New to surfing? The first thing you need is to take care of your beloved surfboard so that it can last longer and is always ready to hit the waves. Here is how you can keep your surfing board in top-notch condition.
Whether a beginner or a pro surfer, taking care of your surfboard is essential. It is more than aesthetics; surfboard maintenance is a necessity.
After all, why shorten the life of your surfboard when it can be your long and fulfilling partner with just a little extra care? Our surfboards take all the beating from the harsh saltwater and extreme sun exposure. As surfers, we should know the importance of giving your surfboard the care it deserves; it just takes some attention, some common sense, and a bit of extra money. But hey, surfboard maintenance saves a lot in the long run.
If you are a beginner, you will have nearly no idea how to take care of your surfboard. Here are five tips for teaching you surfboard maintenance 101.
1. Avoid Over-Exposure to Sun
Sun can be the biggest enemy of your surfboard. The harsh UV rays affect your board the same way it affects your skin. Putting your board out in the sun for too long weakens it and makes it softer.
So if you want to shorten the lifespan of your surfboard, put it out in the sun for as long as you want. But if you have even a little bit of compassion for your board, put it in the case. Sun exposure causes not one but several different problems. For instance, the biggest culprit for delamination is sun exposure. Delamination happens when the outer protective layer of resin or fiberglass pulls away from the foam, leaving your board calling for help. And before you know it, large bubbles start blistering on your board, making it almost useless.
Fixing a delaminated board is very expensive, and even if you do get it fixed, it will add increased weight to certain areas of your board due to extra resin. This will impact both the performance and value of your board. Also, a quick note: if you love the beautiful color of your surfboard, keep it that way. Sun exposure can turn parts of the surfboard into a very bad-looking yellow tint.
2. Wax it- and Change it
Waxing your board is good, but you should know the dos and don’ts of waxing. Kerosene wax is not made to last on your board for a lifetime; make sure that you strip your board of the previous wax and apply a fresh layer occasionally.
If you won’t, it will accumulate a lot of flakes and dirt, forming a weighted crust on your deck and eventually affecting its performance in the water. Another reason why changing wax is a must is that you can easily inspect your board for any cracks, peels, or dings that may be lurking under the thick layer of wax. A small crack can turn malignant over time and ruin the performance of your board if not fixed at the right time.
3. Travel Safely with Your Board
When you are traveling with your surfboard, it’s essential to store it the right way. We cannot emphasize this enough, but DO NOT leave your surfboard in the trunk unless you want kerosene to melt and damage surface resin.
Also, please do not leave your surfboard on your car roof if it’s a really sunny day. However, in case you don’t have any choice, we seriously recommend you invest in a good quality case. This is essential for both your and your surfboard’s protection.
Take it or leave it, but investing in a surfboard bag is a wise investment and a golden tip for surfboard maintenance. These bags can last decades and keep your board protected. Even though surfboard straps have improved over the years, it is smart always to keep your board stored in a thick bag so that it won’t dent or leave wax on the upholstery –which, btw, is a pain to get rid of.
4. Rinse with Fresh Water
What’s the first thing you do when you get out of the water? You rinse your board. Salt can be corrosive, and it can degrade your surfboard. Make sure that you always rinse your surfboard with fresh water after you are done, and wipe it down until it’s dry. This will eliminate the salt water and prolong your surfboard’s life span. Reminder: don’t forget to rinse your fins and fin boxes as well.
5. Store Your Board Correctly
Storing your board the right way is critical. Don’t just lean your surfboard against a concrete wall. The most fragile part of your board is its tail and rail, which can get dinged easily. If you have a rack system, PLEASE use that and have some kind of padding underneath the floor and along the wall to protect your surfboard.
Another great way to store your surfboard is to place it nicely in a surfboard bag (where it belongs when not in the water) and hang it horizontally on the wall. This way is excellent to minimize the damage in case it falls.
The tropical weather and gorgeous Weligama bay make The Surfers a perfect option for surfing in Sri Lanka. Considered a surfer’s paradise, you can find the best surf camp in Sri Lanka, where you get daily surf lessons, surfing theory, and yoga classes.
