When surf season is over, that doesn’t mean you’ll just stow away your trusty board in the shed willy-nilly. Surfboards, paddleboards, and beach cruisers all need some form of maintenance to keep them in perfect shape until the next time you pull them out for some action.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of proper upkeep and how to store your beloved beach companions. So, the next time you use them, you can give them the love and care they deserve afterward.
Why Is It Needed to Safely Store Your Surfboards, Paddleboards, and Beach Cruisers?
No matter how expensive your board is, it doesn’t mean that they are built sturdier and won’t need proper care. Surfboards, paddleboards, or cruisers are not indestructible.
The materials they are made of are a bit fragile. They were utilized to build light maneuverable boards on the water, not on hard surfaces. This being so, extra care is needed when your board is out of the water.
First off, the outer layers made of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin or polyester can be dented from being in contact with hard surfaces. Getting the surface of your board dented or damaged can lead to the foam inside getting saltwater-logged. This means it will have less buoyancy and will certainly mess up your ride.
Another thing to be cautious of is the little ding on your board. Dings and dents on your board can cause it to break. The force of the water can easily rip a board if there are unchecked damages on the bottom.
Aside from the dangers of hard surfaces, high temperatures can also damage your board. After being exposed to excessive heat, a process called delamination occurs. Dents are usually the weak spots where delamination occurs first.
At around 150 degrees, the fiberglass softens and the bond with the foam core weakens. What happens next is the skin or outer layer of the board separates from the foam inside, causing bubbles to form in between them. As the board expands, the inelastic fiberglass will eventually tear and you now have a ding on your board.
Extreme heat can also cause your board to warp. An unevenly surfaced board is difficult or even next to impossible to use. You will need to have it repaired before more damage is incurred.
So, before any of these things happen, keep your board in good working performance by following these tips on how to store surfboards.
Care Tips Concerning Storing Your Surfboards
- Don’t leave your board out in the sun.
The sun’s UV rays will discolor your lovely board. Prolonged exposure will turn the surface yellowish, and it will look aged even before you’ve had it for years.
Aside from the cosmetic damage the sun can do, its excessive heat will also cause delamination on your board.
- Don’t leave your board inside the car.
It’s easy to forget to unload your stuff after a fun and tiring day out at the beach. However, leaving your board inside the car is a no-no.
The inside of a car on a sunny day can easily reach temperatures over 100 degrees. We’ve stressed a lot about how high heat can damage your board. Your board will get damaged if left inside the car.
- Always place on a padded surface.
As we’ve mentioned before, the outer layer of your board, no matter how expensive they are, can easily be damaged by hard surfaces. They were made for use in the water and are fragile on hard ground.
While at the beach, propping it on the sand is fine. The sand is soft and acts like a cushion. But when you leave the beach, you should always place your board on a padded surface or towel.
- Put it inside a board bag or board sock.
Better yet, get yourself a board bag or sock. Put your board inside it when traveling or not in use. Keep your board scratch and dent-free.
- Remove wax often.
Having a fresh coat of wax is good for traction. Dirty or old wax will cause your board to become slippery.
Another good practice is to remove the surface wax when you plan on storing your board for quite some time. Simply let it soften under the sun for a bit before gently scraping it off with a wax scraper.
What Are the Types of Racks for Storing Surfboards?
An easy to install surfboard wall holder is a great way to store your board. Hanging it up on the wall as a display is a good addition to your interior while not eating up space.
The surf rack pad made of felt will gently and securely hold your board in place. Never worry about getting dents or scratches with this type of surfboard rack.
- Ceiling-mounted slings
Having high ceilings at home does have some perks. It gives you more space for storing your stuff. So, if you don't have much floor space but have enough headspace, getting yourself a surfboard ceiling rack is a good option.
These slings are securely mounted to your ceiling and the hanging rope loops will cradle the nose and the tail of your board. The rope material is soft, so there won’t be any chance of the board surface getting damaged or deformed.
- Stand-up rack
Surf racks on the floor are commonly used at a surf park or beach house. They can securely hold several boards simultaneously. The only downside to this vertical surfboard rack is that it eats up precious floor space.
How to Store Your Surfing Equipment Properly
After a sunny day out on the waves, it is necessary to do some upkeep on your board. Don’t be lazy and skip this part. Performing this care regimen will ensure that your favorite board stays in tip-top shape, so you can continue riding those waves without a hitch.
- Rinse the board with fresh water.
- Remove the fins and wash out the sand.
- Rinse the traction pad and leash rope. Then make sure they are thoroughly dry before storing them inside your board bag or sock.
- Use any of the racks discussed previously to mount your board. These storage racks will keep your board from getting any deformities or dents.
Love and Care Is Key
Showing your board some love and care will prolong its use. Protecting your board will also save you a lot of money from having to go to a surf shop to get your board repaired or getting a new one altogether.
