Tips on Repairing a Dinged Surfboard

Knowing how to repair simple dings comes in handy when you discover your surfboard has suffered some damage during your last surf outing. Although, small dents can be placed under the category of cosmetic issues, larger problems, such as holes or cracks will require your attention. Choosing to ignore such problems will allow water to get into your surfboard. Unfortunately, water penetrating your boards seal leads to it growing heavier and thus causing a disturbance in its ability to perform. While taking your surfboard to a professional is a good idea, it's not always possible, so it is highly suggested you learn some basic repair tips.

Before You Begin
Before you pick up a repair kit, you'll need to know what type of foam your board is made from. Using the wrong compound to restore your surfboard can cause more problems than you started with.

• Polyurethane Foam. The kit you purchase must include polyester resin.
• Expanded Polystyrene Foam. First and foremost do not use polyester resin on this type of foam board. Instead, select a repair kit with epoxy resin.
• Extruded Polystyrene Foam. This type of foam also requires an epoxy resin to complete your repairs.

What's Inside A Repair Kit

• Sandpaper. At the start of your repair, you'll use this tool to sand out the rough edges near the marred area. During the end stage of your repair, you'll use the sandpaper, once again, to smooth out the resin used to seal the crack in your surfboard.

• Resin. As discussed above the type of resin you use on your board is critical to the repair process. When you apply the compound it ends up settling at the bottom of the crack which means it'll be resting on top of the foam in your surfboard. If you use the wrong type, you could cause further damage to your surfboard.

• Hardener. This component is used as a catalyst, to harden the resin. Make sure you follow the instructions provided in your kit, otherwise you may not add enough hardener and your repair efforts could end up being unsuccessful.

• Fiberglass Cloth. Using fiberglass cloth increases the durability of your repair.

Don't Forget... 

• Before starting any type of repair, you'll need to let your board dry out. Hang your board so the crack is at the bottom which will allow gravity to work its magic. If you don't get all of the water out, the moisture will continue to damage your board even after you have fixed it.

• Remove all debris that has found its way inside the damaged area, otherwise the resin may not adhere properly.

• Some repairs are better left to a professional. If you don't feel as though you are up to the challenge, don't attempt it. There's a big difference between the cost of a repair and the cost of having to buy a new board.

If you're looking to replace your old board or you're looking for a few surfing accessories, please contact us today, and we'll be happy to help you.