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How to look after your surfboard
In reality only sponsored board riders can afford to renew their sticks every few months. People like you and me want, and need, to keep our boards in pristine condition for as long as possible to ensure that our board doesn't fail on is on our time of need seeing that a banged up board will significantly worsen you wave rides (slower and less responsive). Not to mention a shabby stick could also lessen your cool factor on the beach. By using a few crucial, but basic, steps you can keep your board in tip-top condition!
#1. Get Devoted: Bag Your Stick
Out of the water, keep your board in a board bag at all times. I can't stress this one enough because 50% of the dings and chips that will cause your surfboard's demise will occur in transport to and from the beach. My boards don't sit around gathering dust; nonetheless, I have kept boards white and immaculate for as long as two years just by religiously keeping them covered.
#2. Keep your Surfboard Safe: Let Gravity Guide You.
A gust of wind or your inquisitive little sister can easily knock down a board that has been placed carelessly in a standing position against a wall or in a corner and cause major damage and thus keep you out of the water for days. Build or install some shelves or L-racks to keep them out of reach. You will not regret this!
#3. Salvage from the Sun: UV Rays Cause Problems
Store your board out of the direct sunlight. The UV rays will cause the board resin to dry out and crack, allowing the foam core to become brown. In addition, a cracking allows water to seep into the foam causing further damage.
#4. Fins Down = Thumbs Down
Store your board in a horizontally with fins up.
#5. Leash that Beast: It Will Go With the Flow
Wear a leash so that your board can't get away and end up smash on the rocks or in the coral.
#6. Scarred for Life: Prevent Further Damage
Repair dings and scrapes ASAP. These dings and scrapes expose the foam core to water and UV rays, causing further damage to your board. If you don't know how to repair -- seek out a surboard shop for repairs.
#7. Undress Your Board: Take off that Coat
Change the coat of wax on your board every few weeks. A build up of dirty wax can hide dings and cracks in your board. Old wax also absorbs your body oils that make your board slippery and unsafe.
#8. Wax On: Be a Little Stingy
Apply only a thin layer of wax to give your board the traction for safe riding.
#9. That's a Wrap: Consider Extra Precautions
Consider wrapping the board in bubble wrap and brace the fins so they can't snap off when carrying the board on a plane.
#10. Rinse Off
When you're done riding those waves, place your board under a shower or rinse it with fresh water.
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