How to Maintain Your Soulcraft Wake Surf Board for Optimal Performance

Keeping your Soulcraft wake surf board in excellent condition is essential for both performance and longevity. Here are the best practices to ensure your board stays in top shape:

1. Clean Your Board After Every Session

After each use, wipe down your board with a clean, damp cloth to remove debris, sunscreen/lotion and wax residue. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt buildup and reduces the risk of surface degradation. Some sunscreens/lotions contain ingredients that can attack the surface finish of surfboards over time if not removed. Cleaning also provides an opportunity to inspect your board for any accidental damage, such as cracks or dings, that could affect its performance over time.

2. Invest in Board Bags and Socks

Protect your board during transport and storage with a high-quality board bag or sock. These accessories shield your board from:

• Dings and scratches

• UV exposure

• Excessive heat

Board socks are a lightweight option that reduces surface temperatures, while padded board bags offer extra protection during travel. Both options help maintain your board’s integrity and prevent premature wear.

3. Store Your Board Properly

Proper storage is crucial to prevent damage caused by extreme temperatures and UV exposure. Follow these tips:

• Keep your board in a cool, shaded area.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken the epoxy and cause discoloration.

• Prevent exposure to heat sources like vehicle interiors, engine compartments, or other areas prone to high temperatures.

• Avoid stacking heavy objects, or excessive clamping pressure on your board during storage or transport.

Did You Know? A wake surf board left in direct sunlight on a 75°F day can reach over 150°F in less than 15 minutes. Dark-colored boards can exceed 180°F in the same timeframe or less. To avoid damage, keep your board’s temperature below 150°F.

4. Secure Your Fins

Before every session, inspect your fin box and ensure the fins are tightly secured. Loose fins can hinder your performance and risk damage to your board. Use the following tips for fin care:

• Tighten the set screws carefully to avoid over-tightening, which can damage the fin box threads. A snug adjustment is all that's needed to insure a long life to your fin boxes.  Torquing your set screws can lead to premature failure of the threads.

• Check for wear on the screws and replace them if needed to maintain a secure connection.  The most common wear point is stripping the hex drive slot. Make sure your hex key is fully installed to reduce the opportunity of the screw to strip. 

5. Conduct Regular Inspections and Repairs

Inspect your board regularly for signs of damage, such as:

• Pressure dents on the deck (these are common and form naturally from foot pressure).  No repair is required under regular circumstances. If a dent is created from impact with an object and the fiberglass shows signs of cracking, repair assessment should be taken to ensure further damage is mitigated.

• Cracks, dents, or damage on the bottom or rails, often caused by impacts or improper storage.  Assess and address corrective repairs to mitigate further damage. Rail cracks can quickly lead to failure of a board if care it not taken to correct the impact damage issue.

If you find damage, address it promptly. Small repairs can often be done with basic tools and epoxy resin designed for use with Epoxy surfboards. For a step-by-step guide, check out our article on Surfboard Repair Practices and Techniques.

By following these care practices, you can extend the life of your Soulcraft wake surf board and ensure it delivers top-tier performance for many seasons to come.

For more tips and tricks, visit the Air Waves | Soulcraft Wake Surf Blog.