Caring For Your Surfboard
Surfboards are fragile and do not have an indefinite lifespan. As soon as you start using it it has already started its journey to its use by date. It's up to you, the owner, to make sure that your surfboard remains in as good of condition as possible. The greater care you take of your board, the greater performance and lifespan it will have.
Board Storage
Surfboards should always be kept indoors, away from the elements. Prolonged exposure to sun, rain, and even morning dew will compromise a surfboard's structural integrity over time. Do not leave your board leaning up against a wall, remember most dings happen at home.
Don't leave your board unsecured in your pick-up. It might get dinged bouncing around or worse yet, air will get under it and it'll take to the skies.
Avoid extreme heat and temperature change. Translation: do to not leave your board in a car or the back of a pick-up on a hot day. In 30 degree heat, a car can reach up to 65 degrees in a little over an hour. A board expands and contracts under extreme temperature change, delaminating in the process.
Clean Your Board
Rinse your board after use to remove all the salt, there is nothing worse than a rusted fin screw that won't com out when you need it to. At the end of each season clean all the wax off your board. It is a good way to examine the deck for any cracks that may be letting in water, which could lead to delaminations.Board Bags
Invest in a board bag or a board sock. Generally, board bags are a bit more expensive than socks, but they're equipped with a shoulder strap and insulated, which offers protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Surfing Near Rocks and Reefs
Use a leash at breaks where there are rocks or cliffs. When belly-riding into the beach, be cautious of shallow reef and rocks.Dings and Repairs
Unfortunately, every surfboard will eventually meet the day when it suffers some type of ding.Don't Keep Surfing Your Dinged-Up Board
The more water it takes in, the faster it will turn into a water-logged yellow version of what it once was, eventually collapsing and delaminating.Small dings are relatively common, and can easily be fixed - at least temporarily - with a bit of solar resin. UV solar resin is available at any surf shop, and is pretty easy to use. Always ensure that you leave your surfboard a few days out of the water before repairing to ensure any water inside gets out.
Following these basic tips will prolong the life and performance of your surfboard.
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