Is your board ready for SUP season?
Spring is in the air! And soon, you’ll be feeling the itch to hop on your board and go for a paddle. Have you prepared your SUP for the season ahead? A few simple actions before you launch your paddleboard can ensure you're set-up for a summer of smooth paddling.
4 tips to prepare your SUP for paddle season
1. Inspect your board
After you pull your SUP out of storage, check it thoroughly for any scratches, dings, cracks or punctures. If you notice significant (or even questionable) damage do not let your board get wet. First, assess the damage to determine if it needs to be repaired with a SUP repair kit. If you need help with this part, contact us! First, we’ll ask you to send photos of the damage. If it looks like it needs to be repaired, we’ll ask you to drop it by the shop and provide you with an estimate. It is important that boards requiring repair are completely dry to the core. So it’s wise to make this your first step of the season before putting your board on the water!
2. clean your board and paddle
Once you’ve determined your board is in fighting form, rinse it off with fresh water to remove sand, salt and any other debris. If there is dirt caked on your deck pad, simply loosen it with a gentle bristle brush and then rinse it off. You can clean your SUP with a soft sponge soaked in dish soap and water, or a watery cleaning solution like diluted Simple Green. Pro tip: You can also wet and scrub your board with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuff marks, paddle dings, tie-down marks, wax, hand prints and paint from other objects your board may have bumped into.
3. protect your board
Identify where you plan to store your SUP for the season, if different from the off-season. Make sure your board is always stored in a cool, ventilated, shaded area, and that nothing potentially damaging can fall on it. When it’s not in the water, it is imperative to keep your board out of direct sunlight for long periods of time – in storage, during transportation, and while in use (e.g. laying on the beach). Sun damage is the worst kind and can cause irreparable damage. If you have a board bag, make sure to leave it unzipped to allow for air flow. We highly recommend purchasing a UV Board Cover instead, which is easier to slide on and off, and not only protects your board from scratches, but most importantly keeps the interior temperature of your board 30 degrees cooler when sitting in direct sunlight.
4. Protect yourself
Inspect your safety gear to make sure it’s still in good condition. Check your leash and life vest, and determine if you need any back-up supplies like fin screws or replacement fins. Make transporting your SUP streamlined for yourself by assessing what gear you may need to make the process easier! Whether you decide to invest in a roof rack, grab a rack pads, or get some upgraded tie-down straps or a locking system, there’s a ton of gear out there online and in our shop to meet your needs and give you an increased sense of ease.
Get tuned up.
Our team is always here for you if you have questions about your VESL paddle board, or need support with a repair. Accidents happen, and we’re here for you when they do. Send us a pic of your VESL or off-brand board and we will come up with a plan to get you back on the water!