on a lanyard around his neck.
I have one house key, my windsurfing shed key and my car key on a separate key ring that I put in a Paqua waterproof pack with my GPS. The phone stays in the car.