Surfing is a sport that’s nearly impossible to put into words unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Using only a board, you can get out in the ocean and ride the waves for hours on end. Unfortunately, though, many beginners make the common mistake of not properly caring for their board; as a result, it becomes damaged or even destroyed. The bottom line is that you must properly maintain and care for your board unless you intend on purchasing a new one every couple of months.
Tip #1 – Use Caution When Carrying Your Board
Most nicks and dings occur when the board is being moved from the owner’s vehicle to the ocean. Even if it’s a short walk of 100 yards or less, there’s still a chance that you may accidentally bump your board on the ground. To prevent such an incident, use extreme caution and care when carrying your board to the ocean. Whether you are transporting your board across sand, pavement or rocks, you never want to let it touch the ground.
Tip #2 – Use a Board Bag
A board bag is an accessory that every surfer needs to invest in. It will allow you to keep your board safely tucked away anytime you aren’t using it; therefore, reducing the chance of it becoming damaged. I know it’s easier and faster to simply grab your board and hit the road, but the couple extra minutes it takes to throw it in a bag could end up saving you from having to buy another board in the near future.
Tip #3 – Avoid Sunlight
The sun’s UV rays are a surfboard’s worst enemy. Leaving your board out in the sun for long periods of time will fade the paint, melt the wax, and it may even crack the board in extreme cases. Does this mean you have to keep your board cooped up indoors all the time? Of course not, but you should always bring it inside when you aren’t using it. Don’t leave it propped up against the patio or deck where the sun will constantly beam down on it.
Tip #4 – Don’t Ride It In
One of the biggest mistakes surfers make is riding their boards all the way on shore. You might be able to get away with this for a while, but the scraping of your board against the abrasively sandy surface of the ocean floor will eventually result in damage. When you get to about thigh-deep water, get off your board and walk it on shore.