We’re excited to share with you today the best tips on how to take care of your surf gear both day-to-day and during the winter months. Experienced surfers who practice surfing all year round know that those are the months when the waves are most enticing. What’s not so enticing is the cold during that time of year, and that discourages many novice surfers.
In any case, whether you’re storing it for a season or planning to continue using it frequently, keeping your equipment in perfect condition not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures that you’re always ready for the next surf session.
Daily Care: Riding the Wave of Care
🚿🧽 Rinse After Every Session:
It’s common to wash the board in the beach shower. Some schools or clubs also provide a hose for this cleaning. Once dry, store the board in its cover immediately. Carrying the board in its cover is essential, as it’s when it’s out of the water that it’s most prone to damage, except if it’s a soft board, which doesn’t require a cover.
Regarding the cover, there are basically two types:
- Sturdy and padded cover designed to protect the board from impacts, sun, heat, etc.;
- Sock cover, which is just a fabric and, let’s be honest, doesn’t provide much protection. Its name comes from the fact that it’s like putting a sock on the board.
However, with the wetsuit, what’s usually done to take care of it is, upon returning home after riding the waves, making sure to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. This will remove the salt and sand from the neoprene, which can damage its materials in the long run.
☀️🌊 Air drying, but not in direct sunlight
Let your board and wetsuit air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent deformations. If you let the wetsuit dry in the sun, it will eventually crack. This recommendation also applies to boards, as leaving them in the sun can cause deformation or yellowing. Proper drying is essential to keep your equipment in optimal condition.
🔧👌Check Quilts and Accessories
Regularly, make sure that the fins and other accessories are securely attached and free of damage. A loose fin or a worn-out leash can affect your experience in the water.
🕯️🏄♂️Wax for Optimal Grip
Apply wax regularly to ensure a firm grip on the board. Adjust the type of wax according to the day’s conditions. In this regard, the type of wax is adjusted according to the water temperature. Therefore, one should use one type or another depending on the time of year. That’s why there’s talk of summer wax and winter wax.
After applying the wax, we recommend using a specialized comb to improve its distribution. Additionally, every few months it’s advisable to remove the old wax and apply a new one. To make the job easier, it’s advisable to leave the board in the sun for a few minutes. This way, it warms up and softens the wax, making it much easier for you to remove it. Another option is to use a hairdryer.
Winter Season Care: Cold is Not Your Enemy
- 🚿🧼Regular Maintenance: Even though winter sessions may be less frequent, don’t forget to maintain your equipment. Regular rinsing and drying remains crucial.
- 🛡️🌨️ Proper Storage: If you plan to use your equipment less in winter, store it in a cool, dry place. Protect it from moisture to prevent damage.
Why store the gear and wait for the next season?
We know, in winter it can be very tempting, especially if you’re still learning. But don’t let winter stop you. Neoprene is your great ally against the cold. A good wetsuit will keep you comfortable and warm even in the coolest waters. So there are no excuses to stop surfing!
If you’re not sure about the best wetsuit for you, in the article on [LINK]you’ll find information about wetsuits and our recommendations to choose yours.
Surf without Limits: Surf Classes at SurfySpot
At SurfySpot, we believe that surfing is a passion that should not be stopped by the seasons. Instead of storing your gear all winter long, we invite you to explore our personalized surf classes. With a good wetsuit and the right attitude, you can enjoy surfing all year round.
Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, at SurfySpot, you’ll find your ideal class or surf camp. Come and let’s make waves together!
Remember: taking care of your gear not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures you’re ready to tackle any wave that comes your way. Surf, smile, and let the ocean embrace you! 🌊🏄♂️
