Bag for care of circular hydroplane boards

Abstract

A generally circular-shaped bag for care and transportation of a circular hydroplane board includes: (a) a main pouch formed by a generally circular-shaped bag rear panel and a bag front panel, the front panel being generally parallel to the rear panel; and (b) a main pouch closure flap attached to an upper edge of the rear panel and foldable over the main pouch; wherein a lower portion of the bag includes apertures open to the main pouch for washing the hydroplane board off in the bag; and a first portion of the circular-shaped hydroplane board is removably insertable in the main pouch and the main pouch closure flap is reversibly foldable over a second, upper portion of the hydroplane board. Alternatively, the bag includes matching, generally circular-shaped front and rear panels with a main pouch closure mechanism at the top of the bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Nonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/007,706 for a topside device for attachment to a top side of a circular-shaped hydroplane board was filed in the US Patent & Trademark Office on Dec. 8, 2004 by Applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to equipment bags and back packs and, more particularly, to a generally circular-shaped bag for washing off, carrying, and storing a circular-shaped hydroplane board.

2. Background Information

U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,602, Quinn, issued Jul. 13, 2004 discloses a circular hydroplane board for skimming along a surface at the water's edge. The circular hydroplane board has a substantially planar bottom side and a substantially planar top side connected by a smoothly curved circular-shaped lower side rail. The diameter of the board's bottom side is smaller than the diameter of the board's top side. The hydroplane board is best used for recreational hydroplaning, or skimming, along a beach or other smooth waterfront area.

In order to use the hydroplane board, a user pushes the hydroplane board with his or her foot in a desired direction. Then the user walks, jogs, or runs toward the hydroplane board and jumps onto it simultaneously exerting forward and downward forces onto the hydroplane board. The transfer of momentum from the user to the hydroplane board and the weight of the user induces hydroplaning. Normally the hydroplane board hydroplanes at a speed much greater than the original, individual speed of the board or user. A circular hydroplane board is the only piece of equipment necessary for circular hydroplaning, however, traveling with and caring for a circular hydroplane board can be quite challenging.

Although a circular hydroplane board is quite thin (preferably less than ¾ inch thick), it may be as large as 36 inches in diameter. Carrying the circular hydroplane board is awkward, especially when it is wet; it cannot easily be tucked under one arm. Due to its shape and size, most users must carry the hydroplane board with two hands. Carrying it can be quite cumbersome if the user must walk a substantial distance. This is often the case, since the best circular hydroplaning areas are often isolated and must be accessed by hiking over rough terrain. Transporting a circular hydroplane board by bicycle is difficult due to the board's shape and size. There are currently no devices for transporting a circular hydroplane board over a long distance and/or treacherous terrain.

The circular hydroplane board may be easily hit and chipped on a hard surface, such as a rock, pier, table, car, or another skim board, especially during transport or while it is in storage. The thin edges of the circular hydroplane board are particularly susceptible to damage. There are currently no devices for protecting a circular hydroplane board against scratches, chips, and dents while in transit or storage.

At the beach, the hydroplane board is often soiled with dirt, sand, and other ground debris, and caked with wax, which the board is coated with for traction. It is often difficult for a user to clean the circular hydroplane board until he or she is at home. However, it is undesirable to place a dirty hydroplane board in a vehicle for transport because the hydroplane board tracks dirt into the vehicle. There are currently no bag devices that facilitate washing a hydroplane board prior to transport in a vehicle.

Thus, there is a need for a carrying device for transporting and storing a circular hydroplane board, which enables the user to carry a circular hydroplane board over a long distance and/or rough terrain, protects a circular hydroplane board from damage, etc. There is also a need for a bag that will facilitate washing a circular hydroplane board at or near the beach without subjecting the board to dings and other damage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bag for care of a circular hydroplane board, which comprises: (a) a central main pouch formed by a generally circular-shaped bag rear panel and a bag front panel, the front panel being generally parallel to the rear panel; and (b) a main pouch closure flap attached to an upper edge of the rear panel and foldable over the main pouch; wherein a lower portion of the bag comprises a plurality of apertures open to the main pouch; and wherein a first portion of the circular-shaped hydroplane board is removably insertable in the main pouch and the main pouch closure flap is reversibly foldable over a second, upper portion of the hydroplane board. A preferred embodiment of the generally circular-shaped bag includes a mesh bottom side panel to facilitate washing or rinsing off the hydroplane board in the bag, and various straps and handles for carrying the bag. Alternatively, the bag includes matching, generally circular-shaped front and rear panels with a top main pouch closure mechanism at the top of the bag rather than a cover flap.

Advantages of the present invention include the following.

1) The circular-shaped bag serves as a carrying device expressly for transporting and storing at least one circular hydroplane board, which enables the user to carry a circular hydroplane board over a long distance and/or rough terrain, and protects the circular hydroplane board inside from damage.

2) A circular-shaped hydroplane board can be washed at or near the beach while the board is in the bag without subjecting the board to dings and other damage.

3) A hydroplane board can be washed more quickly and easily when it is in a bag of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hydroplane board bag according to the present invention, showing a closed bag;

FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of a bag according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a bag according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a bag according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a bag according to the present invention, showing an open bag;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bag according to the present invention, showing an open bag;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the bag according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bag according to the present invention, showing a closed bag;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a bag according to the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a bag according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described.

A generally circular-shaped bag, generally referred to herein by reference number 10, for washing, transporting, and storing a generally circular-shaped hydroplane (or skim) board. Turning to FIG. 1, the generally circular-shaped bag 10 comprises a central main pouch 11, and a main pouch closure flap 12, which fits across the top of the bag and covers and protects the other half of the circular hydroplane board. In the preferred embodiment, the main pouch accommodates about one-half of the circular-shaped hydroplane board, and the main pouch closure flap 12 is securable to the main pouch 11 by means of at least one closure strap 13. Other means of attaching the main pouch closure flap may be employed, such as lock and loop strips (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the main pouch 11 is comprised of a front panel 23, a rear panel 24, and a bag side panel 25. The front panel 23 is preferably generally semi-circular in shape (see FIG. 1), and the rear panel 24 is generally circular in shape (see FIG. 2). The front and rear panels 23, 24 are oriented generally parallel to each other, and are joined together by the bag side panel 25, which extends along the periphery of the front and rear panels 23, 24. The side panel 25 is attached to a front panel curved edge 27 of the front panel 23 and about a lower half (preferably about 60%) of the edge 28 of the rear panel 24 (see FIG. 2). This side panel 25 is preferably attached by sewing to the front and rear panels 23, 24, although other suitable means of attachment may be employed. Since the hydroplane board is thin, the side panel 25 is also relatively narrow. In use, the circular-shaped hydroplane board 42 is held within the main pouch 11, as seen in FIG. 5 (with a design depicted on the board). The main pouch is sized to closely accommodate a circular-shaped hydroplane board. The main pouch closure flap 12 is shown closed in FIG. 1 and in an open position in FIG. 5. This preferred semi-circular shape of the front panel 23, and the wide main pouch opening, facilitate placement of the relatively unwieldy thin but wide hydroplane board in the main pouch 11, and cleaning of the hydroplane board. The flexible main pouch cover flap 12 is preferably generally semi-circular in shape, as shown fully extended in FIG. 5.

An upper side panel 26 connects the front panel 23 and the main pouch closure flap 12. The main pouch closure flap 12 is generally semi-circular in shape. The upper side panel 26 is attached to about an upper half (about 40%) of the edge 28 of the rear panel 24, and partially to a closure flap curved edge 30 of the main pouch closure flap 12. The upper side panel 26 may be sewn to the rear panel 24 and the main pouch closure flap 12. Only a mid-section of the closure flap curved edge 30 is attached to the upper side panel 26 such that the main pouch closure flap 12 can be lifted to clearly reveal the opening of the main pouch 11. The main pouch closure flap 12 preferably slightly overlaps the front panel 23 for better coverage.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lower, net portion of the front and rear panels, in addition to the bottom panel, are made of a net material. The net apertures are open to the main pouch. Preferably less than about a third, and more preferably about one fourth, of the area of the rear panel, is made of a net material in order to allow the sand and other debris from the board to flow out of the bag with the wash water when the board is washed. This percentage of the area is selected because it is large enough to allow the sand and other debris to wash out from the bag quickly, yet not large enough to encourage the edge of the board to cut through the net panel 22.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bag 10 further comprises at least one closure strap 13 affixed to the main pouch closure flap 12. The closure strap 13 may be sewn to the main pouch closure flap 12. The closure strap 13 extends, unattached, beyond a straight edge 31 of the main pouch closure flap 12 and terminates at a connector 32. The connector 32 removably engages a connector sleeve 33 to hold the main pouch closure flap 12 against the front panel 23. A pair of matching closure straps 13, as shown in FIG. 1, is preferably included.

In order to place the circular hydroplane board in the bag 10, the user first disengages the connectors 32 from the connector sleeves 33, if necessary. Then the user pulls the main pouch closure flap 12 off of the front panel 23 to expose the opening in the main pouch 11. The user slides the hydroplane board into the main pouch 11 with the board's top and bottom sides adjacent to the front and rear panels 23, 24. The main pouch 11 holds a first portion (about 60%) of the hydroplane board. Next the user pulls the main pouch closure flap 12 over a remaining, exposed, top portion (about 40%) of the hydroplane board and engages the connectors 32 with the connector sleeves 33 to secure the hydroplane board within the carrier bag 10. Alternate means of securing the main pouch closure flap may be employed.

In order to remove the hydroplane board from the bag 10, the user disengages the connectors 32 from the connector sleeves. Next, the user pulls the main pouch closure flap off of the front panel 23 to expose part of the hydroplane board. The user then pulls the hydroplane board out of the main pouch 11.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, a number of handles and/or straps facilitate transportation of the carrier bag 10. A front handle 15 extends from the front panel 23. A carry strap 16, whose opposite ends are attached to the upper side panel 26, arcs over the bag 10. The carry strap 16 comprises a carry strap first end 39, which is attached to the upper side panel 26, and an opposite carry strap second end 41, which is attached to the upper side panel 26 and spaced apart from the carry strap first end 39. The carry strap is oriented longitudinally to the upper side panel.

The bag 10 preferably further includes two matching side handles 17, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A side handle 17 projects from the first bag side panel 25 on the left-hand side of the bag 10. A matching right side handle 17 projects from the bag side panel 25 on the right-hand side of the bag 10 directly opposite the other side handle. A rear handle 19 protrudes from an upper end of the rear panel 24 near its edge 28.

Lastly, a pair of shoulder straps 20 extends substantially longitudinally along the rear panel 24 from the upper end of the rear panel 24 to the lower end of the rear panel 24. Referring to FIG. 2, each shoulder strap 20 is made up of first and second strap segments 34, 35. The first strap segment 34 is attached at one end to the upper end of the rear panel 24, and at an opposite end to an end of a second strap segment 35. An opposite end of the second strap segment 35 is attached to the rear panel 24 adjacent its lower edge 28. An adjuster 36 on the second strap segment 35 provides a means for adjusting the length of the shoulder strap 20. The first strap segment 35 is preferably padded for comfort.

The handles 15, 17, 19 and straps 16, 20 allow a user to carry the bag 10 in a variety of ways. The user may carry the bag 10 under his or her arm by pushing the rear panel 24 against his or her torso, pushing his or her arm against the front panel 23, and grasping the front handle 15 with his or her hand. The user can insert his or her arm through the shoulder strap 16 and rest the shoulder strap 16 on his or her shoulder to carry the bag 10. The user may stabilize the bag 10 and the shoulder strap 16 by grasping the front handle 15, or one of the bag side handles 17 with his or her hand. The bag side handles 17 facilitate transfer of the bag 10 by two people; one person grips one bag side handle and another person grips the other side handle 17 to support the bag 10 between them. The shoulder straps 20 enable the user to carry the bag 10 on his/her back. To do so, the user inserts his or her arms through the shoulder straps 20 so that the rear panel 24 lies against the user's back and the shoulder straps 20 lie over the user's shoulders, like a conventional back pack. The user may further hold the rear handle 19 and sling the bag 10 over his or her back.

A storage loop 21 attached to the upper end of the rear panel 24 provides a means for hanging the bag 10 on a nail, hook, or other similar hardware. Hanging the hydroplane board in the bag 10 protects the hydroplane board, particularly the edge. The bag 10 further comprises a small, secondary pouch 14 on the front panel 23 for storing personal items, such as sunscreen, surfboard wax, etc. A secondary pouch cover flap 29 folds over and covers the opening of the secondary pouch 14. Secondary pouch closure straps 37, preferably similar to the main pouch closure straps 13, hold the secondary pouch cover flap 29 closed so as to retain the objects in the secondary pouch 14. Like the main pouch closure straps 13, the secondary pouch closure straps 37 end in secondary pouch connectors, which removably engage secondary pouch connector sleeves affixed to the secondary pouch 14.

Turning to FIG. 3, the bag 10 includes a perforated bottom panel 22. Preferably, the perforated bottom panel is made of a net material. The perforated bottom panel 22 holds the hydroplane board within the bag 10, but permits passage of dirt, sand, and other ground debris out of the bag 10. The perforated bottom panel 22 facilitates washing of the hydroplane board in the bag 10. Spraying water, as with a hose, onto the hydroplane board through the opening of the main pouch 11 cleans the hydroplane board. The spray of water travels along the board picking up sand, dirt, etc. and washes the sand, dirt, etc. out through the perforated bottom panel 22.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bag 10 preferably comprises an aperture 38, which is shown in FIG. 4, in the upper side panel 26 to assist a user in washing a hydroplane board inside the bag, if desired. Instead of (or in addition to) spraying water through the opening of the main pouch 11, which requires the main pouch closure flap 12 to be open, the user may insert a hose nozzle into the hose aperture 38 so that water can pour into the bag even when the main pouch closure flap 12 is closed and secured. Water entering the bag 10 through the aperture 38 removes sand, dirt, etc. from the hydroplane board and carries it by gravity through the perforated bottom panel 22.

The hose aperture 38 may include a threaded hose coupling 48 with threads that correspond to a conventional threaded hose nozzle (not shown). In use, a user does the following: 1) puts the board in the bag; 2) fastens the main pouch closure straps 13; 3) screws the threaded hose nozzle onto the threaded coupling in the aperture 38 while holding the bag 10, preferably over the shoulder using the carry strap 16 or shoulder straps 20; 4) turns the hose on to wash the board 42 off; 5) turns the hose water off; and then 6) disconnects the hose from the aperture 38. The board 42 and bag 10 then drip dry and need not ever touch the ground.

Referring to FIG. 6, the bag 10 may comprise one or more dividers 43 extending between the opposite bag side panels 25 across the main pouch 11. The pouch dividers 43 form separate pockets 44 behind the front panel 23b of the bag for accommodating one, two, or three hydroplane boards. For example, the bag 10 accommodates a first hydroplane board in board pocket 44a, and a second hydroplane board in a second board pocket 44b behind the first pocket 44a. The pouch dividers 43 cushion the hydroplane boards from one another. The pouch dividers 43 may be V-shaped at the top as shown to facilitate removal of hydroplane boards from the bag 10. In a bag of the present invention that accommodates more than one board, the bag side panels 25 may comprise accordion pleats (see FIG. 6) to more easily accommodate several boards in a single bag. Two users may wish to transport their boards by carrying the bag 10 between them.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a bag 40 of the present invention having front and/or rear net sections 45, 46, and/or bag side panels 47 made of a mesh material. In the front of the bag, the top of the net front section 45 is sewn or otherwise attached to the main pouch closure flap 12, preferably with binding tape 49 along the top edge of the netting (see FIG. 8). In the rear, the rear net section 46 is sewn or otherwise attached to a half upper rear section 51, preferably with binding tape 49 in between them (see FIG. 7). The netting has net apertures large enough for gravel, dirt, and the like to fall through. The large amount of net makes it easy to wash the board without removing the board from the bag. This prevents dings that may occur when a board is washed. It is normally very difficult to wash off a hydroplane board or surfboard without accidentally knocking it against cement, rock, other boards, etc. during washing. This is unlikely with the present invention, where the board is cushioned within the bag while it is being washed or rinsed off. Spraying water, as with a hose, onto the hydroplane board through the opening of the main pouch 11, through the aperture 38, or through the net sections cleans the hydroplane board. Also, the main pouch flap can be opened wide, which allows for waxing of the exposed portion of the hydroplane board while the board is still in the bag. The bag is made of a durable, water-resistant material that dries quickly and easily.

Continuing with FIGS. 7 and 8, the matching bag side handles 17 are attached to the left-hand side and/or the right-hand side of the bag 10, respectively, along the seam between the front panel 23 and the rear panel 24. The carry strap 16 is attached to the bag 10 at the seam between the rear panel 24 and the main pouch closure flap 12. The carry strap 16 comprises a carry strap first end 39, which is attached to the upper side panel 26, and an opposite carry strap second end 41, which is attached to the upper side panel 26. Other bag handles and/or straps may be included, as described hereinabove. The net bottom panel 22b extends between the front panel 23 and the rear panel 24 at the bottom of the main pouch 11.

Referring to FIG. 9, the bag 50 comprises a front panel 23, rear panel 24, and a main pouch closure flap 12, with no intervening side panels. The front panel 23 is oriented generally parallel to the rear panel 24 and attached directly to the rear panel 24 to form the main pouch 11. The main pouch closure flap 12 is attached directly to the rear panel 24. The curved edge 27 of the generally semi-circular-shaped front panel 23 is attached to the edge 28 of about the lower half of the generally circular-shaped rear panel 24. The mid-section of the closure flap curved edge 30 of the main pouch closure flap 12 is attached to the upper half (or so) of the edge 28 of the rear panel 24. The rear panel 24 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the rear panel 24 and the main pouch closure flap 12. The ends of the carry strap 16 are attached to the bag 10 at the seam between the rear panel 24 and the main pouch closure flap 12.

As seen in FIG. 9, the bottom fourth or so of the front panel 23 comprises a bottom mesh insert 52 through which sand and water can exit while the hydroplane board is being rinsed in the bag. Instead of, or in addition to, the front mesh insert 52, the bottom of the rear panel 24 comprises a bottom rear net section 46 as seen in FIG. 7.

The generally circular-shaped bag 10, 40, 50 herein is made of a heavy-duty, water-resistant material. The bag 10, 40, 50 is sized to closely accommodate a hydroplane board, and is therefore preferably between about 36 and about 40, most preferably 36, inches in diameter, and between about one and two, most preferably 1.5, inches in depth. The bag 10, 40 may accommodate more than one hydroplane board.

Referring to FIG. 10, a generally circular-shaped bag for carrying, storing, and caring for a circular-shaped hydroplane board has a different closure mechanism without a main pouch cover flap. This bag comprises: (a) a central, interior main pouch 11 accessible thorough the top of the bag, and formed by a generally circular-shaped bag rear panel 24b and a corresponding, generally circular-shaped front panel 23b adjacent to the rear panel; and (b) a main pouch closure mechanism 54 attached to an upper edge 53 of the rear panel 24b and a corresponding upper edge 53 of the front panel 23b. A lower portion of the front panel 23b and/or the rear panel 24b comprises a plurality of apertures 18 open to the main pouch 11. The circular-shaped hydroplane board 42 is removably insertable in the main pouch 11. The apertures, preferably similarly sized apertures in a net material, permit sandy wash water to pass through when a hose or other water source is used to wash off the hydroplane board while it is in the bag. Although the sides and bottom of the front and rear panels 23b, 24b are attached (preferably sewn) to one another, normally with the side/bottom panels between them as described above, the upper edges 53 of the front and rear panels are not sewn together, allowing access to the main pouch 11 formed by the rear and front panels. The hydroplane board is inserted and removed through the opening between these opposite upper edges 53. Alternatively, the upper edges of the front and rear panels may be attached to the opposite edges of a rectangular-shaped top panel with a long slit down the middle for the board to pass through.

Continuing with FIG. 10, a suitable main pouch closure mechanism 54 includes a set of corresponding buckle portions 55, with a first buckle portion attached to the front panel along its upper edge and the corresponding buckle strap portion 55b attached to the rear panel along its upper edge 53 opposite the buckle portion. Corresponding male and female buckle portions may be employed instead of a buckle portion opposite a buckle strap portion. Corresponding lock and loop strips attached along the upper panel edges may alternatively be employed in place of buckles.

Referring to FIG. 11, a suitable main pouch closure mechanism 54 includes one or two zippers 56. The opposite edges of the zipper(s) are sewn to the upper edges 53. When the bag is in use, the user opens the zipper(s) 56 to insert or remove the hydroplane board, then zips the zipper(s) closed. Also, the end of the hose can be inserted at an open end of the partially closed zipper. Two zippers positioned end to end as shown, or one long zipper may be employed. The two zipper tongues 57 are positioned in the center and the two zippers open away from one another. Other suitable closure mechanisms for opening and closing the opening to the main pouch may be employed.

It can be realized from the foregoing that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized as a carrier bag for a circular-shaped hydroplane board. It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein are illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person's product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Brief List of Reference Numbers Used in the Drawings

• 10 circular bag
• 11 main pouch
• 12 main pouch closure flap
• 13 closure strap
• 14 secondary pouch
• 15 front handle
• 16 carry strap
• 17 side handles
• 19 rear handle
• 20 shoulder strap
• 21 storage loop
• 22 net panel
• 23 bag front panel
• 24 bag rear panel
• 25 bag side panels
• 26 upper side panel
• 27 front panel curved edge
• 28 lower edge
• 29 secondary pouch cover flap
• 30 flap curved edge
• 31 straight edge
• 32 strap connector
• 33 connector sleeve
• 34 first strap segment
• 35 second strap segment
• 36 shoulder strap adjuster
• 37 secondary pouch closure strap
• 38 hose aperture
• 39 carry strap first end
• 40 alternative embodiment of bag
• 41 carry strap second end
• 42 hydroplane board
• 43 pouch dividers
• 44 board pockets
• 45 net front section
• 46 net rear section
• 47 net side panels
• 48 hose coupling
• 49 binding tape
• 50 net bag
• 51 half rear section
• 52 front mesh insert
• 53 upper edges of panels
• 54 main pouch closure mechanism
• 55 buckle portion
• 56 zipper
• 57 zipper tongue

Claims

1. A generally circular-shaped bag for care and transportation of a circular-shaped hydroplane board, the bag comprising:

(a) a central main pouch formed by a generally circular-shaped bag rear panel and a bag front panel, the front panel being generally parallel to the rear panel; and

(b) a main pouch closure flap attached to an upper edge of the rear panel and foldable over the main pouch;

wherein a lower portion of the bag comprises a plurality of apertures open to the main pouch; and

wherein a first portion of the circular-shaped hydroplane board is removably insertable in the main pouch and the main pouch closure flap is reversibly foldable over a second, upper portion of the hydroplane board.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the front panel is generally semi-circular in shape, and the main pouch closure flap is generally semi-circular in shape.

3. The bag according to claim 2, further comprising at least one bag side panel connecting the front panel and the rear panel; the bag side panel being generally rectangular in shape; wherein a longitudinal edge of the bag side panel is attached to a curved edge of the generally semi-circular-shaped front panel, and an opposite longitudinal edge of the bag side panel is attached to an edge of a lower half of the generally circular-shaped rear panel.

4. The bag according to claim 2, wherein an edge of the generally semi-circular-shaped front panel is attached directly to an edge of a lower half of the generally circular-shaped rear panel.

5. The bag according to claim 3, further comprising an upper side panel connecting an upper portion of an edge of the rear panel and, along an opposite side of the upper side panel.

6. The bag according to claim 4, wherein an upper portion of the edge of the rear panel is attached to a mid-section of a curved edge of the main pouch closure flap.

7. The bag according to claim 5, wherein at least one closure strap is attached at one end to the main pouch closure flap, the at least one closure strap comprising an opposite, unattached, free end comprising a strap connector, the strap connector being removably engageable with a corresponding connector sleeve, the connector sleeve being attached to the front panel.

8. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a net bottom panel.

9. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a carry strap comprising opposite ends each attached to the upper side panel, the opposite carry strap ends being spaced apart from one another, the carry strap being oriented longitudinally to the upper side panel.

10. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising at least one side handle attached to the bag side panel and projecting from a side of the bag.

11. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a front handle attached to a front of the front panel, or a rear handle attached to a front of the rear panel.

12. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a secondary pouch attached to the front panel, and a storage loop attached to the rear panel.

13. The bag according to claim 8, further comprising an aperture in the upper side panel, the aperture being sized to receive a hose nozzle, the bag further comprising a circular-shaped, threaded coupling fitted to the hose aperture.

14. The bag according to claim 6, further comprising pouch dividers extending between the side panels across the main pouch.

15. The bag according to claim 14, wherein the side panels comprise accordion pleats.

16. The bag according to claim 2, wherein the front panel is mesh.

17. The bag according to claim 13, wherein at least a lower portion of the rear panel is mesh, and a bottom panel extending between the front panel and the rear panel at the bottom of the main pouch is mesh.

18. The bag according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the rear panel and a lower portion of the front panel are net, the lower net portions comprising less than a third of the area of each of the panels.

19. A generally circular-shaped bag for carrying, washing, and storing a circular-shaped hydroplane board, the bag comprising:

(a) a central, interior main pouch formed by a generally circular-shaped bag rear panel and a corresponding generally circular-shaped front panel adjacent to the rear panel; and

(b) a main pouch closure mechanism attached to an upper edge of the rear panel and a corresponding upper edge of the front panel;

wherein a lower portion of the front panel or rear panel comprises a plurality of apertures open to the main pouch; and

wherein the circular-shaped hydroplane board is removably insertable in the main pouch.

20. The bag according to claim 19, wherein the main pouch closure mechanism is corresponding buckle portions, the corresponding buckle portion being attached along an upper edge of the front panel and an upper edge of the rear panel.