Maintanence Tips for your Windsurfing Equipment
It’s no secret that properly maintaining your windsurfing gear and equipment will increase its longevity while saving money on repairs. Don’t spend extra just because you didn’t take the time and care to maintain your gear. What can people do to maintain or repair their equipment?Most windsurfing gear is built tough to withstand the wear and tear of the wind, weather, and salty sea water. The epoxy constructed boards make it easy to repair minor dings. Sanding the damaged area and then Using a two-part epoxy (resin and hardener) and fiberglass cloth to fill the ding. Keeping your board out of direct sunlight when you aren’t using it will help to preserve the board and foot straps, which can be replaced if needed. The sun causes color fading and the UV rays accelerate the breakdown of the fabric on the foot straps. Foot straps generally last longer if the board is stored out of the sun. Modern windsurfing sails are constructed from a monofilm material. It’s recommended to keep them out of the sun when they aren’t being used. Common sail wear and tear includes punctures and smalls tears that can be fixed with sail tape. If you don’t have sail-tape, try patching the puncture with clear packaging tape or stickers affixed to both sides of the damaged area. If the tear is more serious, a sail loft can replace an entire panel. Keep in mind, that repair costs may vary depending on the age of the sail, sometimes more than the sail is worth. Other helpful windsurfing maintenance tips include:
What if you live in a humid climate?If you’re living in the tropics, you’re better off putting your gear away wet with salt water versus wet with fresh water. Why you ask? Sails, in particular, can get mildewy if they’re damp with fresh water, but salt water helps to kill mold and mildew! No need to rinse your gear with fresh water at the end of your session as you can be getting rid of the beneficial salt. Can it be fixed?We all want to try to increase the lifespan of what we buy. But sometimes things can’t be fixed. Find out when your gear can be repaired versus when it must be replaced.
Overall, windsurfing gear is surprisingly durable and resistant to normal wear and tear. Ironically, the wind is your equipment’s greatest enemy, that’s why it is important to keep the mast positioned in the direction the wind is coming from, especially when you’re on the beach. This will prevent your sail from getting flipped around and punctured. Also, be mindful when putting your board on the roof of your car—if you walk away without having tied it down, it could easily blow off into the parking lot. If you have any questions about the condition of your equipment, feel free to give us a call at 727-656-6569. |