How to Repair Small Cracks and Dings on All Surfboards

Surfing is a pastime enjoyed along numerous coastlines around the world. From Hawaii's North shore to the beaches of Australia, this sport can be an adrenaline-filled adventure surfing the pounding waves, or a relaxing way to spend the day on easy rolling surf. Over time, surfboards incur cracks and dings in the fiberglass coating. This is largely due to impact with other surfboards or occasional rocks and coral. Surfboards can be repaired using a few special tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Sawhorses or workbench
  • Sandpaper (coarse, medium and fine grit)
  • Utility knife
  • Fiberglass patching
  • Fiberglass repair solution
  • Masking tape
  • Soft buffer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the surfboard on a pair of sawhorses or a workbench. Ensure that the side with the damage is facing up.

    • 2

      Cut a circle around the cracked fiberglass using a utility knife. Ensure that you don't cut too far into the foam. Pull off the fiberglass.

    • 3

      Sand over the damaged area using a medium-grit sanding block or drum sander. A few sanding strokes is sufficient. Sanding is done only to rough the area up to allow the fiberglass to bond better. Blow or brush off the sanded material.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of fiberglass patch to fit the damaged area plus 7/8-inch to all sides. Typically, if the ding or crack is deeper than 1/8-inch, you'll need two layers of fiberglass patching.

    • 5

      Mix up your fiberglass repair solution. As all these products vary, consult the specific brand instructions for mixing.

    • 6

      Rub a light coat of the mixture onto the prepared area. Spread it evenly over the damaged area.

    • 7

      Set the fiberglass patching onto the damaged area and apply firm pressure to help affix the patch. Allow the patch or patches to saturate. Once the patch is no longer bright white it is completely saturated.

    • 8

      Apply masking tape over the patch and mixture. Pull the masking tape taut and smooth it out flat with your hand to get rid of any air bubbles. Let the mixture cure for 12 hours, then remove the tape.

    • 9

      Sand over the fixed area with coarse sandpaper to shape the damaged area proportionate to the rest of the board.

    • 10

      Apply a second coat of the mixture to the damaged area. Cover again with new masking tape. Allow it to cure for 12 hours. Remove the masking tape. Sand the area with fine sandpaper to smooth out the area and blend it into the rest of the board. Polish with a soft buffer to shine the area.