Taking Care of Your Rental Surfboard: A Quick Guide

Renting a surfboard is a fantastic way to dive into this exhilarating sport or a great option for experienced surfers on who are on the road. However, just like any piece of sports equipment, a surfboard needs proper care to ensure it performs well and lasts longer. Here are some essential tips to help you take care of your rental surfboard, keeping it in top shape for your surf sessions and for the next riders who will enjoy it.

1. Handle with Care

Surfboards, though built for most of the abuse they'll face on a normal day in the waves, are surprisingly fragile on land. Always handle your surfboard gently. When carrying it, hold it firmly by the rail and avoid dropping it or banging it on door frames when you're going around corners. If you need to put it down, make sure it's on a soft surface or use a towel or board bag to cushion it. After a session wait until the board is dry and then put it in a board bag before moving it around. Make sure it's a proper protective board bag, and avoid using board socks. Although board socks offer protection from surf wax to your vehicle or other surfaces the board contacts, they often provide a false sense of security and do not really protect the board for getting dinged when hit against hard surfaces or corners.  All Ocean Fly Surf Shop rental boards are sent out with a padded board bag.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Extended exposure to the sun can damage your surfboard, causing the foam to heat up and the fiberglass to weaken. It can also melt the any surf wax on the board causing it to lose it's grip. When you're not in the water, store your board in a shaded area or cover it with a towel or board bag to protect it from harmful UV rays.

3. Rinse After Use

Saltwater and sand can be tough on a surfboard's finish and cause rust on the metal parts of a leash. After your surf session, rinse your board and leash with fresh water to remove salt and sand. Pay special attention to the fins and the fin box, as sand can accumulate here and cause damage over time.

4. Store Properly and Don't Leave It in a Hot Car

When you're done for the day, store your surfboard in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or lying flat on a hard surface for extended periods. If possible, store it vertically or horizontally on a soft rack to prevent pressure dings. Also, make sure not to leave it wet in a board bag for an extended period of time.

5. Check for Damage

Before you take the board from a rental shop, inspect it and document (photograph or film) any damage you see because rental shops will hold your responsible for any significant damage caused to the board. Before and after each use, inspect your surfboard for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dings, or delamination. If you notice any issues, report them to the rental shop immediately. Surfing with a damaged board can worsen the damage and affect your safety and performance in the water. Even if you caused the damage, a rental shop will be much more likely to be understanding if you communicate with them and don't go out for a bunch of extra sessions on a board that is letting water into its core.

6. Mind the Fins

Fins are crucial for your board's performance. Be careful when handling your board to avoid hitting the fins on hard surfaces. When transporting your board, consider removing the fins to prevent them from breaking. If your rental board comes with removable fins, always ask for a fin key and instructions on how to remove and reattach them properly.

7. Respect the Wax

Wax provides the grip you need to stay on your board. Avoid sitting or placing your board wax-side down on sandy or dirty surfaces, as this can embed debris in the wax and reduce its effectiveness and lead to some pretty nasty board rash. If you need to apply more wax, use a good quality surf wax suitable for the water temperature you'll be surfing in. Ocean Fly Surf Shop deliveries boards with a fresh coat of wax and for multiple day rentals, boards are delivered with half a bar of surf wax to use. If you are doing a longer term rental, we suggest you also purchase some wax.

8. Use a Leash

Always use a surfboard leash to keep your board close and prevent it from becoming a hazard to others in the water. Make sure the leash is securely attached to your ankle and the leash plug on the board.

9. Be Mindful in the Water

When you're out in the surf, be mindful of your board and others around you. Avoid letting your board hit rocks, jetties, or other hard surfaces. When paddling out or catching waves, be aware of your surroundings to prevent collisions.

10. Communicate with the Rental Shop

Don't hesitate to ask the rental shop for tips on caring for your specific board. They can provide you with valuable advice tailored to the type of board you're renting and the local surf conditions. Ocean Fly Surf Shop is always happy to hear from renters during the rental period so feel free to reach out at any time.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your rental surfboard remains in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy your surfing experience to the fullest and avoid paying any fees caused by necessary damages. Happy surfing, and see you out there!