Stand Up Paddle Board Repair

Stand Up Paddle Board Repair

Dings and cracks come with the paddle board territory for novices and experts alike. Stand up paddleboards (SUP) are pretty durable, but sometimes a deep ding is inevitable, unless you pick up a Super durable board. While many dings are simply cosmetic, many are not. If you can see the foam core through the fiberglass, you should not get the board wet, as the damage will worsen.

Here is an easy 8-step guide to getting your board fixed right:

1. Remove Leash and/or Deck bag.
2. Strap board onto car.
3. Drive to your local surf shop.
4. Hand the board over to the local SUP Doctor.
5. Hangout in the shop for 30 min to an1 hr  chatting it up and checking out all the new SUP Accessories.
6. Wait for an email or phone call telling you that your SUP’s ready.
7. head back to the shop, pay the nice man or women and thank him/her for the quality repair job.
8. Dive to the nearest body of water and have some fun.

For those of you who are insistent on fixing it yourself, here are some options:

Your brand new car is bound to get a scratch or two as well. It’s all relative! Fortunately, the majority of SUP dings and cracks are easy to repair yourself. Depending on the damage size, we’ve outlined some tried-and-true DIY methods and supplies to repair your board. It’s always a good idea to bring a small repair kit when you’re hitting the water. Small repairs can be made on shore, so you can get back to paddling in no time. Check it out…

UV Activated Epoxy

For a quick and dirty way to repair cracks, you can us a UV activated epoxy in kits like the Chinook Ding All Epoxy Repair Kit. Chinook Epoxy repair putty is a mixture of clear, fiber reinforced epoxy resin with an amazing solar activated cataylst. It gels in 5 seconds and cures in about 5 minutes – but only when exposed to sunlight. Creating a great “quick fix” for when you are one the go.

Epoxy Repair Putty

Epoxy putties are great when you are in pinch and out on the water. It is a hand-kneadable epoxy compound that mixes in about one minute for permanent repairs to wet areas. It may also be applied underwater in both fresh and salt water. Ding All Epoxy Stick will bond to substrates such as Fiberglass, epoxy,Wood, Glass, and Metal. For best results, ensure the area is clean and roughened up. When applying to wet areas, it’s best to keep pressure on the putty until adhesion begins. (Side Note* Try to get the putty as smooth as possible before it hardens and it can be a pain to sand.)

Epoxy Repair Kits

For larger dings, Epoxy Repair Kits works wonders.  Normally they include: Fiberglass Cloth, Resin, Hardener, Mixing Sticks, Cup, and 2 Grades Sanding Sponge, Cover Sheet and Directions. These kits are designed for structural repairs on epoxy boards.

Q-Cell/Filler

Q-Cell is microscopic glass balls that works as a thinking agent for epoxy in Surfboard Repair. It works well with both Polyester and Epoxy boards. Basically, you just add some Q-cell to your epoxy/catalyst mixture creating a past the is about the consistency of mayo. Once mixed up, apply the paste to the void and let dry. Once hard, It drys white and can easily be sanded. Before mixing up the past, make sure the board is prepped and cleaned.

Clear Ding Tape

A clear adhesive tape specifically for board dings, clear ding tape is designed to seal up small dings, cracks and punctures. It’s easy to use and clean up is breeze. Just dry and clean the cracked area. Then, seal the tape over the crack ensuring there are no air bubbles. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes in the sun before heading back into the water.