Finding the ideal board or wetsuit—that item of equipment that simply fits your style and makes every session feel effortless—is a familiar experience to all surfers. The problem is that without proper maintenance, even the best surfing gear will eventually wear out. Too many of my friends have replaced wetsuits that could have lasted years longer or prematurely retired boards because they neglected the fundamentals of gear care.
The ocean serves as both our playground and the greatest threat to our equipment. Sand, salt water, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations all combine to cause device deterioration. However, you can maintain your surfing equipment operating at its best and significantly increase its lifespan with the correct maintenance plan.
Why Gear Maintenance Matters More Than You Think
Let’s first discuss why this is important before getting into the how-to. A nice board can cost $400 to $800, and a high-end wetsuit can easily cost $200 to $400. High-quality surfing gear is not inexpensive. A substantial expenditure is required when fins, leashes, and other accessories are taken into account.
However, money isn’t the only factor. Gear that is kept up to date performs better, keeps you safer, and allows you to concentrate on what counts most—catching waves. While a clean wetsuit remains flexible and offers superior insulation, a well-maintained board retains its elasticity and responsiveness. Equipment that still feels and looks brand new after innumerable sessions is also incredibly pleasant.
Surfboard Care – Your Board’s Best Friend
Your surfboard really gets put through the wringer every time you hit the waves. UV rays damage and fade the resin, salt water tries to get through the foam core, and you will unavoidably suffer a few dings along the road. Here’s how to maintain the best possible condition for your board:
Ritual of Rinsing After a Session
This cannot be negotiated. Rinse your board with fresh water after each session. Salt crystals are like little knives that keep slicing into the surface of your board even after you’ve left the beach, I know it sounds simple. Water can be poured or sprayed lightly over the board, focusing on the fin boxes and any places where sand could collect.
Proper Drying and Storage
Don’t expose your board to the sun for longer than strictly necessary. UV rays cause your board to become brittle and more likely to split by breaking down the resin and foam, in addition to fading the attractive graphics. Rinse your board, then place it in the shade to air dry. It should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location. A board bag offers greater safety during storage in addition to being used for traveling.
Ding Repair: Small Problems, Big Consequences
If water seeps into the foam core, even minor dings might turn into serious issues. Regularly inspect your board for soft patches, chips, or cracks. Surf wax or ding tape can be used to temporarily seal minor dings until a proper repair can be made. If the damage is more extensive, don’t try to fix it yourself unless you know how to do it; a poor repair job could make it worse.
Wax Maintenance
Both performance and board longevity are impacted by your wax job. Sand and other debris are drawn to old, unclean wax, which can cause scratches on your board.
Use a wax comb or plastic scraper (never metal) to remove old wax in warm weather, then add new layers. Here, cold water really helps since it makes the wax brittle and makes it simpler to remove.
Wetsuit Care: Flexibility and Longevity
In essence, a wetsuit is a second skin, and like skin, it requires maintenance to be healthy. Although neoprene is quite resilient, there are few factors that can significantly reduce its longevity.
The Golden Rule: Fresh Water Rinse
After each session, you should thoroughly clean your wetsuit with fresh water, just like you would with your board. Over time, salt crystals will literally sever neoprene fibers, diminishing their flexibility and creating premature wear. Rinse from top to bottom, focusing on areas where salt tends to collect, such as seams and zippers.
Proper Drying Technique
This is where a lot of folks make mistakes. The weight of the wet neoprene will cause the shoulders to stretch out and become permanently deformed, therefore never hang your wetsuit by the shoulders.
Rather, fold it over a drying rack or large hanger, switching up which side is facing down from session to session. Keep it away from heat sources such as radiators and car heaters, as well as direct sunshine.
Storage Best Practices
When your wetsuit is entirely dry, hang it correctly on a broad hanger or, if you can, store it flat. Avoid folding it for long periods of time in confined locations as this might result in stress spots and permanent creases. Wetsuit-specific hangers that appropriately distribute the weight are essential for some surfers.
Zipper Care
On a wetsuit, zippers frequently break first. To remove any salt or sand after rinsing, pull the zipper up and down a few times. To keep everything running smoothly, occasionally apply on a tiny bit of beeswax or wetsuit-specific oil. A stuck zipper should never be forced; instead, gently ease it loose and washed more completely if it persists.
Leash and Fin Maintenance
Leash Care
Your leash is almost your lifeline, so don’t neglect it. Rinse it thoroughly after each use, paying attention to the swivels and velcro straps. Check frequently for cuts, fraying, and wear. The cord should be flexible rather than stiff or brittle. It’s less expensive to replace your leash if you see any noticeable wear than to risk losing your board or compromising your own security.
Fin Maintenance
Fins are precise tools that have a big impact on how well your board performs. After giving them a thorough rinse, look for chips or cracks. To clear away any sand or debris that may have collected in the fin boxes, periodically remove the fins entirely if you utilize detachable fins.
Smooth operation can be maintained with a tiny bit of fin wax or specialized fin box cleaner.
Making It a Habit
Establishing a routine for gear maintenance is essential to its success. Just take five minutes to rinse and store your equipment properly after each session. Your future self will appreciate it when your equipment lasts years longer than it would have otherwise, and it quickly becomes second nature.
Keep in mind that caring for your surf gear is about appreciating the instruments that allow you to connect with the water, not just about saving money. Your equipment will take care of you year after year and session after session if you take care of it.
Your equipment serves as your entryway to the surf. If you take good care of it, it will be your trusty partner for many more amazing sessions.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Gear: Q&A
Q: What’s the worst thing I can do to my surfing gear?
The biggest gear killer is most likely leaving your equipment in a hot car. The temperature of a car in the sun can practically melt wax, delaminate boards, and obliterate neoprene in wetsuits. I’ve witnessed wetsuits that become as rigid as cardboard after just one afternoon in a hot car, and boards that were totally deformed. After a workout, always take your equipment out of the car as soon as you can.
Q: Can I use regular household cleaners on my wetsuit and board?
Not at all! Many novices make this expensive error. Neoprene and surfboard materials can be harmed by bleach, household cleansers, and even some ordinary soaps. The materials are broken down by these severe chemicals, which can result in irreversible harm. Use mild, pH-neutral soaps if you’re in a pinch, or stick to products made especially for surf gear.
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Q: I have a small ding on my board and a tiny tear in my wetsuit. Can I ignore them for now?
That’s a mistake that will cost you in the long run. That tiny ding might seem insignificant, but water intrusion can cause major damage to your board’s foam core. Similarly, that small tear in your wetsuit will become a big tear with just a few more sessions. Address problems early, and they’ll stay small problems. A $10 repair today saves you from a $100+ replacement tomorrow.
