How to Patch Surfboards

Surfboards take a lot of abuse. From pounding waves to reefs and rocks, chances are your board takes its share of hits. These events can result in small dings and chips in the board. Repair your board as quickly as possible, as dings and chips make its foam core vulnerable to water absorption, which can seriously shorten the life of the board. You can repair small holes and dings yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Work bench
  • C-clamps (optional)
  • Fiberglass repair kit (available at surf shops)
  • Sandpaper (80 to 100 grade)
  • Masking tape
  • Razor knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the board on a work bench with the ding facing up. Clamp the board to the bench with C-clamps if you need to stabilize it.

    • 2

      Make a circle around the ding with masking tape, giving it at least a 2-inch lip. Sand down the area around the ding but stay inside the circle of tape. The tape prevents unwanted marring of any surface near the ding and keeps the fiberglass from delaminating.

    • 3

      Cut out a piece of fiberglass cloth the size of the ding, using a razor knife. Mix the sand resin and fiberglass from the repair kit in a small plastic cup and stir until thick. Smear the fiberglass cloth with the mix and place it on the ding.

    • 4

      Wait about 30 minutes and let the fiberglass mix begin to harden. Use the razor knife to trim any bumps or excess fiberglass from around the repair patch. Let the fiberglass patch harden for 24 hours.

    • 5

      Sand down the repair once completely set and dry to keep the board surface smooth. Go surf.