Just finished unwrapping your brand new Wavestorm surfboard and want to make sure it lasts as long as possible? This article is for you. A properly maintained Wavestorm can be one of the best surfing investments you make, bringing you years of carefree surfing pleasure. As with any sport, taking care of your surfing gear and especially your board, is a must. Use these five tips to keep you Wavestorm in top shape throughout its life.
Always check the fin screws before entering the water
As is true for any surfboard, the most important thing you can do for your Wavestorm is keep water out of the inner core. Once water has been soaked up into the center the board will become waterlogged, heavy, and unstable. This will eventually cause the board to deteriorate and fall apart. The easiest way to prevent water from seeping into the core is making sure the fin screws are very tight and create a watertight seal with the skin of the board. Before every session use a coin or key to tighten the screws down.
Repair any holes in the skin
Occasionally, you may find a hole in the outer skin of your Wavestorm. When this happens, you will want to fix the hole as quickly as possible. Avoid surfing while the hole is unrepaired, as this could allow water to seep into the core of your board. Luckily, repairing small holes in your Wavestorm doesn’t require a trip to your local ding repair shop. All you need to fix the hole is some hot glue or marine caulking. Plug the hole with either substance and make sure it dries completely. A properly repaired hole should stay sealed throughout the life of the board.
Store inside and out of direct sunlight
Direct sunlight is bad for all surfboards and will cause delamination of the deck from the core of the board. This is true of Wavestorms also. When not using your board, it should be stored indoors in a garage, shed, or home, and kept out of the reach of direct sunlight which could cause the board to delaminate. Storing your board indoors versus outdoors could equate to years of extended board life.
Don’t strap it down too tight
If you strap the Wavestorm to the top of your car or back of your truck when traveling to the beach, make sure the straps aren’t done too tight. Straps that are tightened too much will dig into the edge of the board, and press holes into the skin. This is something that should be avoided at all costs. If you need the board to be well secured for driving on the freeway, place something soft like a towel or t-shirt in between the strap and the board. This will help spread the pressure from the strap across a wider surface area, limiting the damage the strap will cause to the board.
Don’t drop it or drag it on the ground
Dropping your sporting equipment is never a good idea, and surfboards especially. Surfboards are built to withstand a beating by the water, but not by the hard and rough ground. Avoid dropping your Wavestorm on the ground or dragging the board on the ground as you carry it. Doing so would be a quick way to wear down the skin and allow water to leek into the center.
Putting these tips into practice will help ensure your brand new Wavestorm surfboard lasts as long as possible. Have any other ideas for maintenance? Drop us a message!
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