How to fix a waterlogged surfboard

1. How to fix a waterlogged surfboard? In order to fix a waterlogged surfboard, it is crucial to determine the material of the surfboard. After that, you need to find the dings or cracks for repairing them with materials compatible with your surfboard material. Determining the material of the surfboard Fiberglass Fiberglass surfboards can be a little brittle in nature which is why they should be handled with proper care even when out of the water and, if feasible, placed in a protective cover or bag. Your foot pressure might compress the foam and make visible dents on the deck. However, the cracks must be repaired to prevent waterlogging that might end up finishing the surfboard’s buoyancy. Foam or cork Foam surfboards are comprised of resilient soft and closed-cell foam. They are perfect for preventing chafing while delivering plenty of buoyancy. Also, they require minimum maintenance expenditure because they do not need to be waxed or polished. Epoxy Epoxy boards are the most popular replacements for old fiberglass boards. Instead of a thin resin covering, epoxy boards receive a durable epoxy coating. This coating minimizes the board’s capacity to bend to its maximum potential. Libtech These are ultra-durable copies of lost surfboards shapes and are made up of eco-friendly materials. Repairing the dings or cracks It’s time to repair after you have successfully determined the material and dings on your surfboard. In case of a severely damaged surfboard that seems to be irreparable to the DIY method, it is to hand it over to a professional repair shop and allow experts to perform their job. However, if you want to tackle it yourself, we've outlined the procedure you might follow to repair your damaged surfboard, as follows: First step: Arranging required tools Before you begin with the repairing procedures, make sure to arrange all the necessaries or you may buy the repair kit as well.

2. Second step: Allowing to drain and drying up the board Place your waterlogged surfboard in a position that allows drainage. Let the board completely dry. However, avoid exposing surfboard to direct sunlight as it may damage the surfboard. If the surfboard has taken in large amounts of water, then it might take hours to dry. Third step: Clearing away the rotten and damaged area It is better to remove the old, damaged areas from the board before you fix the new ding. Fourth step: Thoroughly cleaning the board This includes removing the wax layer over the board. You might use a wax remover or wax comb. Then you might sand away damaged surfaces. Fifth step: Cover the surroundings Surround the areas that are not damaged to prevent further harm. Sixth step: Filling gaps using Q-cells Take some sanding resin mix with the Q-cell and catalyst drops to replace the damaged foam. Avoid bubbles and wait for hardening. Seventh step: Sanding Sand down the Q-cell for levelling with the board’s surface. Eighth step: Applying fiberglass sheet Take some resin mixture and put it on the board to place the fiberglass patch. Ninth step: Sanding of resin Sand the dried resin for smooth edges. Tenth step: Polishing Wet sand for the final finish and use some polish for a shiny surface. Final step: Let it settle Wait before you finally begin surfing again to let the board repair properly. Source: https://dingzap.com/