Board Care Guide for Maximum Longevity
Taking care of your surfboard, stand-up paddleboard, or prone paddleboard is essential for maximizing its lifespan and ensuring you have the best experience on the water. Let's take a look at some basic, but often overlooked maintenance tips that will help keep your board in top shape.
General Maintenance Tips
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Rinse After Each Use: Always rinse your board with fresh water after every use to remove salt, sand, and other debris. This helps prevent damage and keeps your board looking new.
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Store Properly: Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Too much heat can cause a board to delaminate, something that is very difficult to fix! Use a board bag for added protection, especially during transport and when sitting on the beach.
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Regular Check-Ups: Check your board regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dings, or delamination. Tackling these issues early can prevent more significant problems later.
- Repair Dings and Cracks Promptly: Dings (damage) and cracks can allow water to enter the board, leading to delamination and other issues. Repair them as soon as possible using a suitable repair kit or by taking the board to a professional.
Surfboard-Specific Tips
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Wax Maintenance: Keep your surfboard's wax layer fresh and free of dirt and sand. Remove old wax periodically and apply a new coat for optimal grip.
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Fin Care: Check your surfboard fins for any damage or looseness. Tighten or replace them as needed to maintain performance and stability. Fin screws can get rusted or stripped, make sure to check them every now and then to make sure neither is happening. If you think they may be getting rusted or stripped, replace them with a new fin screw, it will save you time and headaches later on! Shop replacement screws here.
SUP Board-Specific Tips
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Inflation Check: If you have an inflatable SUP, ensure it is properly inflated before each use. Follow the guidelines for the correct pressure (typically 15-18 PSI). If you think you may have a leak, we recommend checking the seams with a soapy water solution. Grab dish soap and mix with water in a spray bottle. Spray all seams and look for bubbling. If any leaks are present, repair with the provided repair kits!
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Deck Pad Care: Clean the deck pad regularly to maintain its grip and comfort. Use mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
- Paddle Care: Check your paddle after every use for cracks along the blade. You can use the same repair kit as your surf or paddleboard to repair any cracks or damage on the paddle.
Prone Board-Specific Tips
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Nose and Tail Protection: The nose and tail of your prone board are particularly vulnerable to damage. Use protective covers or guards to minimize the risk of dings and cracks. Check out the Prone Paddleboard Bag here.
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Handle with Care: When transporting your prone board, avoid dropping or knocking it against hard surfaces. Always use a padded bag for added protection.
DIY Repair Advice
We recommend identifying the construction in which your board is made in before repairing a ding yourself. Using the wrong materials can cause further damage to your board. Unsure of your products construction, find your boards webpage on our website and it will be located on the product page.-
Minor Dings: For small dings and scratches, use a board repair kit to fix them yourself. We recommend Solarez, a pre-made UV cure kit.
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Major Repairs: For more significant damage, it's best to contact your local surf or repair shop. They have the tools and expertise to restore your board as best as possible.
Taking the time to maintain your board can make a world of difference in its performance and durability. By following these tips, you'll be ready to hit the waves, paddle out, or go the mile.
If you have any questions or need specific maintenance advice, feel free to reach out to us.
